Letter to the editor

July 2

Foreign involvement illogical

Just musing over the demonstrations in Iran and the calls for our nations leader to “get more involved,” “be tough on Iran” and ‘show some toughness.”

If these comments did not point to a much larger problem within the minds and hearts of those speaking out in favor of such actions, these comments would border on being amusing.

We have had some pretty bloody demonstrations right here in our own country, too, and I can’t recall any foreign country getting involved! Why, do you suppose? I mean, after all, we have people from just about every country in the world living here. America should be the logical and perfect target for the intrusion of foreign powers on how we are running things over here.  We probably do need some help, but I seriously doubt that most of our citizens would take kindly to many critical comments by other nations nor to much foreign intervention.

It’s always so easy to see how someone else should run their affairs.  Pointing the finger at the other person, declaring them at fault, telling them what they really ought to be doing, and then giving lots of advice seems to be just a natural part of the human behavior pattern.

Get tough with those who are violating human decency, even though we may have done the same thing. Somehow, being self-righteous when the opportunity presents itself has a sort of cathartic effect on us, not only individually but also as a nation.

Let Iran run its own affairs and learn its own lessons. The uprising seems to be a huge step for the Iranian people toward a more open and free society. It has energized many young and well educated people in a way which probably bodes well for the future. But it needs to take its own course without America’s interference nor self-righteous advice.

Bob McClellan, Polson

Flower thief should be ashamed

First I want to say what a beautiful cemetery we have in Polson. My thanks to Dana Deranleau and his crew for maintaining and always improving the grounds. It’s nice they leave the gates open late for those of us who maintain living plants on the graves of our loved ones.

I would appreciate it if the person who borrowed the hanging basket of pink and red ivy geraniums off the grave of my mother and her parents would return it. I’m sure it looks nice at your house, and I’m hoping you hung it up and didn’t destroy it.  My mother loved flowers and had beautiful gardens. This is my way of honoring her. She passed away 22 years ago in July of cancer, at the age of 52. I still miss her so much. I will continue to visit twice a week, hoping to see her flowers back on the empty shepherd’s hook.

 If not, be sure to water frequently, fertilize every other week, and pick off the dead flowers so it continues to bloom nicely.

With sadness and disappointment,

Toni Wock, Polson

Fourth of July Prayer

Dear Lord: There is no greater feeling of liberation than to experience this freedom from sin and death that you have provided for me through Jesus Christ. Today, my heart and my soul are free to praise you. For this I am very thankful. On this Independence Day, I am reminded of all those who have sacrificed for my freedom, following the example of your son, Jesus Christ. Let me not take my freedom, both physical and spiritual, for granted. May I always remember that my freedom was purchased with a very high price. My freedom cost others their very lives. Lord, today bless those who have served and continue to give their lives for my freedom.  With favor and bounty meet their needs and watch over their families. Help me to live my life in a way that glorifies You, Lord.  Give me the strength to be a blessing in someone else’s life today, and grant me the opportunity to lead others into the freedom that can be found in knowing Christ. By Mary Fairchild at www.about.com. Jesus is the Road to Heaven, Satan is the road to hell. Your choice. 

Joe Forte, Ronan

Prerelease needs much consideration

A leading article in last week’s Leader was “Polson an option for prerelease center.”

According to this article, Montana Legislature authorized the Montana Department of Corrections to build a new 40-bed facility in northwestern Montana to serve as a transitional place for soon-to-be-released prisoners. Regarding this article, there are several points I feel need addressing:

According to this article, when a specific location in Kalispell was proposed, three-quarters of the residents in the area objected; resulting in Polson being considered.

With all due respect to Commissioner Bill Barron, and his optimism that a pre-release facility would result in economic benefits to Polson in terms of a few new jobs, we need to consider all the consequences.

Police Chief Doug Chase refers to the possible raise in taxation on human services from an influx of prisoners’ families relocating to town. Do we really have adequate infrastructure and services to invite an additional element, most of whom are non-tax-contributing at this point in their lives?

I agree with Chase’ comment that these people need to be given a chance, but I seriously doubt that a community as small as ours should be shouldering this responsibility, as opposed to a larger area like Kalispell that could offer broader economic year-round opportunity.

Police Chief Doug Chase is quoted as saying, “It only takes one thing to raise heightened awareness and scrutiny in the community.” I am hoping the public is adequately informed as to the proposal and we are given the opportunity to be heard.

Coincidentally, a brochure from our new Greater Polson Community Foundation arrived in my mailbox last week.  Its motto is “Making Polson the Gem of Flathead Lake.” It begs the question: Would placing additional correctional facilities here in our small resort-oriented community really move us closer to becoming that gem?

Carmine Mowbray, Polson