Letters to the editor March 25
High marks
Glacier Park International Airport is undergoing a transformation that transcends a mere renovation — it’s emerging as a premier facility comparable to destinations like Vail or Aspen. This remarkable evolution reflects the vision and leadership of Airport Director Rob Ratkowski, whose dedication, alongside his outstanding team and skilled contractors, has propelled this project to exceptional heights.
During a recent tour with Mr. Ratkowski, I was impressed by his meticulous attention to detail. The exterior’s mountain-modern design — featuring clean lines, natural wood and stone, and a striking, soaring entrance — creates an inviting first impression for travelers. Inside, the experience elevates further: gas fireplaces offer a warm retreat, local artwork honors our region’s heritage and a first-class lounge provides refined comfort. Mr. Ratkowski highlighted the expansive departure lounge windows, which are strategically designed to showcase the stunning Flathead Valley and surrounding peaks, deepening passengers’ connection to our landscape.
Every element has been carefully considered. The journey from parking lot to check-in to departure gate is seamless, with pedestrian flow expertly engineered to prevent congestion — a testament to thoughtful planning. The infrastructure upgrades are equally noteworthy, encompassing advanced heating and cooling systems, efficient baggage carousels, enhanced lighting and a cutting-edge baggage handling system. These improvements prioritize both functionality and passenger satisfaction.
Credit is due not only to Mr. Ratkowski and his team but also to the board of directors, whose guidance and commitment have been instrumental in driving this initiative forward. Together, they have transformed Glacier Park International Airport into a facility that serves our community’s needs while enhancing Kalispell’s stature. This is not a superficial update — it’s a strategic investment in our region’s future and we owe gratitude to all involved.
Jim Trevino, Kalispell
Erasing history
There is a quiet movement taking place at the Department of Defense. Secretary Pete Hegseth is purging the department’s website of milestones in our history. The erasures are focused specifically on Americans who were the first of their race or gender to accomplish significant feats.
The history of our country is the story of its original aspirational conception to the realization of its ideals. Thomas Jefferson wrote about the "self-evident" truths of human equality and human rights. The creation of the USA was an experiment in manifesting those truths. Abraham Lincoln asserted that Declaration of Independence was a statement of intentions for the new country; that without it the Constitution formed a government without an exceptional purpose.
Noting the accomplishments of Americans in the armed forces who at one time were not granted equality and human rights is a way we can see how the aspirations of our country have been fulfilled over time. Although the founders were bound by the sensibilities of their times, they created a nation that could evolve. They provided the framework for those lofty ideals to be actualized by every American.
The scrubbing of the website shows the intention of this administration. It does not promote equality by getting rid of diversity, equality and inclusion initiatives as they would argue. It is not the same as removing Confederate monuments which were a blight of granting honor to traitors to our Republic and a product of shameful Jim Crow segregation. It is a misguided, Orwellian attempt to extinguish the record of progress. It is a denial of our founding creed.
This new paradigm of equality based on erasing past accomplishments is novel and dangerous. It denies the core of the United States whose greatness and exceptionality lies it its unrelenting march towards the ideals expressed nearly 250 years ago.
Bruce Guthrie, Kalispell