Letters to the Editor

Tolerating Butcher

How much longer is the Republican Party going to tolerate Rep. Butcher and his derogatory, bigoted remarks? He has disparaged Native Americans, the developmentally disabled and been disdainful of other legislators and their bills. And yet the Republican Party leaders continue to turn a blind eye to his comments. Is this what the Republican Party in Montana believes in? Is this what the people of Winifred believe in? I hope not.

And just for the record Rep. Butcher, one of the reasons it is so important to have Indian education for all is that while our communication was not just by "sign language" as you so ignorantly put it, much of our history is verbal. Our culture passes their knowledge along from generation to generation through stories and verbal accountings, and if we are not allowed to share that knowledge it will be lost. Learning about Montana's indigenous peoples is not an inconvenience any more than learning about German history in Germany is. I would hope that our young people will share in the knowledge and grow up more informed and less likely to turn toward prejudice and intolerance. You might want to seek some of that knowledge yourself.

Michelle Clayborn Kunnary

1680 Kelly Road

Helping vets

I am providing this in light of the recent tragedy involving a young service member who had recently returned from Iraq.

Evaluation, referral, and treatment programs is available from Military OneSource. This free 24-hour service, provided by the Department of Defense, is available to all active duty, current Guard, and Reserve members and their families. Services include consultation online or by telephone, with referral for up to six free face-to-face counseling sessions, on issues including combat stress, reunion and reintegration, and family relationship, to a professional in your community. You can reach the program by calling toll-free 1-800-342-9647 or through the Web site at http://www.militaryonesource.com. Remember, your privacy is assured and no one knows you reached out for support unless there is a threat of harm to yourself or others.

Jim Dwyer

Disabled Veterans Outreach Person -- Helena Job Service

Experience disabilities

Since 1975, Spring Meadow Resources has been providing services to individuals with disabilities. To give staff a deeper insight into the world of disabilities, Mary Ulrich, our residential services specialist, has been assigning residential staff a disability that staff must work with for a full shift.

Some of those disabilities have included vision in only one eye, impaired hearing, the inability to speak, and one side of the body without dexterity or motion.

Our staff stated that this was a profound experience for each of them. They learned more about having a disability in that one shift than the months or years they had been working with those with disabilities.

I challenge each of you to try not using one of your senses -- even for an hour. Perhaps you can begin to understand the frustration some folks live with and through each and every day. I also ask each of you to be a little more patient, a little more kind. None of us knows what the next deal of the cards of life will bring to us.

Tiffany Sauer

Spring Meadow Resources

2850 Broadwater Ave.

Look up the facts

I feel a need to respond to Steve Lodahl's comments printed in the March 20 IR.

Mr. Lodahl, you are correct when you say there was no cry from Democrats when President Clinton let go of all U.S. Attorneys.

You need to look up the facts; almost all presidents let these people go when they come into office for their first term, as did yours.

What your administration did was to fire these people after a midterm election because they were not aggressively investigating Democrats or were investigating Republicans. They then tried to hide behind the Patriot Act. This act states that the Attorney General may replace these attorneys under a national emergency. Where is the emergency, Mr. Lodahl? The actions of your president and his administration are an abuse of power and near criminal. If you want a justice system that works this way, then PLEASE keep thinking and voting the way you are and let the Democratic Party give the Constitution and the Bill of Rights back to the people of the U.S.A.

James Wood, 2685 Colt

Indian education

Whoa! Is anyone else in shock over the recent disclosures of Rep. Butcher?! I can not believe the ignorant and racial statements he has expressed toward his Native American constituents and legislation for Indian Education funding. As a native Montanan, I am extremely embarrassed by his words and intentions.

Butcher is a good "representative" of the people who have an inadequate education of our Native Peoples and their culture. He shows us by example, the eminent need for funding of Indian Education in the schools of Montana, (and in our legislature!). And yes, Rep. Butcher despite your ignorance and disrespectful ways -- you are right on one thing. The funding of Indian Education is a "non-issue," and is, without argument, a subject of healing and understanding that is long overdue for the children and adults of Montana.

I have been a silent supporter of Indian rights for years. Butcher has inspired me to write this letter in support for our Native people. Are there any other takers out there? Get involved now, do the right thing. Write a letter and SUPPORT INDIAN EDUCATION FUNDING!

Christine Simonich

PO Box 278, Clancy

No credibility

Betterment for the people in Rimini is at taxpayer expense. To qualify for the sewer-water system one needs only an outdoor privy on his land and most land is worthless until taxpayers install the system. Then the landowner can capitalize on your investment. The Rimini Sewerwater Board approached me saying it would increase the valuation of my properties and their consultant, Portage Environmental, says this is commonplace. As a taxpayer I disagree entirely with such a format.

DEQ approved similar systems in the past for communities. In time, these become outdated. In Rimini, installation of the proposed drainfield in a perennial stream will emit contaminants into Tenmile Creek the next generation will have to contend with. From a design standpoint, this draw is too narrow to facilitate such an installation. The amount of phosphate levels that will be dispersed over time is ridiculous. Downstream will suffer in the long term. Credibility has been lost with EPA and CDM. They have shown that in Libby. Can you believe sod has been installed on two parcels with no provision for watering? After years of remediation EPA has proven itself more of a hazard than mining in Rimini ever was.

Jim Martin

3642 Rimini Road