Letters to the editor June 19

Sexual revolution revisted

I can look back and see now how “the pill”, you remember, from the 60s, birth control pills that gave women control of their reproductive system. All of a sudden it was OK to be sexually active. No more worries about becoming pregnant and there were few STDs.

The our bodies ourselves mentality. Our bodies ourselves was the bible of reproductive rights and a feminist manifesto of the time. Millions of young women heard the call and answered with a resounding yes — I was one of them. You have to remember that this was the time when “sex, drugs and rock and roll” was our mantra. We were into free love and peace. No more war in Vietnam, the 68 Democratic Convention, Kent State and Woodstock. The Cultural revolution was in the air.

How easy it is to see now how so much has gone wrong.

The sexual freedom women experienced 60 years ago eventually led to the breakdown of the family, fatherless homes and a lack of morality. Since when did deviant sexual behavior become OK? I am not OK with “minor attracted persons” and gender-affirming care for kids, even if the left is trying to mainstream it. Our kids are under attack like never before. Raising children today is fraught with land mines. If I was a mother to small children, I would be stressed out all the time trying to protect them from the ravages of an out-of-control sexualized society.

I am grateful to Gov. Greg Gianforte and the 2023 Montana Legislature for passing the new laws that will protect Montana children from this.

If we knew in the 60s how this would “evolve” into today’s world, would we have done anything differently?

— Susan Taylor, Bigfork

Food assistance

In 2022, Gov. Greg Gianforte faced criticism for the delay in applying for Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) funding, which would have provided up to $10 million in food assistance to over 73,000 Montana children and families. After public pressure, Greg finally submitted an application to the federal government.

Instead of investing the received funds in main street Montana, the Gianforte administration has taken actions that hinder vulnerable Montanans from accessing the necessities they need to survive, such as food, opportunity and hope.

This neglectful approach has serious consequences. According to federal law, if the funds are not distributed by Sept. 30, Montana will lose the opportunity to utilize federal funds to establish a summer benefit system for children and families in the state. By denying these funds, not only are small businesses affected, but also the over 750 stores that accept P-EBT, as they would benefit from millions of dollars in economic growth.

It’s evident that P-EBT funds can serve as an economic catalyst while simultaneously providing crucial services to those who need them the most. When we invest in our communities to ensure basic needs are met, individuals feel less trapped, and we build a better Montana together.

Montanans can’t wait any longer. That’s why a coalition of over 40 advocates, including the Montana Food Bank Network, the American Cancer Society, churches, and charitable organizations, is urging the Governor to distribute these critical funds. I support this coalition, and

I encourage you to do the same. Take action by emailing and calling the Governor’s office to express your concern and demand the release of the funds. Let him know that distributing the funds would not only meet a moral standard of kindness and decency, but also show compassion towards the most vulnerable members of our society-our children.

— Andy Boyd, Bozeman