Officials should smell it for themselves
As one of many residents just east of EKO Compost and the sewage treatment plant who has had to endure several smelly summers (and sometimes winters, too), I think that I can testify on my neighbors’ behalf that we’ve all had enough.Numerous calls by myself and my neighbors to the Department of Health seem to have fallen on deaf ears - and probably poor working noses as well. What I really wish is that the officials at the Department of Health office would be willing to work beyond 5 p.m. That seems to be the bewitching hour when it comes to the smell. When most of us like to be outside working in our yards, gardening, etc., it’s sometimes nearly impossible because of the stench and you would never be able to get a city official out to your neighborhood to smell the lovely aroma for themselves at that time. And forget about having any friends over for a barbeque. It’s too embarrassing.
As someone who grew up on a dairy farm in the 100-plus degree heat of a Kansas summer, I feel I can tolerate quite a bit of rank smell. But this is different and I hope I can encourage one of our city officials to pass along their cell phone number to me. That way I can call them in the evening, invite them over ... and maybe have a barbecue?
Keep loaded weapons out
The proposal to allow loaded guns in our national parks (Missoulian, Feb. 13) should be rejected. If passed by Congress it would eliminate an enduring and widely accepted policy that has protected park resources and visitors for over more than years. I recently retired from a 40-year career with the National Park Service, and my daughter currently serves as a law enforcement ranger in Everglades National Park. So I am especially concerned about any proposal that might further endanger those assigned to protect our nation’s most special places.The proposal asserts that under present law individuals are prohibited from possessing firearms in parks. In fact, federal regulations permit visitors to bring firearms into parks, but require they be stored in a manner that prevents their ready use. Those considering this proposal should fully understand how this regulation works and why it has not caused controversy. And the notion of having 50 sets of regulations (one matching those of each state) guiding possession of firearms in parks can never be judged a “simplification of the rules.”
My greater concern, however, is that the essence of this proposal seems to reflect a belief that our national parks are not special or different, but rather no more than an extension of the state they occupy. I disagree, and trust that the great majority of our citizens still view our parks as national treasures owned by the people of the United States. Over the years our society has collectively determined, for many reasons, that there are certain and limited places where loaded guns should not be permitted. Since their inception, national parks have been included among this set of places.
As we approach the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service, I hope we can reaffirm our commitment to the special nature of our parks.
Doug Morris, Victor
History teaches us how to get results
I remember when John F. Kennedy ran for president, Nixon refused to wear makeup when they appeared in a TV debate. Kennedy knew what TV does to faces, so Nixon looked like mafia and Jack looked like an Adonis. Kennedy’s manager heard them on his car radio and realized Nixon won hands down, but when he got there, everyone loved Kennedy and ignored Nixon. My German war-bride neighbor was sobbing, saying when a Roman Catholic is president, he will make the Pope a dictator. I explained about the branches of our government.However, after he messed up the Cuban crisis, he couldn’t get much passed with the Dixicrats hostile to him and that’s when he decided to visit his vice president, Lynden Johnson, in Texas to ask his help, although it was no secret the Kennedys really didn’t like LBJ. After he was killed, the country and Congress felt guilty, so LBJ, who knew the congressmen’s dirty secrets, was able to pass much of Kennedy’s programs.
He never got much credit for it and didn’t run again.
I fear Obama will also find an uncooperative Congress like Kennedy did unless he and Hillary - who knows how Congress works - can work together.
Joyce Coupal, Noxon
'Republican,’ 'Democrat’ not in Bible
The impertinent and insulting comments made by the Rev. Harris Himes on Feb. 6 (Missoulian, “Romney big winner in Ravalli County”) make me wonder if he actually attended a real Christian seminary or just graduated from the Knucklehead School of Rush Limbaugh.As a happily married (27 years) “born again” Christian and a registered Democrat, I found the reverend’s comments both distasteful and insulting and way outside the teachings of God’s word. In my Bible, I have yet to find the words “Republican,” “Democrat” or even “American.”
According to the article, Himes, pastor of Big Sky Christian Center in Hamilton, said, “Since Republicans support the sanctity of life and marriage and 'recognizing that any Democrat is entirely against those principles, there’s no way any Christian can sit out this election.’ ”
Barry Jefferson, Florence
Clinton doesn’t terrify this Democrat
Responding to the letter of Feb. 10 (“Schweitzer should endorse Obama”) I would like to ask Earl Yates precisely which “terrified” Montana Democrats he represents? Certainly not me or the ones I know.Hillary Clinton is an intelligent, capable, experienced and respected candidate. What part of that terrifies Yates? I think she would make an excellent president. Obama as well. But favoring one or the other ought not to give us the right to take cheap shots and make snide insinuations directed at the other candidates.
For what reason would I feel “guilty by association” with Sen. Clinton? What I feel is embarrassed that Yates and I share the same political party.
Deanne Kendrick, Missoula
'Average’ numbers are misleading
Basing the average weather over the last 115 years is misleading and mis-information (Missoulian, “Snowfall in Missoula below normal,” Feb. 13). I do believe that having approximately 250 million vehicles in this country alone may have changed any statistical “norms,” not to mention fuel production and other contributors to greenhouse gases.David Zimmerman, Missoula
Speaker lacked courtesy, respect
It was good to hear that there was standing-room only at the NARAL (National Abortion and Reproductive Rights Action League) event and that no one showed up to protest (Missoulian, “Feminists look to future leaders,” Feb. 10). This is part of what makes our country great - the freedom to peaceably gather to discuss difficult and perplexing issues. However, speaker Jessica Valenti did not follow the rules of courtesy and respect for those who differ from her point of view. After sharing her “boobgate” story she criticized “purity balls” by calling them “incestuous and creepy.” I found her comments hypocritical and inflammatory. It appears that Valenti is “pro-choice” as long as women are making choices consistent with her notion of feminism.Valenti’s belief that young women who participate in purity balls are not being given the freedom to make decisions regarding their bodies is preposterous. Their “choice” is to remain celibate until marriage and they are sharing this decision with their father, the man they respect and regard as a confidant and friend. I would also like her to elaborate on what she considers proper dress for women as she criticized the young girls’ attire as looking like “little wives.”
Valenti-style feminists are not the only ones on the front lines working for social justice and women’s rights. Rather than castigating one another we should find points we agree on and then work out from there. I respect Valenti’s right to speak her mind. Missoula enjoys a rich heritage of tolerance, diversity and community. Let’s re-focus our strength and energy in positive directions as a model for our children. No one has ever gone wrong following the Golden Rule.
Pat Kendall, Missoula
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