'ITEM' would solve terrorism problems
Editor,
Our ostrich style [head in the sand] Washington political body apparently thinks that in order to stop terrorists from coming over here and messing with us Americans, we must keep battling them in Iraq, Afghanistan, and head into Iran, too.
Consider this: Our foray into Iraq has clearly energized the entire international terrorist movement. It just might be a good idea to get at the root causes of international terrorism. Traditional style warfare with planes, tanks, armed camps, field hospitals, green zones, barricades and bunkers just does not win the battle with terrorists.
Terrorists melt away like snow on a warm sidewalk at times and accumulate again like quiet snow in the night when it is safe. Terrorists do not have national pride. Terrorists are driven by ideologies, not borders and territorial gains. Terrorists are not led by military commanders beholden to this or that national leader who may or may not believe in proper "rules of engagement." Terrorists are led by extreme fanatics who build a following through enticements and educational programs we don't even begin to understand or appreciate in scope and power.
ITEM is my solution. It is an acronym. It stands for "International Terrorism Elimination Movement." It is a solution which has not been talked about since 9/11; not tried; not considered by any one of the candidates for president whom I have listened to, with the exception of John Edwards who did make reference to such a need in one of his recent speeches.
ITEM would require comprehensive programs of international concern among leaders in politics, economics, education, military, religion, and social programs. ITEM would be so massive and powerful that countries like Saudi Arabia, just for example, would not be able to stand up against its work. Saudi Arabia would be forced to submit to ITEM and be a part of rooting out those terrorist cells. So would Pakistan; and there are others. ITEM would have such an outreach and influence that it could even reach within extremely repressive governments like Burma and neutralize breeding grounds of terrorist-type movements. ITEM would be alert to any and all areas in our world which need attention of this sort.
We've all heard the phrase: "They are an item."
But I digress …
Bob McClellan
Polson
Life transformed the day on Oct. 7
Editor,
October 7 was Respect Life Sunday, marking the beginning of a month set aside for reflection on the sanctity of human life.
It was a gray day.
As I sat in the comfort of my car along the shore of Flathead Lake, I saw much more than people holding placards which declared that what is taken in abortion is a human life. Others asked for Divine mercy.
I saw babies in strollers and backpacks.
I saw children playing at the feet of their parents.
I saw teenagers praying beside their parents and grandparents.
I saw husbands and wives and people of all ages and backgrounds testifying to the truth that all life is sacred from the moment of conception to its natural end.
When I left the Pregnancy Resource Center in Polson where we gathered for refreshments afterwards, I heard behind me the voices of happy people sharing their greatest gift — their lives.
It was a beautiful day.
Rita Senkler
Charlo
(Rita Senkler is a founding member of Lake County Right to LIfe).
Big Arm dance and BBQ were great
Editor,
Happy feet and glowing faces was the color of the Big Arm Association's "September Moon" barbecue and barn dance on Sept. 28.
People came from near and far and enjoyed a night of good food and great dance music provided by Gena and Rudy Mendez with "unbelievable entertainment."
Thanks to committee members Kristen Osborn, Shari Schultz, Nita Parks, Linda Althouse and Jan Phillips for organizing, cooking, decorating and hauling, setting up and tearing down all the tables and chairs.
Thanks also to Jim Phillips and Jeff Meslin for cooking great burgers and to Tony Grant for helping set up and singing a great birthday song in "Kootenai" to Mrs. Holland. Thanks also to Ron Friez for helping park cars and cleaning up; thanks to the Geisers for donating ice for the food and thanks to Alison Meslin for helping clean on Saturday.
Thanks to our special hosts for the use of their barn and thanks to everyone who showed up and made the affair a great success.
Jan Phillips
Big Arm Assn. leader
RHS homecoming donor name was overlooked
Editor,
I inadvertently left out a very important person in our thank you for RHS Homecoming events, in last week's letter to the editor. Ronna at Ronan Flower Mill graciously donated beautiful rose bouquets to our candidates.
I apologize for the oversight and am always appreciative of those who help further our causes at the schools.
Thanks, Ronna!
Marlena Jensen
Advisor RHS Student Council
Ronan
It could have been catastrophic
Editor,
To the driver of the light brown Toyota Tundra pickup with the mud covered license plate: You know who you are. On Monday, Oct. 8, at 4:25 p.m., at a designated school bus stop in front of the Rollins store, on Highway 93 northbound, Bus #10 was stopped with red lights flashing.
You passed all three cars in front of you and the bus on the right side.
A Middle School child was about to exit the bus when you went by at a high rate of speed. Had this child stepped off the bus, the results would have been catastrophic.
Please … please, people, when you see a school bus stopped with red lights flashing, do not go past.
I repeat, do not go past on either side. Do not put a child's life in that kind of danger.
Joe Mark
Route 10, District 23
Polson
Patient chooses doctor, services
Editor,
There seems to be something the hospital administrator doesn't realize: That I, not he, chooses which doctor and services I want. I do not appreciate the disrespectful manner in which Dr. Palmieri was terminated from St. Joseph Hospital's staff.
He is a doctor of integrity and kindness towards his patients. He will listen to you and then treat you to the best of his abilities and your wishes.
He does not send you for a lot of unnecessary testing and exams just to fluff up the bottom line for the hospital administration.
It seems to be placing the dollars generated above the health and well being of the patients. If Dr. Palmieri finds himself a place in Polson, I, for one, will coninue to be his patient.
Frances Reid
Polson