Letters to the editor Feb. 24
They are our neighbors
The recent letter written by the Flathead County Commissioners describing homelessness as a “lifestyle choice” was written to justify their own inaction and disinterest in this problem. Their letter was based on conjecture not fact, and now this same letter is being cited by some in Helena, like Rep. Jodee Etchart, R-Billings to justify her vote against a bill that would provide $2 million in matching funds to nonprofits working to provide services that help the homeless. This is ludicrous!
In two recent studies, it was estimated there are approximately 500,000 homeless in America. This is not a Flathead Valley or Montana problem; it’s a national epidemic.
The commissioners’ letter suggested there’s some progressive network (like some underground homeless Airbnb chat room) alerting adventure-seeking homeless people where the newest warming shelter is.
This morning the wind chill at my house was minus 12 degrees. Who in their right mind would choose to winter outside anywhere in Montana?
The fact is these are our neighbors, and they need our help. So, let’s remember “There but for the grace of God go I,” and help them!
— Mary McCamley, Kalispell
Affordable housing
I was born and raised in Kalispell. All of my life, I dreamed of being able to buy a home and start a career in a place that I have grown so fond of.
Due to unreasonably high prices and low salaries, it looks like my dream will never be accomplished. Whether you believe this increase in housing cost can be blamed on the influx of out-of-staters or corporate real estate, we can all acknowledge that this problem exists. When it comes time for our Legislature to be called into action, I hope they keep this problem in mind and act in favor of Montanans.
It’s important to know that our legislators were elected to serve the people of Montana, and it is our duty to hold them to that standard. So far, our state Legislature members have been dragging their feet. I urge everyone to raise their voices, attend rallies, sign petitions, do whatever you can. It is up to us the let our Legislature know that we need affordable housing, now more than ever.
— Runyon Matthews, Missoula
Racicot rebuke
The reason the Republican Party has ostracized former Gov. Marc Racicot is because he is a man of the people. He doesn’t serve his own self interest as they do. He puts Montanans first. Not his party, but his country, his state and the people that elected him.
Unlike the Republican Party in Montana, whose only goal is to be elected and do not have the courage nor the fortitude to do what is right for country or citizens. Their re-election and pocketbooks drive them.
— Dennis McDowell, Bigfork
Chinese balloon
The news that a Chinese spy balloon was seen moving over Montana has gotten some attention. The reaction of Montana’s senators was rather indicative of the way they represent us.
Sen. Jon Tester asked for a thorough briefing of the facts. Sen. Steve Daines remarked that it could have been shot down over Montana because it would only have landed on “a couple cows, a ground squirrel and an antelope.” This is the kind of statement that a person who lives in Washington D.C., not Montana, would make.
As a longtime Montana resident who loves this state, I resent that characterization of Montana. With a population of over a million people, we shouldn’t be branded that way. I’m happy that our military leaders had more sense than our Senator and waited to shoot it down until it could be done safely. I also applaud their willingness to confront China on its lies by shooting down the type of spy craft that the Chinese are using around the world.
— Roger Brewer, Kalispell