Don’t forget events of Sept. 11
On Sept. 11, I watched in vain to see if the major television networks would carry anything more than a short squib on the destruction of the World Trade Towers seven years ago.
Mention was made, but no footage was shown of that horrific time - only the History Channel carried anything that brought home the horror and destruction that occurred that day. We are still at war with the jihadists because of the actions that al-Qaida took seven years ago - but to listen to the apologists that say we were the cause of this atrocity, is not only morally repugnant, but outrageous and saddening at the same time.
I, for one, choose to believe that we cannot stop and beg for forgiveness, but continue to prosecute our cause against the jihadists. In the process, we need to recognize right of legitimate Muslims to pursue and worship God in their own way - but I was also taught that the right to swing my arms stops before the point that I could and can hit you. When it is my face taking the punishment, it is only right and proper to respond.
Gardar Dahl, Superior
There is no shame in seeking help
We live in economically troubling times and many of us are worried and anxious. These are normal reactions to troubling situations, however, when these feelings make it difficult to participate in daily activities in the workplace or with family and friends, it might be time to find help. There should be no more shame in seeking help for depression than there is in being treated for diabetes or heart disease.
The Missoula City-County Health Department will be participating in National Mental Health Screening Day on Friday, Oct. 10, from noon to 5:30 at the Missoula Public Library. The event is free and anonymous and will require 20 minutes of time to complete a checklist talk with a mental health professional and get a recommendation for follow-up if necessary. Children are welcome if accompanied by a parent. No appointments are necessary. In addition, you can learn about depression and how to help a friend or family member. This event is taking place at over 3,000 sites around the U.S. on the same day.
For more information go to www.mentalhealthscreening.org or call 258-3881.
Maureen O’Malley, Suicide prevention coordinator, Missoula City-County Health Department
Think twice before voting for 6-mill levy
On Nov. 4, voters will make a “for” or “against” choice to reauthorize a 6-mill levy for the Montana University System. Its 2008 budget is $1.18 billion. Montana’s total for the 6 mills is $11.84 million.
That’s 1 percent of the MUS budget! Is raising a $1.2 billion enterprise’s revenue by 1 percent urgent? And this figure does not include grants, endowments, fundraising and other MUS net receipts. The University of Montana just raised $172 million from alumni and private donors, a prodigious feat for one of the 14 (soon to be 15) MUS units.
It is appropriate to scrutinize any levy that adds to our property taxes. The 2007 Missoula County value of 6 mills is $1,071,276. Once authorized, the Legislature can increase this levy. The MUS has advanced this alternative earlier. It is fair to question the significance of 1 percent of a $1.2 billion budget. Managing to contain costs by 1 percent is not an unreasonable expectation of publicly funded institutions, regardless of budget size. The reauthorization is for 10 years.
The uncertainties we face are many: stress at the gas pumps, grocery stores and heating costs; the unknown effects of bailing out the economy on inflation, retirement funds and the tax policies of a new administration. Our local economy is in decline. Some accept this, others don’t. Reducing any taxes will help some. As small as a 6-mill levy is, it will accumulate to $10.9 million in 10 years for Missoula County. We can continue to add
1 percent to MUS’ 2009 $1.2 billion ... and growing budgets or relieve our property tax burdens. By Nov. 5, our choice will be known.
Here is a reality check - this letter is a waste of time. The 6-mill levy will pass because that’s what Montana taxpayers have done since 1920. This 6-mill levy has been a continuing, voluntary symbolic support statement for the MUS. Does it matter that it amounts to only 1 percent of their budget?
Sotero Muniz, Polson
Leaving country is what’s best for all
There is one extremely important aspect often overlooked by our media in covering the presidential campaign. That aspect is Sen. John McCain’s determination to win the war in Iraq, bring our soldiers home with honor and glory, and have a stable, friendly, democratic ally in Iraq. This is insane! The citizens of Iraq hate our guts and with good reason.
The bombing during and after the illegal invasion has killed more than 100,000 people with the use of cluster bombs and depleted uranium shells. We have destroyed the land and poisoned it for centuries to come.
Many cities are in rubble. Amy Goodman of Democracy Now describes Fallujah as a modern-day Dresden. Nearly 3 million people have fled the country to Lebanon and Syria.
The U.S. has imprisoned and tortured thousands of people, many of whom are innocent women and children.
Iraq is in somewhat better control because the U.S. is paying millions of dollars to the Sunni and Shiite leaders to keep that control, not because of the so-called surge.
The possibility of leaving Iraq is a fallacy. The U.S. has built 14 large, permanent military bases there and the oil companies are doing all they can to grab the oil.
Almost 4,300 American soldiers are dead and 40,000 are mentally or physically handicapped. The staggering number of suicides seems to be shoved under the rug by the media and McCain. How many more will have to die?
We should give up our occupation of the Middle East and restore our name around the world.
Honor/glory/winning is an absolutely insane concept. The way to honor our fine citizens who have perished in this war is to have the courage to admit we were wrong and get everyone out of there now.
Lucien Hut, Katherine Skinner, Missoula
Obama will restore U.S. prosperity
It used to be said that “the business of America is business.” And being from Detroit, I can remember when “what was good for General Motors was good for America.”
But that was when American business was responsible for the welfare of its workers and for contributing to American society. That was when American business created jobs for working Americans and a healthy economy meant more than just increasing profit share for the already wealthy. Now it seems that the managerial class and corporate ownership care more about their ever greater share of the profit than they do about the work force or society. Instead of the vision of Henry Ford, who wanted to produce a car that his workers could afford, thereby creating a huge market, we have trickle-down economics that operates on the principle that if you feed the horse enough, the sparrows will get theirs.
John McCain’s tax plan will give nearly $2 million in tax breaks for corporations over the next 10 years, while not offering any tax relief to more than 100 million families or to any small businesses.
Something has to be done, and soon, to save our middle class. And no way can we count on the 1 percent or 2 percent who control
95 percent of America’s wealth. Barack Obama offers the hope of real change. I believe him when he says that he will reverse the policies of the last eight years and that he will rebuild an economy that works for the middle class.
The big question, the really salient question, is which candidate will bring about meaningful change for the greatest number of Americans? Which candidate will look for ways to help average Americans, working Americans, the poor, the uninsured, the otherwise unrich? The answer to those questions leaves me with only one choice - Barack Obama.
Don Robson, Missoula
Enough already with Baucus
Thanks, Max, but no thanks.
Sen. Max Baucus voted three times for the $700 billion bailout of greedy mortgage company CEOs, ignoring thousands of Montanans who called his office to ask him to vote “no.”
Now we, our children and grandchildren will be paying the bill with our hard-earned dollars.
Rep. Denny Rehberg and Sen. Jon Tester both voted “no” all three times. They listened to what we wanted.
Max, you’ve been in Washington too long.
It’s time to give Max the boot in his backside.
Vote on Nov. 4. Don’t send Max back to Washington.
Florence Jones, Missoula
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