Democrats have been given opportunity to act
The Democrats and their supporters are out of excuses. Will they live up to their name? They control both houses in Congress and the presidency; so, Americans ostensibly can expect the following (among others) to happen in the next three to four years:
1. Complete military withdrawal from the unwinnable wars on terror in Iraq and Afghanistan coupled with redoubled aid efforts to build destroyed infrastructure in those countries.
3. Renewed commitment to green energy and a confirmed commitment to stay away from so-called “clean coal” and offshore drilling.
4. Rescind the Patriot and FISA acts and re-establish our nation’s commitment to civil liberties.
We are not asking for much. Still, I fear that my expectations will not be met, but I continue to hope. I hope that citizens, progressives and conservatives alike, will watch Obama and the Democrats carefully and apply continuous pressure to achieve the change we desire.
If they do not deliver, I hope we have the courage to see past the crippling problems inherent to picking the “least-worse” candidate every four years and reclaim our diverse democracy from the mono-party and corporate controlled Democrats and Republicans. Let the work begin.
Bill Novak, Missoula
True patriots will help get country back on track
Apparently I was not the only one struck by Daniel Shevlin’s negative outlook and lack of patriotism (Random House dictionary definition of patriotism: devoted love, support and defense of one’s country, national loyalty) in his Nov. 6 letter to the editor.
Like it or not, our democratic society chooses its leaders. Not everyone will be satisfied, but it is everyone’s responsibility to help make the necessary changes and sacrifices to get our country back on track. It seems that the first step toward that end will be attitude adjustments for the likes of Shevlin and others who may share his viewpoint.
As true patriots, we need to support our elected leaders, look forward and, as Leslie Worf (Nov. 6 letter to the editor) suggested, ask “What can I do to help?”
Patti Hutcheson, Missoula
Letter-writer in need of serious self-examination
Hope springs eternal and even most Republicans are embracing the concept. When reassured that an Obama presidency doesn’t threaten their guns and their taxes will actually decrease, they all have the same response. Their teary eyes lowered, their lower lips atremble, they reply, “I hope so.”
But one neocon foresees only darkness. Daniel Shevlin recently listed a menu of scary prognostications (Missoulian letters, Nov. 6). I guffawed loudly that “In God We Trust” will be eradicated from our currency. Do you think God wants honorable mention on a dollar that, thanks to George W. Bush, is all but worthless? Maybe She would rather not be associated with such failure.
The Second Amendment has been used to frighten the yokels for so long it wouldn’t be Halloween in an election year if they weren’t shaking under their hunting caps over the specter of their rifles being ripped from their cold, stiff fingers. Why, if Obama has his way, they’ll only be able to increase their arsenals by one measly weapon per month. To slaughter wolves from helicopters with semi-automatic rifles, though, they’ll have to go to Alaska.
Each of the copious items on Shevlin’s list cannot be addressed in this space. But the most absurd was high unemployment “within two years.” Apparently, he didn’t notice we’ve been hemorrhaging jobs for some time under still-President Bush. In his first news conference, President-elect Obama made it clear that his first priority is job creation. Bush’s priority has been to enrich the already wealthy. In that respect, at least, he’s had a successful presidency.
Shevlin asks us to affix his cockamamie letter to the fridge, but it is only suitable to line the cockatoo cage. He should stick it to his bathroom mirror for some serious self-reflection.
Wanda LaCroix, Arlee
Don’t allow animal ID to become mandatory
George Bush is busy deregulating many of our protections during his last weeks in power. Are we all so blind as to not see?
I am concerned about many of his deregulations, but one that stands out right now is the plan to make the National Animal Identification System mandatory.
I have a few goats at the present time, some registered and some not; some are cross breeds. My concern with NAIS is that all animals on any farm will have to be “registered” with that government agency, with rules of which most are not even aware.
