Letters to the Editor
Editor, Recently a relative of mine was rushed to the ER in Polson, stabilized, then transported to Missoula a few hours later. Having worked 30 years as an RN, I am well aware how critical, literally, the initial care in our local hospital mattered in terms of outcome. One third of Montana’s population lives in rural areas. Keeping rural hospitals open is absolutely necessary for health, jobs and the economy. Studies by University of Pennsylvania and by the Center for Healthcare Quality and Payment Reform both reveal that it’s low reimbursement from private insurers that cause financial losses to rural hospitals, not the amount of reimbursement received from Medicare a...
Editor, What I love about where we live is our community of people. We are friends and neighbors, sometimes with varying views, but always there for each other in times of need. This election, I encourage all of us to vote for candidates that are not divisive and hateful. For candidates looking for soluti...
Editor, I have known Shirley Azzopardi for over 25 years - as a coworker, a hiking companion, and a friend. Shirley is the best choice for HD 13. She works hard, spending time after work knocking on doors and talking to people about the issues important to them. As a teacher, Shirley believes in a strong ...
Editor, “Hello, Jon!” my outgoing husband cheerily called out to Senator Tester in the concourse of the Salt Lake City Airport. The senator, obviously headed to the men’s room, turned around, grinning, and stuck out his right hand. To my surprise, what followed was a five-minute conversa...
Editor, Consider the economic woes, political turmoil, China news, Putin, car jackings, random shootings, and all manner of negative news coverage. What initiates and drives these sorts of problems? It is what I call FAG: “Fear, Anger, Greed.” This human response is severe...
Editor, This letter supports Dr. Shannon O’Brien for Montana State Superintendent of Schools. The Office of Public Instruction needs leadership that brings change that supports students and teachers in Montana’s schools. Current Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and her former Chief Deputy Susie He...
Editor, When someone tells you who they are, believe them. Tim Sheehy joked about one of his experiences as, “a great way to bond with all the Indians while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.” or throwing beer cans at cultural events. He then repeated his racist remarks to other audiences ...
Editor, Woo-hoo! It’s football season in Montana! So much excitement for all the players, schools and towns of all sizes. But I have always felt a sense of dread come the fall knowing there may be another young football player who suffers a traumatic brain injury and a screwed up life from playing f...
Editor, My experiences hiking and backpacking with Shirley Azzopardi illuminated qualities that will benefit House District 13. Her commitment to the outdoors mirrors her approach to politics, showcasing perseverance, planning and a collaborative spirit. Shirley Azzopardi’s perseverance on ...
Editor, One of my favorite tropes is “Republicans fall in line and Democrats fall in love.” Don Kaltschmidt, Montana Republican Party Chair, in his Missoulian newspaper opinions regularly berates Republicans like Mark Racicot for “not falling in line.” Republicans call these people...
