Letters to the editor - March 20

About that Senate seat…

My name is Carlton Sisler, and I am a senior at Polson High. I recently received an appointment to West Point Military Academy and intend to attend either West Point or the Air Force Academy. These academies are very prestigious, and selection is brutal, with less than a 10 percent acceptance rate. One requirement to be eligible for an appointment is a congressional nomination. Through my efforts to receive this nomination, I became familiar with our state’s three congressmen. I received nominations from Senator Tester, now former Senator Baucus, and Representative Daines. I am tremendously grateful to all three for their part in my appointment, but personally identify as Republican, so it is no surprise that I relate to Steve Daines on a more profound level.

Steve Daines is a Montanan in every sense of the word. His family goes back five generations in Montana, and he was raised in Bozeman. He went to college in Montana— at MSU— and even worked for Right Now Technologies, a Bozeman startup company. This same company swelled from a 100-person staff to become the largest commercial employer in Bozeman today. As a man of business, he knows how to revitalize our economy, and to provide jobs for our unemployment-stricken nation. Being uniquely qualified by his political experience as a Representative, and his insight into the true needs of Montanans, I can think of no better candidate for our Senate seat.

I realize that as a high schooler, I cannot possibly have the perspective of a seasoned voter. At this point in my life, it is virtually impossible for me to be adept at the political game as any experienced campaigner. I am not trying to implore anyone to simply check off the Conservative box on voting day, rather, I am asking you to seriously consider the reasons Steve Daines is the best man for the job, as I have, not because of his party affiliation, but because of his unique ability to serve every Montanan.

Carlton Sisler

Polson

Respect the flag

A recent picture showed the Polson Pirates basketball team as the cheerleaders presented the colors during the National Anthem. It was disturbing to see almost all of the players, even the coaches, standing with their hands either clasped behind them or at their side.

I felt ashamed. I don’t blame the players; they’re too young to know better. Nor the coaches or staff; they also are younger people. But the generation or two just ahead of them must have failed to teach the proper etiquette.

Are we so focused on academics and sports that we forget to pass on to our youngsters the importance of respect and pride in our flag and our country? These are very important subjects. Our freedom and our way of life should not be just taken for granted.

At least they did play the Anthem and present the colors. How much longer will it take to simply dispense with that also?

David Basta

Polson