Letters to the editor July 6

How to be neighborly

There’s a sign that appeared in my neighborhood during Covid that read “Be kind to each other.” I found it to be soothing during that scary time, but today, the Fourth of July, it hangs crooked and covered with weeds.

I remember the Fourth of July of my childhood. It was a time for family barbecues and neighbors gathering to watch community fireworks. It was a stellar performance held on a Naval base. The finale was the Navy Band blasting out “America the Beautiful” as we all headed home for pie and ice cream.

There is no longer anything neighborly about the Fourth of July. It has become a competition among strangers to see who can produce the loudest, longest most expensive display of fireworks. From the moment the vendors throw up their hatch to sell their noxious explosives, the blasts begin until they culminate in the grand finale that pummels neighborhoods into madness on the Fourth and thereafter.

Because it’s incomprehensible, I ask these pyromaniacs: Did you discuss your fireworks plans with your neighbors? Did you think about the new baby down the street? Do you know the animals that live on your street and whether fireworks terrify them?

My guess is that these folks don’t know how to be neighborly.

I wish I had an answer, but I don’t. Just a sadness I feel every time I pass that weary sign that now seems to ask the impossible.

— Cynthia Winters, Whitefish

Party over people

Recently an opinion letter written by the president of the Montana GOP was given space primarily to pat himself on the back.

Apparently the MTGOP isn’t concerned about issues; it’s about party strength to push biased agendas. Montana has primarily been a red state, typically with some well respected Democrats to balance things out. Does the MTGOP believe that removing Sen. Jon Tester, a senior senator respected by both parties, is worth the risk for Montana, hoping to be a deciding state that flips the Senate?

Tester has done a lot for Montana. Why is party line more important than issues, values, community beliefs and a willingness to compromise? Why aren’t there term limits? Why do we allow so much money to be “raised” or given for campaigns? Campaign finance laws need to be changed. Policies and laws are passed benefiting corporations, with little regard for communities and states. We might be happy to have new jobs come to our state, but do they provide a living wage, offer benefits, retirement and keep our community safe from toxins and pollutants?

I have voted Republican, Democrat and independent, based on my belief of candidates character and values. We need to stay relevant and not believe we can make an already great America, “Great Again.” We are a nation of many races, nationalities and beliefs. Through travel and technology the world and our country will continue to evolve. No longer does the white man rule the roost, and make decisions for all. We all have a voice and we want to be heard. This isn’t a “woke” belief, it’s reality. Not all people need to think the same, but everyone deserves to be heard, respected and treated equally.

— Laura Gebhart, Kalispell