Letters to the editor Sept. 6

Your feelings do matter

This season finds us all struggling through so much chaos and change. One thing students (especially those in grade school) should not have to feel any worry or confusion about as you begin a new school year, is whether or not your feelings matter. Because of course they do!

As a grandmother of seven school-age grandchildren, I hope that they and all students receive the assurance they need to know that their feelings have value and will be respected.

There may be students who attend Smith Valley School that question this. The school and staff are first rate. No question there. However, a residence directly adjacent to the the school parking lot recently began prominently displaying a large sign which reads “TRUMP 2020” and “F* YOUR FEELINGS.”

I would just like all of you students to know there are many of us in this community who value and respect your feelings deeply. That is the daily message I wish you could read as you pass by on your way to school.

—Patricia Basko, Smith Valley Resident

Farming heritage

I am one of many individuals who are greatly concerned by the proposed Rolling Acres development, a 77-home, 77-septic field development crowded onto 113 acres of prime farmland along the Flathead River corridor.

This land is a vital part of the fabric of this area. It sits between two conservation easements and is an important buffer for wildlife and an important migration route for elk. There are springs downhill in the adjoining forest land. It seems unconscionable to concentrate septic fields above these tributaries of the Flathead River and lake. Altering the aquifer may also impact the ecology of the vital riparian areas and old growth forest below.

It took a great deal of hard work for my great-grandparents who homesteaded the adjoining land, now protected by a conservation easement, to establish a foothold in this area. But blessed by the amazingly rich and productive soil, they were able to do so. Many other families have similarly invested their hard work for generations in this area. A city suburb-style development is a direct threat to the farming heritage as well as the ecology of the area.

Every generation has its own challenges, opportunities and responsibilities. For my ancestors it was surviving in this beautiful, but primitive place. But no longer is it our survival that is at stake. It is the survival of this unique and precious area that supplies our tables and fills our hearts. We are all proud of the blessings of Montana. Although we take pride in our wonderful Montana Heritage, it was actually a gift to us. Perhaps the way we really earn that pride is to take care of our heritage, respect the uniqueness of what we have received and preserve for ourselves and others a blessing like no other.

—Mark Johnston, Kalispell

Contrast is clear

I am voting for capitalism over socialism. I'm voting for the Second Amendment and the right to protect my family. I'm voting for the next Supreme Court justice who believes in the Constitution.

I'm voting for the electoral college and the republic in which we live. I'm voting for the police, and law and order. I'm voting for the military and the veterans who fought for this country.

I'm voting for the unborn babies that have a right to live. I’m voting for the U.S. flag that is often missing from the Democratic background. I'm voting for the right to speak my opinion and not be censored. I’m voting to keep worshiping God as my forefathers did. I'm not just voting for one person.

I'm voting for the future of my country! The contrast is very clear.  

—Bob Starks, Kalispell

Study the numbers

Every year in Montana there are about 10,000 deaths, mostly elderly, mostly from heart disease and cancer.

Of these 10,000, about 50-180 Montanans die of influenza/pneumonia.

In comparison, 98 deaths out of the 10,000 have been attributed to Covid-19 so far this year.  Go ahead and double that—it’s still on a par with the yearly flu.

As of last week, only 7 of those deaths were under age 60.  Only 26 of them were under age 70.  Trying to find out the associated predisposing factors of the non-elderly is like pulling teeth, but it is obviously not a huge threat to the general population.

(These figures are not made up by me—they are from the Montana Dept of Public Health.  Look it up.)

Given these numbers, could it be that all this misery and devastation has been a tragic, monumental waste of human endeavor, time and life blood?  

And why don’t we frantically tear our hair out every year over the flu?

Why have they made it all about “cases” now instead of death numbers?

Are we being dishonest with ourselves to advance political agendas?

Just asking. Study the numbers and make up your own mind.  

—Cindi Hamilton, Hamilton

Suicide prevention

September is Suicide Prevention Month and it's important that we are there for each other and take steps to prevent suicide. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's theme for the month is to #KeepGoing, by taking simple actions to safeguard our mental health and save lives. From learning the warning signs for suicide and what to do if you are worried someone is struggling, to bringing education programs to your community, we can all learn new ways to help each other save lives.

One action I'm taking is to urge my public officials to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health. When someone is in acute crisis, it's hard for them to think clearly, and even reaching out for help can be a struggle. For this reason, it is vital that Congress pass the National Suicide Hotline Designation Act (H.R.4194/S.2661) to make a three-digit number for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline a reality. This legislation will provide the funding and resources needed by crisis centers across the country that support those struggling with their mental health and thoughts of suicide.

Montana is near the top of the list of states with highest rate of suicides and the Flathead is near the top of the list of counties in Montana with highest rate of suicides, every year. I personally have lost a number of associates, a cousin, two aunts, my childhood best friend, one of my closest friends as an adult, my father and the mother of my son to suicide. I can't explain the pain and suffering left behind by suicide. For the friends and family that survive a suicide it has a number of other negative effects, including how it affects their productivity at work and school, the medical and mental health impact, and other such issues that affect our local health care, law enforcement and economy as well as a lot of hearts and souls.

In this time of uncertainty, we all need to find new ways to connect and support each other.

—Scott Brown, Kalispell