What do we really want?

Editor,

Mr. Jore was selected to chair the House Education Committee for the 2007 Montana State legislature. The citizens of the state of Montana are very fortunate to have Mr. Jore as their representative. In letters to the editor and also in the context of Ethan Smith's article published in the Leader last week, essentially everyone opining therein holds Mr. Jore as intelligent, ethical, fair and a man of integrity. However, in the same breath they express concern over his qualifications.

As a nation, are we really interested in restoring our constitutional republic or are we simply looking for individuals to bring home the bacon at any cost? Over the last many years this country has grown weary and tired of political candidates running for office who do not possess the same virtues that are attributed to Mr. Jore.

We just witnessed this sad reality demonstrated in both candidates seeking to win Montana's U.S. Senate seat; whereby, whoever throws the most mud wins.

Regarding compulsory education, this subject is not closed. The Catholic Church has and always will be opposed to compulsory education. Why? The parents are the first and best teachers of their children. Opposing compulsory education does not mean someone is against public education; it only means that that opportunity exists for the parents to choose without state or local intervention of any kind.

Sam Marshall, Polson