Letters to the editor Feb. 12
Set a better example
How alarming to read of the bullying at an area high school (Bullying left students hurt, demoralized and looking for a way out, Jan. 22). However I don’t believe this is unique to this school alone. We, as adults, should be role models and help to end this type of behavior by changing the constant barrage of negativity that exists in our society.
Social media allows people to level extreme accusations of all types without proof or accountability. It begins at every level. In days past that would be considered libel.
When adults and people in leadership roles, whether it be locally, nationally or otherwise, are given a platform to dispaly constant vile hatred toward those with differing opinions it truly gives those witnessing this behavior, license to do the same.
We need to be able to share differing viewpoints with respect and civility.
It’s time for each of us to look within ourselves to help create that change. Let’s all be role models for the generations following. These young people deserve better!
— Linda Olson, Kalispell
Passing the buck
With great sadness, I read the dehumanizing and buck-passing letter regarding the homeless population sent by the county commissioners last week. It’s unfathomable that the commissioners felt the right approach was to attack a nonprofit, the Warming Center, that puts its heart and soul into caring for the unhoused.
Concerns about sanitation and public safety issues are not inappropriate. Individuals who do wrong must face consequences–but remarks that demonize an entire group of people or doom them to freeze to death outside cross the line.
Our area faces a crisis due to longstanding issues of low wages, low affordable housing supply, insufficient accessible mental health and substance abuse resources, a dereliction of duty in funding and staffing local police, and inadequate funding of safety-net benefits. And shelter leaders indicate the growth in homelessness mainly comes from Montanans and Valley residents.
When having a warm meal and a bed to sleep in at night is practically your only creature comfort in life, that is not somehow an easy or relaxing way to live. It’s an exhausting way to live. It’s a survival way to live. It’s the bare minimum that a decent society can provide.
It could be any of us who falls on hard times due to medical emergency, exorbitant housing cost increases, or loss of a job, and sadly becomes homeless. This can happen to hardworking people! We need to put ourselves in the shoes of our neighbors who are unhoused.
The Warming Center is supported broadly across our community, and I think the commissioners have underestimated the level of support it has.
I hope and pray the commissioners reverse course and begin to seek edifying, practical solutions to the pressing issues facing our community.
— Rebecca Miller, Kalispell