Letters to the editor Dec. 28

Political chaos

Nikki Haley says chaos follows Trump (Byron York, Dec. 25).  True enough.  

But it’s typically Trump inducing the overwrought histrionics among those who consider him a threat to their power; it’s not necessarily his chaos, often as not it’s theirs.  

Consider liberal Colorado’s self-defeating, desperate (and unconstitutional) attempt to keep Trump off their primary ballot. Even California Gov. Gavin Newsom is pushing back on the decision, having brilliantly identified its completely predictable unintended consequences.

— Stephen Littfin, Kalispell

Go electric

In response to a Hungry Horse News photo of zero snowpack in the lower elevations of Glacier National Park, shared on Dec. 18 — drive electric. 

Save yourself more money than you can imagine. Don’t give another penny to big oil and the myths it promotes. 

We get 90-plus percent of our energy from carbon-free waterpower here in the Flathead. Driving electric myself here in the Flathead over a year now. And really, pennies on the dollar home charging vs. what I was paying for gas. 

Global heating is 100% real and our great moral issue. Along with all of its side effects, it’ll continue to create a wave of migration from the south that is building, nowhere near crested. Let’s help them; let’s also maintain a stable climate to prevent this root cause for refugees. Most would rather stay home, if it’s livable. 

May love, civility, and democracy win the day.

— Matthew Lamberts, Kalispell

Corporate welfare

Median residential property taxes in Montana went up 21% this year. That’s $213 million more from working Montanans.  

Meanwhile NorthWestern Energy property taxes went down 20%, that’s a decrease of $36 million. Collections on industrial property are down by about $52.9 million. An extra holiday bonus was given to Montana ratepayers from the Public Services Commission, the cost of electricity from NorthWestern Energy is going up 28%.  

In appreciation for the big lump of coal in the holiday, send a thank you to Gov. Greg Gianforte and the Republican Legislature, once again they grease the way for large corporations and place the tax burden squarely on the backs of Montana residents.  

A special nog to Rep. Paul Fielder, chair of the House Taxation Committee. A cookie and nog to Jennifer Fielder, vice president of the PSC and District 4 Representative. Republicans, taxation, holiday spirit keeps giving.

In 2024, end corporate welfare and handouts for the rich. Vote Ryan Busse for governor, A new brand for Montana.

— Hannah Hernandez, Heron