Letters to the Editor: Ninepipes Museum fundraiser called off
Ninepipes Museum fundraiser called off
Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana regrettably announces the cancellation of its fundraiser scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 9. The decision is based on the extremely high transmission rate of COVID-19 being experienced in Lake County at this time. This is a disappointment for all involved in the planning of the event, but the safety of museum supporters is of paramount concern.
The board of directors and staff look forward to announcing the date of a future fundraiser when it is safe to enjoy the company of friends and neighbors. In the meantime, the museum is open for visitors to enjoy the collections that tell the stories of the people of the Flathead Indian Reservation and of early Montana. Visit ninepipesmuseum.org or call 406-644-3435 for hours of operation.
— Kathy Senkler, Ninepipes Museum of Early Montana
What do masks protect?
Masks protect the freedom of non-expression. Masks protect the criminal identity. Masks protect anti-free market enterprise. Masks protect the crescendo of a fear-based behavioral modification instruction, especially with our precious school children. When did masks transform from a symbol of oppression to a symbol of protection? Does mask wearing in the classroom really protect our children? Ireland, through extensive study, now deems masking of elementary children as child abuse. I agree. Is now, right now, the time to prohibit forced mask wearing in public schools? Doesn’t it feel like free-market American society is being attacked? Wouldn’t most agree that the following classroom instructions have been removed from our public schools: being sovereign under God almighty, ideals of free-market enterprise, the importance of property rights and the pursuit of happiness? Perhaps a solution is to invoke our individual power and participate at our local decision-making public school board meetings and demand a prohibition against forced mask wearing. The ultimate question, do we as Americans possess the innate courage, the depth of faith, to go as far as is needed to save our children, America’s future?
— David Passieri, St Ignatius
COVID-19 numbers tell a story
When many opinions swirl about COVID-19 infections, looking at numbers helps me reach conclusions.
Montana has a large rural population, no huge cities, and you’d expect that the relatively dispersed population would mean reduced infection transmission. Montana is the fourth largest state in square miles but only has one phone area code, 406. Relatively speaking, there aren’t a lot of people here, and we’re spread out. Wyoming is similar.
In Montana, 1 out of every 603 people has died from COVID-19 since January 2020, and 49% of people have been vaccinated.
In Wyoming, 1 out of every 693 people has died from COVID-19 since January 2020, and 38% have been vaccinated.
Let’s look at two western states with more population density, Washington and Oregon.
In Washington, 1 out of every 1,170 people has died from COVID-19 since January 2020, and 60% have been vaccinated.
In Oregon, 1 out of every 1,359 people has died from COVID-19 since January 2020, and 57% have been vaccinated.
COVID-19 deaths in proportion to population are about double in Montana and Wyoming than they are in either — Washington or Oregon despite our less crowded population. I’m disheartened that many Montanans do not take protective action, like masks and vaccination, when we’re faced with the most basic reality of this virus – that it’s potentially deadly and extremely contagious.
Note: Data for this letter is from the New York Times Coronavirus Tracker on Aug. 27, 2021.
— Stephanie Brancati, Big Arm
Repair locally
This 87-year-old senior was dreading trips to the big cities south and north of us to solve a serious shoulder issue. Fortunately, a nurse informed me that orthopedic surgery is available in Ronan at St. Lukes.
I met with the surgeon, Dr. Davis, there and left feeling grateful that I did.
Due to my age I try to avoid trips to the larger cities.
— Peter Daniels, Polson