Letters to the editor June 24

Not impressed

In response to Cynthia Winters’ letter to the editor (Whitefish’s Downfall, May 27).

I am with you, as are so many of us who have been here for a very long time. I once loved it here, the quiet and polite people who had your back if you needed it. I fear this once small town of Whitefish is gone forever.

This was once a town where most of the people enjoyed the outdoors and the space and easy access to wilderness. Now we are shut out of Glacier Park and our quiet neighborhoods are filled with pushy drivers and out-of-town partiers who have no respect for their neighbors. Many times I have seen people trying to cross a street while cars, usually out-of-town plates, go right up to them not even waiting until they are safely on the other side. While others ride your bumper because you are not moving fast enough.

Go home, all of you tourists and transplants, to the places you have already ruined. Take your taste for unnecessary things someplace else. You flock here because you are sick of where you came from bringing with you the desire to make this place just the same. Take your bad nature and rude ways and greedy selves and go back to the places you have destroyed with your need for conspicuous wealth. I am not impressed. We are not impressed.

—Rebecca Patchell, Whitefish

Excellent patient care

Being generally healthy. I don’t have a lot of experience as a patient; but as a retired family physician, I have a good insight into both outpatient and inpatient delivery of care.

Very recently, I had the opportunity to be on the receiving end of an extended outpatient stay for an invasive cardiovascular procedure at the Logan Health main campus. I wanted to comment on the excellent care I received.

From the COVID screener to the admissions lady, to the waiting area staff, I encountered nothing but the most pleasant and cheerful folks as I checked in. Then came the medical aspect of my care in the patient care units of the hospital. The medical staff in those areas, of which I encountered about seven or eight nurses, technicians, and assistants, were just as friendly and professional as the registration folks. Therefore, I felt very confident in their care of me. My two physicians (cardiology/EP and anesthesia) were excellent as well.

At no time did I feel that my status as a doctor affected their treatment of me. They kindly addressed both my wife and me by our (preferred) first names. And based on what I observed in the 6-7 hours I was awake that day, their patient care all seemed so natural; giving me the impression that they treated all their patients in the same nice way. Their attitudes about their work, their patients, and the excellent communication with each other reflected very well upon themselves; but just as well on the patient-care-culture fostered at Logan Health.

I would judge that the large majority of Logan employees are happy working in your system. After all, employee attitudes as reflected in their day-to day work are one of the best indicators of job satisfaction, and all these folks shone brightly! Good for them and Logan Health.

—RL Yeater, Polson

Tax reform

As Montana grows and property values increase, it is imperative that We find a new method for assessing property taxes. Tax assessments are placing a financial burden on homeowners and property owners. Many residents must sell their home or move from the area. Landlords must increase the rent to cover increases in taxes. This is wrong. It is already difficult to find employees whom can afford to rent or own a home.

If you make improvements on your property, taxes are increased. You should be rewarded for improving your home and property. Many cannot find places to rent and the rent is so high that only people whom have the means to pay these prices can live here. Again, this is wrong.

The Legislature is studying this issue and we must encourage them to find a solution that is equitable to everyone. Some states assess property only when it is sold, therefore allowing owners to stay in their home and rent property at a reasonable rate. Assessing taxes on exorbitant increases in property values is not a fair nor equitable solution for the state of Montana.

—Doug Rhodes, Whitefish

Face the truth

Ignorance, cowardice and narcissism: This country was initially defined with the hope that democracy could be developed based on concepts such as “all men created equal” and having equal opportunities for “life, liberty and pursuit of happiness.”

Sadly, our founding fathers were mere mortals influenced by political self-interest. They supported the 3/5th compromise and the continuation of oppression/slavery. In addition, they declared that the exploitation of these territories were god given and proceeded to participate in slavery, genocide and displacement of the true natives. Can you imagine your people, your land victimized and extracted from you?

The past year has highlighted the obvious inequalities in so many aspects of life, particularly for people of color. Concepts such as critical race theory/education and racial norming have been recognized and also attacked and denied. Leading lives of fantasy born out of narcissism and fear leads to hatred and division. Shame and guilt are interesting motivators, but truth and action speak the loudest.

We need to face the truth/history to help level the playing field/opportunities. Don’t let a corpulent plantation owner(s) delay the attempts at democracy. We have opportunities to assist in these pursuits. I grew up in a very diverse population, had many friends and played sports with and against people of all color. I was told multiple times that I would never understand what they endured. As I told them then and now, I would like to. I would like all others in this country to as well.

—Jack Hornby, Kalispell

Teakettle fire

This morning the Daily Inter Lake carried a few articles about the Half Moon Fire that swept clear through the mountains to the east side of the park.

There may be people older than I and can remember events better than I, but I have to go by what I remember. I don’t remember the date, but one evening my mother and I stood on our back porch and watched what seemed to us, was the whole Teakettle mountain sitting with a red glow on the whole west side of the mountain. I was 6 years old at that time. Many years before there was a small fire on the side of this mountain and when the fire was cooled the ashes were in the form of a regular teakettle. True story! The fire of ‘29 destroyed the teakettle, but the name of the mountain remained.

—Joe Kaufman, Kalispell