Letters to the editor Nov. 15

Constitutional republic

Citizens are confused about what specific type of government we have. Today you hear many politicians refer to the importance of our “democracy.” We must set the record straight, correct the misinformation, and destroy the intended propaganda at its source through truth.

Article IV Section 4, of the Constitution: “The United States shall guarantee to every State in this Union a Republican Form of government.” The U.S. is a constitutional republic that has some state elections or decisions that are elected democratically.

There will be some that will disagree with this statement. Therefore, to easily show my work ask yourself this question: If you want something, and many you know want something, then why can’t you propose a law, take it down to your representatives office and tell them to put it into a vote as agreed upon by the majority.

This is common sense, but the words used to confuse you are designed with purpose. Many in elected positions desire to appear as a man of the people by using glamorized words that people can hold onto.

This was not the intention of the Founding Fathers.

“It has been observed by an honorable gentleman, that a pure democracy, if it were practicable, would be the most perfect government. Experience has proved, that no position in politics is more false than this.” – Alexander Hamilton, speech to Congress 1788.

James Madison stated it best: “A pure democracy, by which I mean a society consisting of a small number of citizens, who assemble and administer the government in person, can admit of no cure for the mischiefs of faction.”

And these “factions” of “united and actuated by some common impulse of passion, or of interest, adversed to the rights of other citizens” produce the fall of Rome.

— Michael Samdahl, Whitefish

Motorcycle rules

Motorcycle lane filtering is a new law that went into effect last year.

I presume not too many drivers are aware of this law since I’ve been given some pretty nasty looks when I have applied it. I hope this will help drivers understand that it is perfectly legal. Lane splitting (also called “stripe riding” or “filtering”) generally occurs when traffic slows on a highway or street, but some motorcyclists split lanes in order to filter to the front of traffic at a stoplight.

Montana Code Annotated 2021

TITLE 61. MOTOR VEHICLES

CHAPTER 8. TRAFFIC REGULATION

Part 3. Vehicle Operating Requirements

Lane Filtering For Motorcycles

61-8-392. Lane filtering for motorcycles. (1) An operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle may engage in lane filtering when:

(a) the operator of a two-wheeled motorcycle is on a road with lanes wide enough to pass safely;

(b) the overtaking motorcycle is not operated at a speed in excess of 20 miles an hour when overtaking the stopped or slow-moving vehicle; and

(c) conditions permit continued reasonable and prudent operation of the motorcycle while lane filtering.

(2) As used in this section, “lane filtering” means the act of overtaking and passing another vehicle that is stopped or traveling at a speed not in excess of 10 miles an hour in the same direction of travel and in the same lane.

— Pete Lev, Whitefish

Real work begins

Mother Teresa, in her infinite wisdom, once said, “None of us, including me, ever do great things. But we can all do small things, with great love, and together we can do something wonderful.”

I am honored to have been chosen to represent Montana House District 7 and grateful to so many who supported my candidacy.

From the first day to the last, my campaign required a tireless team effort; I am so proud of what we created together. I owe a debt of gratitude to each person who took time to discuss the issues, asked hard questions, voted for me, volunteered countless hours, and reinforced my ardent commitment to positive campaigning.

I want to thank my family and particularly, my mother, Kay Burt. Mom, you are my superhero. You did it all, from accounting to parades to fundraising – and cheered with the special enthusiasm afforded only to mothers.

To Rep. Frank Garner: You’ve set the standard for servant leadership; “thank you” will never be enough.

To my opponent, Angela Kennedy, thank you for being open to discussion and for running a campaign focused on the issues.

We’re on to big things, friends. Now the real work begins!

Let’s do this!

— Courtenay Sprunger, Kalispell