Letters to the editor
April 23
Polson needs puppy politics
The new puppy in the White House has grabbed headlines, captivated even the most cynical of commentators, and brought a softening to the often vicious nature of politics. I call this transforming phenomena “puppy politics.” It tends to bring people together, reduce animosities and possibly even create an environment in which old problems can be looked at in a new light.
I think we need “puppy politics” right here in Polson. We have an old local problem right here, something that years of apparent political-rankling-to-inaction has produced nothing, but a whole (as in hole) lot of anguish, stress and anything but smooth sailing.
I refer, of course, to POTHOLES! With my close association with the Obama administration, I took up the matter through e-mail communications with the White House on Easter week and the immediate response was amazing! While the president did not answer me personally and directly, he immediately addressed my concerns in a talk with city mayors about “stimulus packages.” And I know he was referring to Polson in his remarks, which went something like this: “My fellow leaders, I address you today with a plea. You know that stimulus money is coming. Please don’t wait for the actual cash to hit your banks before beginning the infrastructure improvements in your cities and town. And, by all means, as one concerned citizen expressed it to me in an e-mail about a possible reason for improvements delay in his small town this holy Easter season, don’t wait until a new city manager finally gets hired before the whole holy holes are filled.”
I thought this quite a nice gesture from our concerned and compassionate leader of the free world. Oh, and speaking of “free,” does anyone know where I can get a free check on the front end alignment on my car?
Bob McClellan, Polson
Unmask the real problem
The Democrat usurpers of our beloved Constitution got their masks ripped from their collective smug faces this past Wednesday thanks to the many “Tea Parties” held throughout the country.
CNN’s Anderson Cooper went on the air with CNN’s David Gergen and Cooper made a lewd gay joke about the Tea Party participants. The web site Huffington Post asked people to be their “spies” at the events. They asked that pictures be taken, record statements, speeches and report what they’d seen and heard as “citizen journalists.”
Scary stuff these past six months? Initially yes, but we had our suspicions. Then came the Tea Parties, and next the un-maskings.
Read Mark Levin’s book “Liberty and Tryanny.” In it, you will clearly understand the enemies’ game plan.
I’ve heard it said that all politics begin at home. How many of you wrote, called or e-mailed Senators Baucus and Tester concerning your concerns about the unbridled spending only to have your efforts fall on deaf ears and if you did get a response it was a “form” letter touting the Democratic Party line then they went against your wishes and voted the party line and to hell with you and your instructions.
These men work for you! They have become arrogant and emboldened. They think you are greedy, lazy and could care less about our Constitution but the Tea Parties proved otherwise. The stooges of the party like Cooper, Gergen and Huffinton are busy trying to spin it another way.
There is a way to restore order dear friends and that’s for “you” the Citizens of Montana to demand that Baucus and Tester be RECALLED. Oh what a message that would send to the usurpers.
Robert L. Starks, St. Ignatius
Tea Party a success
The recent Polson Tax Day Tea Party rally was a huge success with almost 300 attendees from around the Mission Valley. This nonpartisan demonstration against the recent stimulus, bailouts and generational theft was part of a movement that included over 300,000 participants nationwide. We are proud and encouraged that Polson was a part of it!
However, the Polson Tea Party could not have been the success that it was without the generous donations of time, effort and items by various individuals including: The City of Polson and in particular city manger, James Raymond; Director of Parks, Karen Sargeant and Parks Worker, Mike Johnson for coordinating the use of the park, the bathroom facilities, power and cleaning of the park prior to the rally. A big thank you to Dennis Anderson and Anderson Broadcasting for the set-up and use of the sound system allowing our speakers to be heard loud and clear. And to Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Moody for the donation of their truck and to Pat DeVoe for use of the trailer as a stage. As well as to Mr. and Mrs. Chuck Moody for use of their tent for a windbreak.
The Tea Party speakers were inspiring and informative and deserve recognition as well for their time and knowledge on the issues. So thank you to David Myerowitz, MD from Columbia Falls for his speech on “What provoked the Boston Tea Party in 1773 and why are we having tea parties all over the country today?” To Gil Mangels from Polson for his insight into capitalism with his “Lemonade” speech. Thank you to John Merlette from Big Fork and his talk entitled, “Laissez-nous faire” meaning “Leave us be.” As well as to Rick Jore from Ronan for sharing his knowledge of the stimulus and how it will affect Montanans and for answering pertinent questions. Also a big thank you to Keith Baker (the Admiral) for emceeing the event and keeping everyone entertained and focused on the issues. The crowd also enjoyed the impassioned statements of Red Merlette and Sotero Muniz who took advantage of our limited open mic time to take the stage. Thanks also go out to all those who honked, waved and gave a thumbs up as going across the bridge – we know you were with us in spirit.
Thank you to Sara, Breanna and Marissa Bobb who donated their time to make signs for the rally and attached all those teabags to the free key chains handed out to the attendees. Thank you to Derric Upton for providing free water for attendees and to Mimi Milheim for organizing and providing cookies and lemonade at the Miracle of America Museum during the showing of “Harry’s War” after the rally. Thank you also to the local newspapers and TV station for covering the event.
Last, but not least, thank you to all the attendees for their signs, encouragement and participation. The rally just proves that united we can do great and meaningful things!
If you were hoping to attend the Polson Tea Party but couldn’t, or if you want to see more of what it was about you can view parts of the rally on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDW5Pj13cg or type in Tea Party Polson Montana in the search window.
Annette Schiele and Becky Upton, Polson
Clapp is right for the board
I had to chuckle when I read the letter to the editor about so-called conflict of interest about Jack Clapp. Not once in the letter did the person writng it say anything positive about what Jack Clapp is trying to do. It could be that maybe it’s a conflict of other peoples’ interests? You make it sound like the fire chief and the Rural Fire Board shouldn’t talk or work together. How far from the truth is that?
It’s unfortunate that some people miss the obvious.
What Jack Clapp can bring to the Rural Fire Board is more than any other candidate or sitting board member can.
Jack is a current rural/city firefighter, has more than 25 years experience, has his currant NIMS federal training, has his current wild land fire training, has two degrees in fire science, graduated from the National Fire Academy, had the most training hours for 2008, knows the law, and not only is Jack a firefighter, but his wife and son are as well. Can any board member or candidates say that?
When the fire tones go off, Jack Clapp and his family are on their way, whether it be city or rural. And for what, just the ability to help those who are in need. You tell me how someone so dedicated for so many for nothing can be a conflict of interest.
Up until the last election, there has always been a firefighter on the Rural Fire Board. To have an active firefighter like Jack on the Rural Fire Board would be priceless.
Do I trust Jack Clapp? You bet! As a fellow firefighter with my life, as a rural citizen with my vote.
Drew Hoel, Polson