Letters to the editor Oct. 26

Pleasant reminders

My family starts each day with the paper. Without social media or video news in our home, this is how my kids learn what’s happening in the world. The picture is often bleak (beyond the success of their favorite teams or a funny comic). With election season in its final stretch, the vitriol is loud and it’s hard to deny the meanness of people (the president included) when it’s evident in their own words and actions. 

It was a surprise to come across two opinion pieces on Wednesday, Oct. 21. First, Dr. Mandy Stebbins shared her experience attending the Trump rally, not in protest but to learn more about different perspectives. She called for a return to respectful discourse and a refusal of hate. Perhaps most notably, she questioned if she herself was guilty of unkind attacks. I couldn’t help but celebrate this commentary saying, “Listen! You can be with those you disagree with and try to learn from them. You can ask yourself how you can do better. That’s courage.” 

Down the page Dr. Gina Nelson shared about three men who helped her in a time of need, describing their different attributes and shining a light on what it means to be decent. Amid giggles over her descriptions, I exclaimed “Look! There are good men in the world. Do you see how they cared for their friend? They made such an impact with their simple acts of kindness.” 

There are terrible things happening in the world, but there’s also goodness — my kids see it in our community with their teachers, coaches, parents of friends and the people we run into at Costco. And while elections are fast approaching and who we elect matters, how we treat one another day-to-day matters more. Thank you to the voices reminding us of this.

— Katie Whisenand, Kalispell

Hardworking Eddy

I worked as a judicial assistant at the Flathead County District Court for over 32 years. I was fortunate, and very lucky, to have worked for and with Judge Amy Eddy for 10 of those years. She is one of the most hardworking individuals that I have ever known.

I greatly admire and respect Judge Eddy’s dedication, commitment and diligence presiding over and ruling on criminal, civil and domestic matters. Her fairness and impartiality that she has exhibited as a sitting judge in Flathead County shows that she will be an excellent addition to the Montana Supreme Court as your next Supreme Court Justice.

— Kathy Froystad, Kalispell

The nonpartisan choice

Courts in Montana have been nonpartisan for 90 years, beginning in 1936. Judge Amy Eddy strongly believes that this has served Montana well and that we should retain our nonpartisan courts. 

Unfortunately, her opponent believes the opposite. As a result of a bill Republican legislators passed in the last legislative session, which our governor signed, political parties can now donate to judicial candidates. This is a big change. Most Montanans believe that our country has become too partisan. By injecting political parties and their money into our judicial races our citizens will wonder whether our courts are fair, independent and impartial. 

Eddy’s opponent has shown his partisan stripes by taking over $40,000 from the Republican party and has participated in frequent Republican gatherings. Whereas, Eddy has taken no money from political parties and attended no partisan events. Eddy believes in nonpartisan courts and is walking her talk. Eddy will judge fairly and have respect for all who appear in her courtroom without political in influence.

Keep politics out of the courtroom, vote for Judge Amy Eddy for Montana Supreme Court.

— Craig McClure, Polson

Farmers don’t need another Trump ‘yes man’

I have spent over 25 years working with Montana producers, processors and community development professionals to promote and strengthen our local food systems. I am alarmed by what is happening in our rural communities today because of President Trump’s policies. That’s why I’m casting my vote for Sam Forstag for Congress.  

Farmers and ranchers have struggled for years with high costs and markets that are controlled by just a few huge corporations. What we are seeing now, though, is unprecedented and driven by the reckless policies of the current administration. Tariffs have driven up the cost of machinery and hurt export markets. Cuts at USDA have reduced services and grant programs that farmers rely on. The ongoing war against Iran has sent the price of diesel and fertilizer soaring, with no end in sight.

Increased costs not only hurt producers, but also our rural communities. Mechanics, parts stores, and even local coffee shops feel the pinch. The so-called Big Beautiful Bill is making it harder for rural hospitals to provide services.  

Agriculture is still the backbone of Montana’s economy. We need a Congress that will stand up for Montanans. We don’t need another “yes man” for Trump, which is what Aaron Flint will clearly be.

We need Sam Forstag who will fight for policies that support rural areas and agriculture rather than undermine them. Let’s send someone to Washington who will actually work for Montanans’ best interests. Let’s send Sam.

— Neva Hassanein, Missoula