Letters to the editor

America dumbed down

Losing is tough but I really feel it this time, Dubya et al. At least the gods did flick a nib from their curls: Schweitzer was my pick. I still think enough of us knew better than to re-elect the prez and am dubious. But it may be that the deliberate dumbing-down of America has become the effective reality. My friend laughs at me for voting and I know he's on to something: I got all exited and hopeful.

Gary Brown

3110 "B" Hickman Rd

Buying locally

My stack of this season's catalogs passed two feet today.

Regardless of their "to walk or not walk" politics, your readers' catalogs and on-line shopping (but not buying) can help Helena downtown merchants. Here are some of my successes:

Husband's sports jacket -- found in fancy men's catalog. By George had the same jacket for me within a week for less.

Giant easel blackboard/art board -- Lasso the Moon had the same model as a catalog. I didn't pay postage, and the proprietor carried the big, beautifully wrapped package to my car.

Franco Sarto shoes -- I admired my Seattle daughter's gorgeous shoes. Sole Sisters had the exact same shoes in my size, minus the sales tax.

Katharine Hepburn books -- Shortly after Katharine's death, Montana Book Company researched and found a dozen books about Katharine. Some were still in print, some were not. I paid less than on Amazon.com, didn't have to spend the time searching and didn't pay postage.

Corkscrew -- Only once was the Panhandler unable to order in an item I wanted because the French corkscrew wholesaler required a minimum order of six. I later found the models carried by the Panhandler were just as good and much less expensive.

Diana S. Dowling

519 North Rodney

Recycling aid

The Student Advocates for Valuing the Environment would like to thank the community for all the support we received with our "America Recycles Day" event and ongoing efforts.

Special thanks the Windsor Ballroom, Carroll College, Lewis and Clark Brewery, The Filling Station, Action Print, Café Mam, Blackfoot River Brewery, our Irish Musicians and Strangers With a Western Grip for participating in the benefit.

We also thank the many businesses that contributed to our silent auction and in other ways, our volunteers, and all who came to share the celebration and who have encouraged us along the way.

View pictures of the event and more about recycling at Savemobile.org.

Matt Elsaesser, chairman

Alaina Garcia, treasurer

The S.A.V.E. Foundation

P.O. Box 1481

A different game

The "Comedy of Errors" story on the Bobcat-Grizzly game was a story on a different game than the one I watched on TV. Perhaps it was just a "sour grapes" version of the game by a pro-Bobcat sports writer.

In the game I watched the Grizzlies outmanned the Bobcats at every position, except wide receiver. Gatewood of the Bobcats was the premier wide receiver. He will probably be playing at the next level some day.

The Bobcats fought hard, as they always do, but the fact of the matter is, simply: The Grizzlies were the better team. The story in the IR should have reflected that fact.

Cordell Johnson

844 S. California

Oitzinger's comments

Mr. Don Hurni and I remember my comments concerning the Helena Property Owners' Association opposition to the Great Northern Town Center loan deferral differently. Mr. Hurni indicates I referred to the Association as mean-spirited. I remember saying that some of the comments made concerning the loan deferral proposal were mean-spirited. I did regret that somewhat pointed statement about the dialog as soon as I said it, but hey, sometimes I call 'em as I see 'em. The conversation was beginning to be about whether Mr. Nicholson was getting better treatment than other Helena developers. I hope we will have other developers that will step up and make central city blighted areas into great attractions. I would certainly try to effect appropriate city support for such developers and developments to the good of all of Helena--just like we have with Mr. Nicholson and the Great Northern.

Sandy Oitzinger

801 Stuart Street