Letters to the editor May 29

Follow the law

Over the last several months our nation has seen many actions taken by our president and agents of his administration that have been blocked by the courts because they violate the existing laws. 

Apparently, our president feels he has the authority to implement those actions regardless of the legality because he was elected by a majority vote. Whether or not we as citizens agree with those actions, we (and our elected representatives) ought to be concerned that this president is not carrying out those actions by lawful means. 

The president has sworn an oath to abide by the Constitution and work with Congress to lawfully execute his priorities. So far our Congress has been unwilling to employ the checks and balances provided in the Constitution. 

Questions that should be of concern to every citizen and Montanan are:

What if he (or his administration) decides to sell off Montana’s public lands to reduce the country’s deficit? Will hunters be required to pay for the privilege of providing food for their families? Will Congress act then? 

What if he decides to slash Medicare to cut the national debt. Will seniors face the possibility of medical bankruptcy? Will Congress act then? 

What if he decides to reimplement the draft? Will our sons and daughters be forced to go to war? Will Congress act then? 

Those are all actions reserved for Congress. When does Congress stand up for us? When do our representatives and senators say enough, Mr. President, follow existing laws. Follow the Constitution.

— Christopher Hagar, Bigfork

VA burial allowance

This is my letter to the military after being asked to return a burial allowance:

My father’s memory is being desecrated, and it is disgusting. I have lost faith and respect toward military leadership. The fact that I lost a man, Roy Rowlan, who was the only father I knew in my adulthood, and to have you, the military, which has billions of dollars to send troops to other areas of the world where we need to keep our noses out of, has decided to redact a measly $948 check for a VA burial allowance. 

Not only was this a slap in the face to my father, but it took you almost one year after his death to send me a check. I spent well over your pathetic attempt at reimbursement to the tune of over $4,000 due to flights, vehicle rental, gas and basic needs such as food while I was in Texas trying to make my father comfortable before he passed away. In less than two weeks after receipt of that pathetic check, I received another correspondence that said I was overpaid. One week later I received a letter stating that “we calculated wrong, you get nothing and you need to repay.” As thankful as I am that I did not cash or deposit your attempt at repaying my expenses and my inconvenience in dealing with you, I cannot fathom how a trillion-dollar racket can ask for a burial allowance back. It really makes me ashamed to be an American.

To make matters worse, you sent me a return envelope that I have to put a stamp on? I have to not only give you back this check, but to mail it to you is costing me money? I have no words for the stupidity this represents.

— Jen Ruggless, Polson