Words matter

Words matter. Michael Gale’s latest letter to the editor (Sept. 11) uses allegory to make a point he has made many times before – namely, that no one can trust elected officials, particularly those involved in the water compact negotiations. He is entitled to his opinion and has every right to express it, as do others who do not share his negative views.

I am concerned, however, that Mr. Gale may be stepping over a line in his latest letter. He goes well beyond allegory by seeming to call for violence against government officials.

I enjoy reading letters to the editor and often learn a lot about people’s views and the issues they write about. But I would ask Mr. Gale and other letter writers to carefully consider the impact of their words before putting them into print.

Our democracy flourishes when citizens are involved and actively share their views with others. However, the right to freedom of expression also carries with it the responsibility not to incite violence against those we elect to serve us, even if we disagree with their actions. It’s not easy in these days of 24-hour news channels and name-calling by talking heads to maintain a civil tone in public discourse. But surely we in Western Montana can set a higher standard. Who knows, maybe civility will prove to be catching.

Joanna Shelton

Moiese