Letters to the editor March 4

Thanks, neighbor

To the person responsible for girdling our trees on Lake Blaine Road:

Since our property borders two county roads, we have worked to keep the trees trimmed for the over 29 years that we have owned the property. Flathead Electric has gone to great lengths to trim these trees in order that they may survive and not interfere with their service. Flathead County road department has also cooperated in trimming only the branches that stick out toward the road, creating a slight barrier hazard for motorists. There was plenty of room for a driver to look out and see approaching traffic.

Perhaps you disagree with the thought of actually stopping and wanted to be able to just run the stop sign. How about contacting us with your apparent dislike of these trees instead of killing them?

If you felt so strongly about this public service you thought you were performing, why not man up and just buck the trees into usable firewood, donate the wood to someone needy, and then clean up your mess.

So sometime between Feb. 5 and Feb. 7, you trespassed on our property and took to girdling those trees and started on the second row as well in our garden.

This action is being investigated by the Sheriff’s Office for what it is — vandalism. Anyone with information should contact the Sheriff’s Office.

This girdling you performed lowers the bar for the negative experiences we’ve had done to our property, including garbage dumping, hay thieving, graffiti, fruit selling and deer poaching. Thanks, neighbor.

— Tim Clarin, Kalispell

Unity over division

I’m almost ashamed to be a 4th generation Montanan. I grew up with the belief that everyone had the right to personal liberty earned by personal responsibility.

Now, I’m seeing “every man for himself.” I’m seeing too many people choosing to stomp hard on women, people of color, and especially those who struggle financially on a totally inadequate minimum wage.

I’m not seeing any sense of “for the common good.” We, and our elected representatives should have a common goal, that of improving the lives of everyone. I repeat, everyone.

We have allowed dismantling of environmental protections. We have supported cutting access to health care. We have disregarded science. To those who support those policies, I say, shame on you!

I want clean air, land and water. I want health care for myself and everyone else. I don’t support profit for just a few above the health and well-being of all others. I want our leaders to listen to real scientists and doctors. I want to see legislation that makes sense, not more nonsense. I want to see cooperation across the aisle.

I’m ready to move forward. I’m ready to choose unity over division. I’m ready to work toward a better Montana and a better America. Let’s get together and make it happen.

—Susan Evans, Polson