Writer out of touch with Montanans
Though I sympathize with the death of Kathleen Clary Miller’s father (“Dealing with death goes far beyond grieving a loss,” Oct. 24), I have difficulty feeling sorry his estate may be subject to a 45 percent tax. An inheritance is sort of like winning the lottery: All of a sudden, you get a bunch of money you didn’t earn directly. A 35 percent tax is immediately applied to lottery winnings over $5,000. For estates valued at $2 million or less - surprise - no estate tax even applies. This inequity makes sense given the rich generally don’t play the lottery.
When an affluent, white woman loses wealth, it’s worthy of a half-page column in a newspaper. When Latinos and Blacks each stand to lose $70 billion to $100 billion in home-value wealth from garbage mortgages, we yet again tolerate economic segregation without too much outrage. Meanwhile, this family net-worth catastrophe has been called the “greatest loss of wealth for people of color in modern U.S. history.”
“Closure” sounds like relationship advice from Dr. Phil, so I’ll skip having a funeral service. I’m dispensing with the narcissism of an obituary, too. We’re dead and we still can’t stop talking about ourselves. Lastly, I want my cremains placed in a cardboard box, preferably made by union labor at Smurfit-Stone.
It’s obscene when people who have so much complain. Perhaps our California transplant could take a break from her navel-gazing and write an article about what it is really like to live and work in Montana.
Clare Kelly, Missoula
Now is time for Democrats to perform
To you Republican leaders now in a state of deep mourning, think of this.
Near the turn of the century you held the Senate, the House and the presidency, as the Democrats soon will do. You received this bequest from us voters by claiming you would cut federal spending and reduce the size of government. You could have done some wonderful things with that kind of power, but what did you and your “Bridge To Nowhere” cohorts do? You doubled both the national debt and the size of government in a disgraceful pork-barrel orgy second to none. You really dirtied your nest, and people don’t forget.
Well, the election is over and the Democrats have the same advantage you had; theirs is also the opportunity to do some wonderful things. Their ranks include great numbers of honest and dedicated people who hopefully will prevail and put the needs of our country above personal greed. Let’s support them watchfully and hope for the best.
Bob Van Gieson, Missoula
Partner, you’ve got yourself a bet
With regards to the letter from Daniel Shevlin in the Missoulian on Nov. 6:
Pilgrim, I’m calling your bluff and taking your bet. I will personally and enthusiastically wager a C-note on each of the nine points outlined in your letter to the editor. At the end of a mutually agreed-upon date, the outcome is determined, the loser pays up and the winner must donate all monies to the charity of their choice.
There are two caveats to this wager: Fox News, Rush Limbaugh and the Flat Earth Society are not to be considered viable charities, and the winner can also use the money to start a relocation fund to assist Mike Miller of Stevensville (letters, Nov. 6) in moving to a new neighborhood or country.
Your deal, sir.
Thomas Webster, Missoula
Obama already being attacked
Well, that didn’t take long. Obama hasn’t even been sworn in yet, and already people are acting like Chicken Little and the sky is falling. This from a group of people, the majority of whom elected George W. Bush twice.
I would hope that people, after such a contentious election, would be tired of all the negative attacks, but I guess for some, 18 months wasn’t enough.
So, since a few people are unhappy with the outcome, I will pass on some advice I received eight years ago: if you don’t like it, move to Canada.
Matt Schalk, Lolo
Let’s work together now, not fight
I was saddened to read the negative, intolerant letters titled, “Guns, God, speech are doomed” and “Nation, unfortunately, will change” (Nov. 6). I was also disappointed by the Baptist minister from Kalispell who wrote: “USA ... One abomination under God” on his church’s reader board - referring to the “wicked” liberals taking over.
Gentlemen, please, we’ve all had enough of the greed, intolerance, corruption and paranoia that have “trickled down” in the last eight years. It’s time for goodwill, optimism and pride to be reinstated.
We can turn this ship around - let’s work together to get the job done.
Jill Logan, Missoula
Juneau’s win also historic
I’m writing this letter to celebrate the history that our state made yesterday. Although Barack Obama’s historic win for president was not shared by our state, the results were close. If more students would have gone to the polls, Obama’s victory here in Missoula could have carried the state.
The victory we did have, however, was just as important. Electing Denise Juneau as superintendent of Public Instruction also makes history. Juneau is only the second Native American to win a statewide office in Montana, and probably the first Native to win this office in the country. It makes me proud to live in Montana. It also made me proud to see so many Native people going to the polls to vote, many possibly for the first time.
I think the era when Native people can be passed over and ignored in this state is over, and we, as citizens of Montana, can demand political candidates who are informed and knowledgeable regarding Native issues. Who knows, if we find a democratic candidate for Congress who can attract the Native vote, we may find ourselves with a new lawmaker who will effectively represent all of our citizens, and work to improve the lives of all who live here in Montana.
I think an improved understanding and improved education about our First Americans will be good for all, not just a few. Congratulations, Denise Juneau, for your hard work, and the hard work still to come.
Rachel Lopez, Missoula
Video of Jackson says it all
Best video of 2008: In Chicago, Jesse Jackson with tears rolling down his face. Tells it all about a peoples’ struggle.
Bill Wilmerton, MIssoula
Being told not to applaud was strange
We go to the theater to be manipulated. That is the magic the Greeks discovered centuries ago. We suspend our disbelief and pretend that for a couple of hours we are among people whose stories affect our hearts and minds. If the illusion is well-done, we thank the performers and return to our lives, hopefully challenged and moved by the experience.
We experienced a different kind of manipulation, however, when we went to see “Jesus Christ Superstar” at the MCT Community Theatre. Jim Caron instructed us at the beginning not to applaud during the performance or after, for reasons, if I recall his words, that would soon be apparent to us.
Not applauding brought back two memories for me. One was of Zorba the Greek, the theme of which involved the laid-back guy loosening up the uptight guy. When Zorba bursts into spontaneous dance, he chastises the uptight guy for applauding, explaining that he was not performing. The other memory was of a former pastor who frowned on applauding musical performances in the church, I think because the intended audience was not the parishioners.
I have to wonder what Caron’s reason was, for I have to admit it did not become apparent to me. The actors were certainly performing (and very well at that). But if he thinks this musical was a profound spiritual experience that would be sullied by worldly applause, he is quite mistaken, and he should not have manipulated me into having to react as though it were. It was entertainment; no more, no less. They entertained us well, and for that I would like to have applauded those involved.
Scott J. Burnham, Missoula
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