Letters to the editor Nov. 20

Let’s try to be decent

After having read the scathing letter from Lisa Jones that accuses Will Hammerquist, who owns and operates the Polebridge Mercantile, I would like to respond. I wonder why you feel compelled to speak out against his well worded letter that was obviously his right to write. As business owners, sometimes we must shield ourselves from the constant vitriol aimed at our beliefs. Mr. Hanmerquist was not out of line whatsoever. If you have such an issue with him stating that, I don’t think that you should be at a No Kings rally. 

Also, everybody has a right to share their opinion and when doing so if they’re acting decently, there is no need for an apology to anybody. Your attempt at putting this on blast in the local newspaper also seems a little weird. 

Rep. Debo Powers could’ve contacted Hammerquist privately to talk about this, but it seems like your attack is aimed more at his business than his beliefs. 

I for one will be making a special trip to the Mercantile this next season. Regardless of my opinion, everyone has a right to have their own and I for one will not cancel or black ball someone who is just trying to protect their livelihood. He wasn’t telling anyone in his letter to believe anything.  

Sorry that your rally didn’t have enough pre-planning to avoid this. And by the way, I also respect all of you who stood up and said “No Kings!” Let’s try to be decent to each other. It starts at a local level.

— Jeremy Phillips, Kalispell