Letters to the editor Nov. 7

Taking care of each other

While our valley has undergone changes in recent years, it is comforting that the same “take care of one another” spirit remains in force. Thank you to the nonprofits for stepping up.

And a bit of good news: Multiple federal courts have now held that the law requires the Trump administration to continue paying SNAP benefits from a contingency fund maintained for just such a circumstance. If the administration doesn’t fight against those decisions, SNAP benefit payments should soon be available — though possibly not the full amounts.

For those wanting more information, two different federal district judges held that, contrary to administration claims, there are funds available to be used for SNAP benefits. In Boston, U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani issued an opinion finding that the administration’s refusal to release SNAP contingency funds was likely unlawful. 

And U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island halted the administration’s attempt to freeze the SNAP program and compelled the government to use contingency funds to keep SNAP operating through November.

— Sharon Morrison, Whitefish

Complaining RINOs

I didn’t realize how many Republican politicians are actually Democrats suffering from Trump Derangement Syndrome. 25 years after moving to what I thought was a solid conservative Flathead Valley, I find that conservative voices are frequently cast aside (especially on the Inter Lake opinion page) in favor of former so-called Republican governors and legislators like Mark Racicot and Bob Brown who are given free range to rant over everything that President Trump is trying to do.  

The latest complaint against the Trump ballroom by Brown (Oct. 30) doesn’t seem too critical of numerous previous projects such as both an indoor (later demolished) and outdoor swimming pool, a bowling alley and a basketball court — most, as the Trump ballroom, funded by private sources and constructed under both Democrat and Republican presidents.

Should the most powerful nation in the world entertain major world leaders in a tent on the White House lawn complete with porta-potties? Is Brown ignoring previous presidents’ complaints, apparently including Obama, about not having an appropriate venue for such functions?  

There have always been out-of-power Republicans who felt compelled to chirp at current Republican leaders who were actually accomplishing rather than just promising actions for the American people.

I suppose closing the border and expelling many if not all illegal aliens, opening up fossil fuel development, cutting governmental waste, fraud and abuse, fighting crime in our major cities, leveling the world trade playing field, stopping multiple wars around the world, and getting rid of the Green New Deal boondoggle that even Bill Gates has now abandoned doesn’t matter when a has-been RINO wants to complain about a successful true conservative.  

Perhaps Trump should have settled for a basketball court — he could shoot hoops with dignitaries rather than hold a black-tie affair.

— David Myerowitz, Columbia Falls

Free expression in Polebridge

I want to express my support for Rep. Debo Powers and those who joined the recent No Kings protest in Polebridge. Their actions reflected one of our most fundamental rights — the right to peaceful assembly and free expression.

From all accounts, this was a respectful, thoughtful event meant to raise awareness, not create division. Whether or not everyone agreed with the message, the participants showed how civic engagement can be done with integrity and care.

Powers has long been a positive force for the North Fork and the Flathead Valley, encouraging dialogue and stewardship of our shared lands. We should appreciate, not criticize, those who stand up peacefully for what they believe in.

Let’s use moments like this to listen and understand each other better. That’s how communities — and democracies — stay strong.

— David A. Hadden, Bigfork