Letters to the editor, Sept. 16
Green party walk
Yesterday, Sept. 12, I attended a benefit for Cheryl Wolfe who is running on the Green Party for Montana HD#11.
It was a beautiful sunny day and the mood was upbeat and happy with great music and conversation. Peace poet and troubadour, David Rovics, was the headline entertainment along with our own local and wonderful group of young men “Off in the Woods.” Of Rovics, Pete Seeger himself said: “Listen to David Rovics.” And Pete was right!
Cheryl Wolfe gave a heartwarming talk, telling us of her background and how her lasting values were formed over the years through education, hard work, perseverance and having the freedom to pursue goals which affect each of us, our community, our state and our nation so positively.
As I was sitting there absorbing this stimulating benefit environment, I got to thinking about what really will make a difference in the politics of this great nation, whether it be local, state or federal.
The conclusion, for me, is very simple and very basic. And it surely is not mine alone. It is this: We must walk our talk. We must live the values which we proclaim to be important to us.
Democrats and Republicans are bickering, attacking each other, making accusations and seem much more interested in saving their own political hides than doing what is right for America.
Most of our national figures, individually, probably had good and noble reasons for running for office initially. Then they seem to get sucked in, consumed, and brain-washed by the greed, anger and fear which permeates our political system today.
This is why Tea Parties get started. We “The People” want our elected legislators to work for what is right for America and not for what is right for their personal fortunes, be it money or re-election.
Listening to Cherly Wolfe and reading the Green Party 10 Key Values, represents the very place from which change is going to emanate if change in Washington is every going to occur.
“Be the change you wish to see.” And that goes for all of us.
Bob McClellan
Polson resident
Open letter to Lake County
This letter is for all Lake County, The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribal residents, businesses, fraternal and service organizations, governmental entities, volunteer groups, chamber of commerce members, ministerial associations, members of all faiths, or of none, the homeless, high schools, political and apolitical organizations, the media, sportsmen’s organizations, teachers, law enforcement organizations, out of county-state registered voters, civil servants, every registered voter and inactive voter (those who did not vote in prior elections).
To all Lake County residents that honor the members of the Armed Forces who sacrificed life and limbs to guarantee our rights to vote, to register to vote, and to vote if registered.Please, vote absentee, or in person on Nov. 2.
To family members of our senior citizens confined at home, in rest homes or nursing homes, enable these, our precious forefathers and mothers who also sacrificed during all the wars of memory and worldwide conflicts, and for the same reasons as today.
Renew for them the same sense of love of country we experience at the polls.
If we all heed the call to vote we could reach 100 percent of all registered voters and inactive voters on Nov. 2. Why should we settle for anything less?
What else can we possibly do that is more American, more noble, during the time the polls are open on Nov. 2?
When is a better time to send a message to Ted in Afghanistan and thousands like him that we lived up to our duty just as he and thousands like him fulfill theirs, every day?
Where is a place that is more important to be than in that cubicle with our ballots and pencils in hand?
The Lake County Elections office at 883-7268 and 883-7269 and their website, www.lakecounty-mt.org are available to help. You can even download forms needed to register and join in 100 percent drumbeat.
There are 18,000 registered voters and 2,800 inactive voters in the County. About 20,800 total votes can be cast. One percent is 208. For every one percent under 100 percent of votes that could have been cast, 208 voters will have chosen to be elsewhere. For Ted’s sake, please.
Sotero Muniz
Polson resident
Chief Cliff VFD thanks
The Chief Cliff Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Idle Spur Saloon and their hard-working staff for making Dayton Daze and the Dayton Centennial Celebration the amazing event that it was.
Our parade has never been bigger, the entries more patriotic, or the participants more enthusiastic than they were this past weekend.
We had a great turnout, gorgeous weather, and fabulous music throughout the day. In every sense of the word, the event was a tremendous success.
Thanks to everyone who contributed their efforts to make Dayton Daze another memorable event for our community and a wildly successful fundraiser for our fire department.
We greatly appreciate the support!
Zoe Lilja
Secretary, Chief Cliff VFD
What is “peace” anyway?
So much discussion surrounds this word, especially lately when we are promoting our various views about war. Today is the anniversary of 9/11. Would we in America have lost our freedom if we had not attacked back?
Mahatma Gandhi, the famous leader in India, helped his country gain independence through peace, and also inspired movements for civil rights and freedom across the world. How did he achieve that? He said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”
He also said, “What difference does it make to the dead, the orphans, and the homeless, whether the mad destruction is wrought under the name of totalitarianism or the holy name of liberty and democracy?”
Putting war issues aside, can we imagine a world without reacting when we are attacked? Is it possible? Gandhi proved it historically and said, “An eye for eye only ends up making the whole world blind.”
While I ponder this idea, I ask the question personally and collectively, “What is peace anyway?” This letter is not written to suggest who is right or wrong, but to simply put the question out there. Gandhi’s efforts to promote peace included, “There are many causes I am prepared to die for but no causes that I am prepared to kill for.”
Mother Teresa was asked years ago to join a group which was fighting against a cause.
She refused but said that if there was a cause which promoted peace she’d be on board. Her efforts were thoughtfully showing that the energy put behind fighting against something we do not want only increases what we don’t want.
I simply promote a peaceful thought about what peace means to you today. Look for peace and you shall find it everywhere.
Lynn Peters
Polson resident