I’ve read that it’s also the plan of some huge corporations to control totally the seeds of any plant. It will be illegal to save your seeds from year to year if you happen to be lucky enough to have heirloom seeds to begin with, as opposed to hybrid and GM (genetically modified) seeds.
Whether you have animals or not, whether you grow a garden or not, please write your representatives to stop this power grab by Bush and those to whom he’s beholden. Wake up, people; America is still in trouble.
Patricia Herrick, Gold Creek
Keep secret ballots sacred, even in the workplace
After 24 months and a billion dollars worth of political ads, it’s over. Some folks are delighted and others disgruntled. All Americans, however, should be proud. We have shown the world once again that with all our differences we can hold a free and fair election and, as a group, support that outcome.
The only way to ensure a free and fair election is by a secret ballot. This is something that was established in our country in the early 1800s and has been a fundamental expectation of each voter ever since, and for a good reason. Can you imagine your friend or your boss - or even worse, your boss who is a candidate - looking over your shoulder when you vote? Rather intimidating.
The Democrats in Washington are trying to pass what they call the Employee Free Choice Act. What it allows, among other things, is the ability for union organizers to come into a business and use a “card check” system to see if you do or do not support the formation of a union. Gone would be the secret ballot where you can vote in private without the fear of intimidation or retaliation from the union, or management. They just stare you down, hand you the card and watch you vote.
I don’t care if you are a Democrat or a Republican, the secret ballot is sacred. We fly around the world promoting it and send election officials to the corners of the globe to protect it. I certainly believe that our own work force deserves as much!
Both of our senators, Jon Tester and Max Baucus, have cosponsored, supported and voted for this legislation. This is unacceptable. Please contact Baucus and Tester and let them know that we will not accept anything less than a secret ballot for any election.
Matthew M. Rosendale Sr., Glendive
Congress, begin impeachment proceedings
Members of Congress, do not forget for whom you work and your obligation to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. President Bush and Dick Cheney have violated the Constitution and broken the law more times than space here permits me to list. Begin impeachment immediately.
Warren Darne, Alberton
Criticism of fight against terrorism offensive
Bob McClellan frequently writes letters to this newspaper. Even though I disagree with many of his opinions, I feel that McClellan has the right to express them. I find his criticism of our commander in chief, our military and their efforts to fight terrorism offensive. His words are hurtful to our men and women in uniform who are voluntarily serving a cause greater than their self-interest.
Our son is a Navy SEAL and has served in Iraq and Afghanistan. He has assured us that the war in Iraq is not “lost” and would return to help the grateful Iraqi people “in a heartbeat.” He is currently serving in Afghanistan and believes his efforts and those of his colleagues have saved lives.
Nov. 10 was the 233rd birthday of the magnificent United States Marine Corps. Active duty and former Marines will gather to celebrate, reminisce and honor all Marines who have gone on before us. Many of them made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country in our beloved corps. It is both a solemn and festive occasion.
While some of us may not agree with the results of the recent election, our great democracy has spoken and a new president will take the oath of office on Jan. 20.
Contained in that oath are the words, “... to protect and defend the United States of America against all enemies, both foreign and domestic ...” I believe in the history of our republic every president who has taken that oath is, in a sense, transformed, and those words remain indelibly etched in his mind during his tenure in office. As an American citizen, and a former Marine, it is my duty to honor, respect and pray for our commander in chief. I will continue to do so.
Semper fi.
Jack Cummings, Polson
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Jim Gardner wrote on Nov 28, 2008 1:05 PM:
I realize that this is a long shot at best but I have high hopes. I went to school with Warren (Dick) Darne and would very much like to locate him. I believe that he lives in or near Missoula Montana. He is about 5'7", appx 60 years of age, pick a mean guitar and possibly worked as a pipe fitter or HVAC tech. If at all possible please pass my email to him or ask him to call me.
Thank you in advance for any help that you can provide.
Jim Gardner
jimgardner@bmts.com
1-705-441-0931 "