Iraq warMedia doesn't report on the positive
I just returned from a tour as an archaeologist on the Mass Graves Investigative Team in Iraq. Basically, I spent my summer excavating mass graves of Saddam Hussein's victims. This was my second time to Iraq, my first being a combat tour in 2003.It sickened me (as it did the first time) as the media reported on everything negative but nothing positive on what is going on in Iraq and the war against Islamic fascism. To enlighten all you left-wing elitists, let me tell you what I observed.
The vast majority of Iraqis love Americans. I know this because I worked with them daily and learned their customs, their language and their world view. When the press shows some disgruntled Iraqi whining about Americans, it is one of Saddam's former minions who benefited from his regime.
Marines, sailors and airmen are fed up with the left-wing media and their biased reporting. While I was in Iraq, American troops built hospitals, schools and infrastructure that did not exist prior to the war. American troops provide medical care, counseling for Iraqi families and have inoculated millions of Iraqi children. Millions have benefited from the American liberation of Iraq, yet the press seems fixated on focusing its efforts to dishonor America and her fighting men and women.
So, this is for all the progressive and “open-minded” folks here, especially those of you who are ready to start back up at the university. America is winning the war against Islamic fascism. The Iraqi people love Americans and appreciate all the good that we have accomplished. The press is biased and its goal is to dishonor our nation and our fighting men and women.
Thomas Livoti, Missoula
EnvironmentRavalli legislators friends of big oil
The strong response to the movie “Inconvenient Truth” indicates that the public is far ahead of legislators in Ravalli County. The factual documentation presented in the film clearly “debunked” several myths promoted by the oil, gas and automobile industry lobbies. That global warming is upon us is clearly demonstrated by many aspects of the landscape around us.Yet the voting records of legislators from Ravalli County show little response to this crisis. As reported by environmental watchdogs, most of them were recorded at only a 10 percent positive response for environmental legislation in the last session of the Montana Legislature. And worse of all, Sen. Rick Liable had a big zero.
Indeed, the legislators seem to have been headed down the wrong track. Instead of protecting the environmental qualities promised in our Montana Constitution, it looks like they were busy upholding the policies of big oil and energy corporations.
Seems like we need a change in leadership to get us back on the right track.
William Knox, Corvallis
Bitterroot ResortPlenty of Montana beauty to share
We proudly describe Montana as the “Last Best Place,” not the last best wild place. We have a duty to preserve Montana for all to enjoy fully and, when possible, leave no one out of that enjoyment.I often wonder what people think the Garden of Eden was like: Was it wild? No, it was tame. Were we in harmony with it? No, we were in charge of it.
Tom Maclay has a vision for a resort that requires the use of public lands and he needs to make money from it. So, what's the problem? Bitterroot Resort would not be the only beneficiary but some would say otherwise for personal reasons. Perhaps that sounds a bit harsh. But for those locals who are against this resort, I would say, try sharing the wealth of beauty that you enjoy. For those outsiders who want to stop this project I would say, go home and care for your own.
God made the mountain and Maclay wants to tame it for more enjoyment. What's the problem here, people? Don't we tell our kids to share? All the issues being brought up are being addressed, but yes, some things will change and we will change with them.
I have not read the environmental impact statement for this project, but I am intimately familiar with the process and trust that, left to legitimate concerns, the process will produce equitable results.
If it benefits Montana, let's find a way to do it and agree to agree on sharing the wealth of beauty here even if it hurts a little.
Mike Mercer, Stevensville
Impaired driversCulture of fear is everywhere
I spent 35 years as an insurance adjuster, so I read about Pat Tucker's crusade against “impaired” drivers (Missoulian, Aug. 16) with interest, since my experience reveals that one of the most “impaired” classes of drivers is women with kids in the car. They are constantly distracted, paying little attention to the road, to say nothing of the constant backseat adjustments to kid seats. They cause lots of accidents, but the police and Highway Patrol seldom report “kid distraction” as the cause of an accident.This country's constant march toward criminalization of every mistake or accident is amazing. The culture of fear is everywhere. Teenagers, for instance, have become one of the most oppressed groups.
My advice to Tucker? Don't drive. The highway is much too dangerous for you. But please, leave other's freedom alone.
Larry Kane, Philipsburg
Rolling StonesWhy are tickets so expensive?
The upcoming Rolling Stones concert in Missoula has garnered considerable attention from the media, and for good reason: They are one of the greatest rock bands of all time.But in all the media coverage no one has questioned why the ticket prices are so expensive.
In a place like Missoula with low wages, the cost of a ticket is equal to a few days' or even a week's paycheck. All this combined with a $20 “service charge” to help the ticket companies get rich. It is pure greed that drives these geriatric musicians to fleece their fans in such a way. If it was truly about the music they would perform without the onstage extravagance they use to mask their aging musical talent. Hopefully when they arrive in Missoula they won't be acting their age.
Mark Mencel, Missoula
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