Page 32 - Flathead Beacon // 9.3.14

32 | SEPTEMBER 3, 2014 OPINION
LETTERS
ZINKE HAS PROVEN HIS LOVE OF COUNTRY
National security should be the fed- eral government’s top priority. Witness the recent beheading of our American journalist and the insipid administration response to it and all of the radical Mus- lim atrocities around the world. It is vital to national survival that we have a strong and determined Congress to stem the na- tional erosion that will continue for two more years of this administration.
Ryan Zinke was not my first choice as a candidate for the U.S. House of Rep- resentatives. I, like many of you, fell for some of the attacks being leveled against him from his primary opponents. It ap- peared that the PAC he began two years ago was for his own benefit.
Wrong! It was a PAC established to support Mitt Romney for president. Also, folks attach labels of conservative, moder- ate, or liberal to an elected official based on several votes with which they do not agree. Apparently they have not heard, “Judge not, that ye be not judged.” Too of- ten, we do not walk in the elected officials’ shoes and study all the angles to an issue.
In meeting and talking with Ryan Zinke since the primary, I find him to be a sincere supporter of the necessary ac- tions and reforms needed to provide jobs, stabilize our economy and secure our na- tion. He has proven that love of country and national security are top priorities in his life through his outstanding service to our country as a distinguished Navy Seal. We do not need his opponent, another supporter of the Obama Administration’s disastrous policies, representing Montan- ans in Washington.
Mimi Milheim Dayton
TOO BAD SCOTT IS MAKING IT PERSONAL
ItistoobadthatCountyCommissioner Cal Scott must get personal after he lost the primary election. With the general election approaching, I plan to focus on issues and philosophies. Given that my opponent is an Obama Democrat, we will have lots of opportunities to contrast our views.
Phil Mitchell, Republican Candidate for Flathead County commissioner
10 COMMANDMENTS PARK CREATES IN-GROUP/OUT-GROUP MENTALITY
When I was a newspaper editor in Texas, we had a policy of not reporting phony bomb threats because it would bring more public nuisances and other nutcases out of the woodwork. I am hop- ing that was the thinking behind local newspapers’ not covering the Aug. 16 dedi- cation of Philip Klevmoen’s God’s 10 Com-
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mandments Park in Columbia Heights. While there were advance stories, my Google search did not yield coverage of the actual event by local newspapers. It was to be kicked off by a photo op of Matthew Murray carrying a 10-foot cross from Half Moon Road through Columbia Falls to the park. In addition, according to a story in the July 16 Hungry Horse News, “[Klev- moen] said he’s had plenty of help from lo- cal businesses – Brian Peterson made the crosses, LHC Inc. provided a discount on concrete, and Midway Rental, Bighorn Development and Mel Sheeran all helped.” I feel lucky that my routine travels do not take me past that park. Other folks, however, are not so blessed. The over- whelming majority of letters to the edi- tor and Web-page comments about the park that I have read have been written by Christians, who characterize the park as a garish monstrosity that blocks their view of God’s creation to the point of mocking their faith. Apparently these comments are written by folks who regard their be- lief in God and the comfort and fellow- ship it provides them as a personal mat- ter, rather than something that has to be shoved in other people’s faces. Good for
them!
This whole issue would be comi-
cal except for the fact that this park and the proliferation of 10 Commandments signs around the county create a tribal in-group/out-group mentality and an en- vironment of fear for non-Christians. For example, when an issue such as church- state separation is raised in the local me- dia, supporters of this basic American concept (both religious and non-religious) tend to post anonymous comments on the newspapers’ web pages, rather than signed letters to the editor, so they don’t suffer discrimination by, or other grief from, co-workers, neighbors or class- mates. On the other hand, Christianists tend to write letters to the editor just to flaunt their faith.
With the November elections com- ing up, those who are concerned by this state of affairs might want to ask the can- didates their opinions about the park, how it and the 10 Commandments signs make a laughing stock of Flathead County to passers-through, and whether this is a “Christian county,” or one that is open and welcoming to everyone.
Richard E. Wackrow Polebridge
DISREGARD PARTY POLITICS WHEN CASTING YOUR VOTE
I have no use for party politics. For me, local politics is about the people - not parties. At the end of the day, Flathead County citizens have more things in com- mon than they have differences. And one thing we all have in common is a daily dis- connect from each other, and from our lo- cal government.
In the upcoming election, you have the opportunity to choose a commission- er who is dedicated to closing that gap and
working for you. I believe our communi- ties are bolstered by an efficiently oper- ating, forward thinking and interactive local government. In the role of county commissioner, my mission is to maintain and improve quality services and ame- nities while being a fiscally responsible steward of our tax dollars, and to ensure that our government is truly working for the people.
I believe the services our tax dollars provide for are as important as the dol- lars themselves. A county government that fulfills its purpose under the Mon- tana Constitution and state law works to protect our health, safety and wellbeing. An efficient and accountable local govern- ment makes it possible for us to live in a civilized society, providing key services that we all use and enjoy every day.
I don’t seek the office of commission- er with an “agenda” of my own. In fact, I think it is wrong to pursue a seat in the commission with the goal of imposing one’s own beliefs and values on the people you represent. People who know me attest that I am an intelligent, diligent, honest and fair person and a team player. You will be hard pressed to find someone who has not enjoyed working with me, who thinks I have not done my homework, or who doesn’t trust me.
The people of Flathead County de- serve a commissioner they can trust with the business of their local government. Measurable words like accountability, transparency, responsiveness - they all entered politics because we have lost the simple, basic, gut feeling of trust in the people who run our government.
A key vision of our founding fathers was that voters would consider the person over the party when electing our leaders. If Flathead County elects me, know that you will be fairly represented. You can trust me to do good work for the people. I urge you to disregard party politics when you cast your vote for county commissioner. A win for Stacey Schnebel for Commissioner in November will be a victory for Flathead County for six years to come.
Stacey Schnebel, Democrat Candidate for Flathead County commissioner
KUDOS TO LOCAL BUSINESS
I wanted to say kudos to Anything Pawn shop for its help with one of our Flathead County residents who needed a down payment for rent, and then a pet deposit after posting one of their family’s only valuable items. The owner and its staff didn’t even blink when asked for the money. They are truly out to help this family. I know that these up-and-coming pawn stars will make it here in the valley because they are truly starts. Thanks for your work, help and honesty. Nice work guys.
Brian Buschang Bigfork
LETTERS
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CORRECTIONS
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