Letters to the editor Jan. 16

Poor judgment

NorthWestern Energy’s most recent management plan lacks meaningful information regarding energy storage or solar production. They propose to be the major owner of the Colstrip power plants, which have limited years of usefulness, repeated non-compliance, looming expensive upgrades, increasing costs of coal, and eventual cleanup costs that will be staggering. Ratepayers will shoulder the costs in cleaning this future superfund site as NWE is lawfully guaranteed a return on their investment, no matter how careless. The Public Service Commission is charged with representing the public, protecting us from corporate mismanagement, its consequences, and the subsequent massive increases in costs to the consumers. The PSC is clearly not doing an adequate job.

Our state constitution guarantees us a clean and healthful environment. It’s clear that continued burning of hydrocarbons is not desirable for the sake of a cleaner and healthier environment. Yet, NorthWestern insists upon a heavy reliance on these sources. Since they hold a monopoly over many energy consumers in Montana, the Public Service Commission must protect the public from the continuing poor judgment of NorthWestern Energy, who undoubtedly would not survive if ratepayers didn’t pay for their shortsightedness.

­—Robert Freistadt, Helena

Another Roosevelt quote

Bob Brown’s recent glowing tribute to Theodore Roosevelt (Inter Lake, Jan. 5) was loaded with interesting facts and quotes; one of which was a not so subtle dig at president Trump. Some folks may think “No man is above the law, and no man is below it” applies to Trump, but it remains to be seen if it really does. That said, I think Mr. Brown and the general political left need to be reminded of another rather long T.R. quote from 1907 or 1916, depending on the source:

“In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person’s becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn’t an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag... We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people.”

This is circulating on the net and is checked out by Snopes, etc., to be true. These days it may seem racist, but the reality is that Trump’s wall is finally a step along the path of preserving the country’s culture and economy and building it is not overstepping his authority or against the law.

—Gary Goers, Kalispell

Emergency exit

I guess someone has to lose their life, because there are no signs directing motorists on the U.S. 93 Bypass to the quickest exit to get to Kalispell Regional Medical Center.

Some months ago I was rushing a family member to the hospital on the bypass and commented that I wasn’t sure the number of the exit to reach Kalispell Regional. She was not sure either, but her guess proved to be correct.

So I decided someone of authority needed to be alerted, and I called both the state of Montana and the local highway department and made the suggestion. They have had all summer and fall to respond.

Hope it isn’t my life!

—Leoma Taylor, Bigfork

Busy hands, happy hearts

Once upon a time, before the Industrial Revolution, all women and children were taught out of necessity and practicality how to knit, crochet, and sew. It was an essential survival skill that was passed down within families and from each generation. What happened? With the Industrial Revolution came mass produced clothes and gifts (think China, Walmart, and the box stores). We have become dependent upon a few designers that dictate to us limited styles and colors that often don’t flatter us or our figures, and don’t represent who we are.

Knitting and sewing can bring our families together once again. Adults, and children, can knit together and share a creative experience. These skills can also become profitable avocations and it can give one a sense of purpose and pleasure for a lifetime. Knitting relaxes the body, calms the soul, while keeping the brain and fingers strong and nimble. It’s especially helpful for the ADHD types as well moving our brain into the creative zone.

Idle time can be transformed into knitting time while watching TV and doing other spectator activities. Get those fingers moving! These skills are portable and can be whipped out anywhere and anytime so that your hands are never idle.

So consider buying yourself/and or your kids a set of needles or crochet hooks, and send them down to Camas Creek, Joann’s, A-1 vacuum/sewing, and support our local shops in town. You can receive lessons, support, and social connections at these places and you will be inspired to make fun and fashionable projects for yourself and others.

Get those fingers moving!

—Cheryl Palmer, Bigfork