Since the Aug. 5 Whitefish Pilot with the article "Local economic recovery could be 8 years off" hit the stands, I have received $650,000 in real estate cancellations in two days.

The negotiations were just beginning to be structured. In each case, local friends/family contacted the potential buyers and read them the article. One was a $300,000 1031 Tax Transfer that will now leave the state; the other, $350,000 land with a $700,000 to $800,000 house to be constructed, will put the project "on hold."

"Maybe the Flathead is not right for us at this time. This article scares us!"

Is this akin to shouting fire in a theater? In this fragile economic environment, it takes but one whisper of smoke and the masses get crushed in the exit tunnels.

It appears the author and the messenger have created a self-fulfilling prophecy. It amazes me any financial prophet has such a clear picture of the future, especially eight years down the road.

But, if that is the case, I can certainly understand why the Pilot would put this indisputable analysis on the front page. Breaking bad news is the mantra of selling papers.

Bill Milner

Whitefish