Letters to the editor Sept. 3

Reproductive freedom

Women of Montana, it was announced on Aug. 20 that CI-128 is officially on the ballot for this November and, as a result, we have an opportunity to make our mark on Montana history.  We can enshrine the right to reproductive freedom in our state Constitution.

When we vote in November to pass CI-128, we will guarantee that this generation and future generations can make their own decisions about the size of their family, and their own health without the interference of politicians. They can make decisions with the input of their doctor and their family, not their state congressperson or the governor.

The petitions have been signed and the legal wrangling is complete, but the work is not done. We need to work to make sure voters are aware of this issue and its importance for all women in the state of Montana. 

Get involved and let’s get this done. Let’s protect women’s rights in Montana, now and for the future.

— Amy Weeks, Columbia Falls

Vote Linda Reksten

Asking all HD 13 voters to vote Linda Reksten. If and when former President Donald Trump wins, as he should, we need a red wave to restore our Republic. Linda is a true patriot.

— Eric Knutson, Dayton

Trumped up crisis

Republican ad campaigns have no positive messages or solutions, only fearmongering. “There’s an invasion at the southern border!” Never mind that this so-called border crisis is totally trumped-up.  

When there was a bill to enact meaningful policy to address legitimate border concerns, the radical-right’s dear leader instructed his cultish cohorts in Congress to quash it. He wants the issue to help him regain power for himself and entrench his troop of traitor tots including Rep. Ryan Zinke, Gov. Greg Gianforte, Sen. Steve Daines and Senate candidate Tim Sheehy.

A real invasion is what Russia did to Ukraine.  Tanks and air raids flattening buildings, indiscriminately slaughtering everyone and their children. It is not people who are fleeing oppression from autocratic countries like Venezuela where another corrupt president refuses to concede a lost election.

So-called migrant crime is as deceptive as an invasion from Mexico. According to The Brennan Center for Justice, overall crime is down and undocumented immigrants commit far fewer crimes than U.S. born citizens. In fact, according to FactCheck.org, there is broad agreement that violent crime resulting from far-right groups, particularly white supremacists, is what’s on the rise.

If you want to be frightened, learn the facts about what should scare you. Chaos, embarrassingly weird and criminal behavior is exhausting for everyone.  Whose policies benefit the American people and not one weirdo and his wealthy cronies? One party platform represents name-calling bluster, ineptitude and phony fear, the other sensible governing and personal freedom.  

Let’s choose calm competence, joy and freedom.

— Wanda LaCroix, Missoula