Letters to the editor Sept. 3

Where's the service?

In response to the Inter Lake Editorial published Thursday Aug. 13, the last paragraph really got my attention. Can we really expect the Forest Service to be proactive in making sure Blankenship remains pristine, now and into the future?

The answer is no. The Forest Service, if proactive at all, will only complicate the issue by passing it off to a concessionaire and wash their hands of the problem altogether.

The Forest Service through the years has had a hands-off approach to recreation management unless it involves enlisting others to do their job for them.

I remember a time when seeing a Forest Service representative at least once during a weekend camping trip was standard. Recently I was fortunate to spend 16 days in a camp to only see them driving down the main road going who knows where for the day. In the past they even knew how to deliver toilet paper to the outhouses!

Forest Service ... Even the name is misleading. There is no service.

—John Piper, Columbia Falls

Case against masks

I am one of those healthy people that Julie Martin RN wrote about in her letter to the editor Aug. 16. Thank you Julie for standing up for us and sharing a different perspective than the same one we are fed every day in the news. Very professionally done - your critical thinking is sorely needed these days.

So many studies have been done over the years regarding masks that come to the same conclusion - masks show no significant benefit in warding off viral infections. According to reports I've read, the CDC's own studies show the same findings, so why are they pushing everyone to wear them?

However, if people feel the need to wear a mask, I have no problem with that - it is their choice. But please allow the same freedom for those of us who choose not to wear a mask.

The real defense against a virus, or any disease, is a healthy immune system. Why are there no protocols given to build and maintain a healthy and strong immune system? Herd immunity never comes from vaccines or covering your face with a mask. Let's take care of the amazing immune system that God gave us so we can face any virus that may come our way and build real immunity.

—Carol Smith, Kalispell

Influence

Just this week, high school students in the Flathead Valley started promoting new chapters of Turning Point USA (TPUSA), a partisan group known for promoting misinformation, attacks on college professors and racist stereotypes. This organization was created to increase engagement by Republican youth.

For those unaware, this group held an event known as the Campus Clash at Montana State University in May of 2019. Rep. Greg Gianforte provided funds to start this group and both Gianforte and Sen. Steve Daines introduced the event with effusive praise for its main speaker and TPUSA founder, Charlie Kirk. Kirk also visited the Flathead Valley in March 2020.

When the pandemic shut down his campus tours, Kirk turned to spreading misinformation about Democrats and the Covid-19 response. He has consistently pushed hydroxychloroquine as “100% effective.” He coined the term “China virus” which was then tweeted and used regularly by President Trump. He has pushed to reopen despite the dangers for the sake of the economy. He has been virulently anti-mask.

TPUSA is not a scientific organization. Charlie Kirk is simply a social influencer who has made a name sowing dissension. His talking points are simply dangerous as we see rising cases across Montana just as school is set to begin. The fact that key players in our Montana GOP amplified this dangerous nonsense, and someone who wants to be our future Governor funds such a group, should not be ignored. The cofounder of Turning Points, Bill Montgomery, died from coronavirus in July, a strong reminder that science and the threat from coronavirus are real, whether or not you choose to believe in them.

As a parent and teacher, I am concerned about the influence of TPUSA on Montana high school and college students, and I want other parents and teachers to be aware.

—Patience Burns, Kalispell

Small businesses

Almost 23,000 small businesses in our state received a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan to help combat the COVID-19 pandemic and keep workers employed while they navigate these uncertain times. The loans have been extremely beneficial in keeping our economy moving, but with no end in sight from this virus, our elected officials must continue working to help small businesses survive.

A new bipartisan bill in Congress called the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act would provide small businesses in Montana with significant relief. The legislation will forgive PPP loans less than $150,000 and give business owners the opportunity to focus their time and effort on recovering from COVID-19’s impact while also stimulating local economies. This legislation is simple, smart, and has the capability to help millions of Americans.

Senator Jon Tester has been a strong advocate for small businesses in Montana and has lent his support specifically to PPP legislation throughout the pandemic. Now more than ever, small businesses need the leadership and support from lawmakers like Senator Tester to get the job done. It would be great to see him support the Paycheck Protection Small Business Forgiveness Act.

—Steve Waatti, Whitefish

No respect

I couldn’t help but notice the joy and the smiles when observing the Trump rally in Whitefish on Monday evening. I didn’t see one “F* Biden” sign, nor any other sign that painted the opposition in an angry light. All I saw, from the Trump camp, was what they wanted for the next four years.

In contrast, the opponents with their “F* Trump” slogans and music laden with foul language appeared to be angry. Wouldn’t it be refreshing if the Democrat camp created a vision for the next four years like “Biden2020” or “Our best days still lie ahead,” rather than yelling and displaying profanities?

I read once that “tearing down, or painting so intense a picture of misery and injustice does not cause one to change the world. Instead, arousing in folks a sense of their own capacities for accomplishment and helping them to realize their own great and generous hearts with which to love others, inspires change.”

May we always choose to inspire others through kindness rather than anger.

—Catherine Owens, Whitefish

Words matter

Words are powerful.

They can inspire and unite us. They can also destroy and divide us.

These are the words of President Donald Trump. The following quotes are taken, word-for-word, in context.

Read them out loud to yourself. How do you feel? Read them to a friend. Read them to your son or daughter, husband or wife. See how they feel.

“Women, you have to treat them like s---”

“When they gaze upon Yo-sem-eyet’s, Yo semen-eyet’s towering sequoias, their love of country grows stronger.”

“Why, why do I have to, you know, repent. Why do I have to ask for forgiveness if you’re not making mistakes?”

“Did I do a great job, God? I'm the only one that could do it.”

"I love getting even with people."

“Very fine people." (White Supremacists, Nazis and those marching with them.)

"If we didn't do testing, we'd have no cases."(Testing does not cause COVID-19)

“I think it's embarrassing for the country to allow protesters.”

“Frankly, we should get rid of judges”

“Media is the enemy of the American people.”

“I am the only one that matters.”

“Knock the crap out of him – seriously."

"Any Jew that votes Democrat is disloyal.”

“I’m greedy, greedy, greedy."

“The point is, you can never be too greedy."

“I moved on her like a b----, and she was married.”

“It never happened. She’s not my type." (Trump denial when accused of rape)

"I wish her well. I do wish her well. I’m not looking for anything bad for her.” (to accused sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell)

“It is what it is.” (responding to 1,000 Americans dying of COVD every day.)

Now please ask yourself. Do you and your family want four more years of this?

—Eric Funk, Whitefish