Case for energy independence is clear
Webb Brown (“Energy legislation shouldn’t hurt the average Montanan,” guest column, April 10) conveniently ignores the fact that gas has risen to $3.39 a gallon in Missoula and that our imbalance of trade with Saudi Arabia and other terrorist-sponsoring countries directly contributes to the trillion-dollar military costs we’re facing around the world.All these problems, of course, are brought on by America’s unwillingness to bite the bullet and establish a national Apollo-like plan for complete American energy independence. That an American energy independence plan will go a long way toward addressing the very real problems of global warming, while stabilizing transportation costs, is just a very important side effect of our country’s desperate need to control all of its energy production.
Thirty-five years ago, Iceland was an almost destitute country that imported most of its energy in the form of coal and oil. Today, it is energy independent using clean energy technologies, and its citizens enjoy the fourth-highest standard of living in the world.
Steve Corrick, Missoula
Area has long exploration history
There have been some recent stories about the development of oil and gas wells in eastern Montana and North Dakota. This development has had an incredible impact on the economy of our state. However, the implication of the stories has been that this is a recent discovery, and I would like to correct that.The Cedar Creek Anticline is a regional structure plunging northwest from northern South Dakota to near Glendive. The structure has had a long history of successful exploration, beginning with surface mapping followed by seismic work in the 1950s. In the late 1950s, nine deep lower Paleozoic tests recovered only water. However, Shell Oil did discover new deep traps, which are maintaining oil production even to this date.
If there is anyone reading this who would like more information about the early days of oil production in Montana, please give me a call.
L.F. Schombel, Missoula
Lolo Peak’s wildness is cherished
In response to the April 11 article about the Bitterroot Resort, I’d like to point out that “carving turns ... just above Carlton Lake” contradicts the article’s last sentence, that “this time, it’s not anywhere near Lolo Peak.”This third proposal is yet another ill-conceived attempt by Tom Maclay to develop public lands that hunters, skiers and hikers all cherish in their current, undeveloped state. What Maclay’s henchman, Jim Gill, does not understand is that for many of us the value of Lolo Peak lies partly in its wildness. We like having to “slog” up there; in fact, that is the best part of the outdoor experience, working to access the wilder places. For hunters, backcountry skiers and hikers alike, the development of Lolo Peak will destroy the qualities we most cherish about it.
Anyone who understands the corporate ski industry - including Maclay and Gill - knows the Bitterroot Resort is about one thing and one thing only: real estate development. By developing our public lands, Maclay hopes to exponentially increase the value of his private property. Who pays the price? We do.
Please join me in letting Maclay and our elected officials know, for the third time, that we do not want the Bitterroot Resort coming anywhere near our cherished Lolo Peak.
Colin Chisholm, Missoula
Don’t forget Florence parks levy
With all the attention the national election is getting in the press these days and that November voting date seemingly creeping up faster than a spider on the wall under pursuit, citizens need to remember that we have ballots to cast about local concerns that are just as important to the well-being of our community as the national elections.Specifically, the Florence community has a May 6 mill levy increase on the local ballot for our trails and parks. Through the combined efforts of all the wonderful folks in this community, we have a fantastic baseball park, simply delightful Hideout Mountain playground and lovely landscaping along the bike ’n’ hike trail running through our community. All of these amenities are well-used and also need to be maintained well to preserve them for future use.
I urge you to become informed about the benefits and the costs associated with the maintenance of these valuable assets. If this levy is passed, we should see sidewalk lights on again and the watering system functioning in a way that will keep our trees and shrubs along the trail alive, plus a sundry of other things that need care.
Be informed. Discuss the issue with others and vote on May 6 at the Florence Carlton School Administration Building. This May ballot date is really creeping up!
Judy L. Heimkes, Florence
Caucuses not representative of majority
I’m praying a Democrat wins the election. If the nominee is Sen. Barack Obama: Please note the majority of the states he won are caucus states. A caucus is not a secret vote, nor is it indicative of the majority of voters.I lived in Iowa for seven years and attended a caucus. Most of the attendees were young (and agile). It would have been difficult if you were infirm, as my caucus lasted more than two hours and you stood as you shifted from group to group. Everyone knew your choice(s). I was a Child Protective Services worker and was “beeped” before a final vote. It is no way to a nomination. It is not representative of the electorate.
You can think what you want, but prejudice is still present in parts of the country. A secret ballot may show a different outcome than a caucus. I’m a Hillary Clinton rooter, but will vote for whoever is nominated. I’m hoping all states will drop the caucus method and use the primary method of selection in the coming years.
Helen Maxwell, Missoula
Reality is circus is a prison
I would like to address the issue of live animals in circuses.A circus is no place for any living animal. No animal deserves to suffer, and if they could talk, they would say that the illusion of what the public is shown and wants to see and the reality of even a so-called well-groomed prison is still a prison. If given a choice, all the inmates would escape.
When you take your children to see a circus, the only thing you are supporting is a horribly long, abusive, agonizing death for these creatures. The illusion that many would have you believe is that you are supporting a worthy cause or that the animals are well cared for, loved and having fun.
I am sure that your idea of fun is to be chained by your feet, continually standing with no exercise except that which you do when performing, and that the bloody chain marks on your legs are spray-painted prior to the performance so that everyone can see just how happy and healthy you really are. The list of abuse goes on and on.
The circus is coming to town. It really is nothing to get excited about. Please reconsider exactly what it is you are teaching your children when you take them to the circus.
Roann Schott, Clinton
Johnson hasn’t stated secession views
A guest editorial by the Montana Human Rights Network asked Secretary of State Brad Johnson to clarify his position on secession. The catalyst for the piece was a letter by Johnson published in the Washington Times. Recently, Johnson responded by attacking the Human Rights Network with a guest opinion of his own. However, he still hasn’t answered the original question, “Does he support Montana seceding if the U.S. Supreme Court rules that gun ownership is not an individual right?”In his recent column, Johnson said he did not bring up the issue of secession in his letter. It is true Johnson didn’t use the word “secede,” and the network expressly stated that in its opinion piece. However, the network was troubled by online speculation by white supremacists and anti-government activists who believed that is what Johnson meant. The network wanted Johnson to clear up the confusion.
Johnson should have used his response to put the issue of secession to rest. Instead, he attacked the Human Rights Network, a nationally respected organization that has helped communities organize against and respond to racist and anti-government sentiment for almost 20 years. All Johnson has to do is say he doesn’t support secession and the confusion ends.
John Schneeberger, board chairmain,
Montana Human Rights Network, Hamilton
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