Letters to the editor

Feb. 11

Choose peace

Peace or fear? That is the question and a nonpartisan issue. Is peace an  option?

What is peace? Is it a concept outside of ourselves that is unreachable or is it given to us as a gift? No, I say. Peace is a state of mind for which we have the option to choose every minute of the day. Whether you are standing in line at the grocery store and something upsetting happens or you have a political debate over our world affairs, peace or anger is a choice. Which do you choose in that moment? Peace or fear?

We think sometimes that we have no power over our thoughts and actions. Is this true? Do we create peace? Is it an outside job of acting on peaceful actions when we are still having fearful thoughts? It is said by many experts that we can only have one thought at a time. Fear (anger) and peace (love) cannot reside in the same thought. The two energies conflict. Then it becomes a choice in that moment. What does that really mean? You mean I have a choice of how something affects me? You mean I have that kind of power? And it starts with a simple thought.

When it comes to issues such as world issues, including war or issues on our own homefront in our town and in our homes, making a choice is still our option. No one has the power to tell us how to think and no one can force us to feel a certain way. Seems impossible? For sometimes others’ actions are powerful and profound beyond what words can speak. Yet, the simplicity of it all is to breathe deeply in the moment of upset and remember to choose peace. Is it that simple? Not always. It takes practice to remember we each hold that power.

So, then, if a state of mind of choosing between the opposites of peace or fear in any given moment is the beginning of acting on that energy, then let us think more often. How do our thoughts and actions affect others? How do our own thoughts affect our health, our immune system and our relationships? Choosing is our choice. Fear or peace? Peace or fear?

Just a reminder folks, peace is an option!

Lynn Peters, Polson

Many sides to seeking truth

In a letter to the editor on Feb. 4, Marilyn Humphrey wondered if I would be willing to say, “Maybe I could be wrong about this.” My answer is, of course, yes. To be unwilling to acknowledge error would violate the very essence of seeking the truth (whether about biology, astronomy, politics, religion or any other topic). Indeed, purposefully looking for errors is an important cornerstone of using the scientific method (and common sense) to get gradually closer to the elusive truth.

In her letter, Marilyn agreed that “the truth” is revealed with time and evidence. Here I would place considerably more weight on the “evidence” factor. The “time” factor is mentioned simply because the search is often long, difficult and fraught with obstacles. And one of the greatest obstacles is the natural human propensity for having distorted perceptions. Certainly it is the “evidence” that is the crux of the search and the arbiter of whether progress has been made.

Religions, on the other-hand, are greatly based upon “belief without evidence.” “Faith” is never having to say that you have any evidential proof. After all, if you had evidence then there would not be a need for faith. Here is where the “time” factor gets more prominence with religious believers simply saying, “Wait and see.”

However, there certainly is the possibility that what is finally revealed via this wait (even if it is a very long time) is, nothing. What then? Would a religious believer eventually be willing to say, “Maybe I could be wrong about this.” If not willing, then he/she is not seeking truth.

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if politicians would be willing to do this!

Gene Johnson, Polson

Good government?

According to a recent press release, the limit or cap on campaign contributions has been lifted. This will encourage large donations from special interests and from those with deep pockets, because money talks.

This has led me to file for at least two senate positions, one in Montana and one in North Carolina. With hefty donations in my personal account, I will win. For those flush donations to my cause, I promise to provide special benefits and you will be liberally rewarded in every way. It does not matter that I know very little, if anything, about government functions of the day, because I will be spending 50 percent of my time chasing skirts and 49 percent defending my conduct in public office.

Del Palmer, Charlo

Special veteran tribute

We are fortunate to live in the best country in the world. Those liberties spelled out in the Bill of Rights are central to the American identity, and pivotal to our republic. Over many decades, men and women in uniform have offered their lives to defend our freedom. These individuals deserve our thanks and respect.

And, even after military service, many veterans continue to serve. They continue to make a positive impact in our communities through organizations such as the American Legion.

We have several individuals living in this community who fit this description. One special individual, who I have in mind, is Jack Mitchell, president of the American Legion, state of Montana. He is indeed an outstanding person. He serves this area in many ways. He is to be commended.

Bill Ingram, Polson