Letters to the editor

Right fire decisions

Sen. Barkus, R-Kalispell, is wrong to attack Montana firefighters who have worked tirelessly this year to deal with multiple fires sparked by record-breaking heat.

Sen. Barkus called for an investigation of firefighting decisions and accused the U.S. Forest Service of "negligence" in responding to fires in the Gates of the Mountains wilderness.

Records show lightning ignited five new fires in the Gates of the Mountains area that night -- adding to fires near Interstate 15 and Little Wolf Creek that posed threats to homes and communities.

The goal for all these fires was to put them out and protect property -- without loss of life. Four of the fires were put out. Firefighters used every means at their disposal to contain the fifth, but with steep, rocky canyons and rugged terrain, conditions were too extreme to put the fire out.

Thanks to cool heads and hard work, no lives or homes were lost. Thirteen white crosses in the very next canyon remind us that their commanders had good reason to consider the lives of young firefighters in managing the Meriwether fire.

"Negligence?"

I say thank you, Montana firefighters for doing a great job under dangerous conditions.

Walter Walsh

1216 ½ 8th Ave

Socratic method

There are at least three supporters of Bush-Cheney who were grossly offended by Paul Richards' suggestion that we impeach the two rascals. I believe Paul has a better understanding of the topic, but I disagree with Paul that it is impractical at this point in time and would only tie up the Congress in an unsuccessful effort.

Republicans stick together, as we all know and will see demonstrated once again as the senator from Idaho chooses to defend his conduct. They hushed up the conduct of the senator from Louisiana who appeared on the telephone bill of a D.C. madam. They whisked out of town to a "treatment center" the congressman who was a predator of pages.

One of the three correspondents in the Sept. 16 issue chose to interject the Socratic Method -- questioning, that is.

If he really wants to go that route, my first question would be, please explain to me just how Iraq would be fighting over here if we were not fighting over there now, as your president keeps proclaiming? Please be precise as to how they would successfully invade these United States. Or is Mr. Bush telling lies again?

Ray Peck

2412 Columbia Ave.

$6 solution

The recent news regarding campaign-contribution bundling by Norman Hsu reminds me of a presentation I heard over NPR by former Sens. Bill Bradley and Alan Simpson.

Although they represent opposite ends of the partisan spectrum, they both agreed that large campaign contributions constitute nothing less than bribery by another name. Large campaign contributions enable those with wealth to have undue influence on legislation, and the average Joe comes out the loser.

Not only that, but the need to raise a lot of money soaks up an inordinate amount of time that could well be used to carefully consider proposed legislation. Bradley and Simpson tell us that for just $6 per person, we could publicly finance the congressional and presidential campaigns and thereby take away this undemocratic influence. They have a Web site called www.just6dollars.org.

Tom Larson

2001 9th Ave.

Consider foster parenting

Every day, there are hundreds of reasons to get involved as a foster parent in our corner of Montana.

They are the number of children and youth currently in local foster homes because their own families are in crisis and unable to provide for their essential needs.

Foster families ensure the safety, permanency and well-being of children while they are temporarily placed in a caring foster home. In and around Helena, there is an urgent need for more foster parents to provide homes for children and youth of all ages.

Please consider becoming a foster parent -- your commitment will foster the future of a child in need. Call toll-free today: 1-866-936-7837.

Liz Hayden, Peggy Colvin, Colleen Lippke

DPHHS/Child and Family Services Foster and Adoption Program

A rebate is a rebate

I've read criticism in these pages about Gov. Schweitzer's $400 rebate of surplus taxes. Usually it's Republicans attacking a Democratic governor.

Hmmm, I remember receiving a rebate of surplus taxes back in 1994. That time it was via income tax, not property tax, but the philosophy and method was the same.

The governor that time was Republican Marc Racicot. It is sound policy to return a surplus, without carving in stone a new way of taxing. Just because the system furnished a surplus one biennium doesn't mean it always will. I didn't complain about a check in the mail then, and I'm not complaining now.

Beth Murphy

104 Elmwood Lane

Thanks from ride organizers

The committee for the York 38 Special Bicycle Ride wants to thank all of our wonderful sponsors, riders, volunteers and other contributors for once again making this a successful event.

We were blessed with great weather, and 114 riders enjoyed the scenery, snacks and exercise in the mountain air.

We do not have room to thank each individual sponsor and volunteer here, so just know how much we appreciate and need your continued support.

We want to acknowledge the Helena National Forest personnel who worked so hard to help us make this ride a reality.

We also send special thanks to the members of the committee; the volunteers who worked the ride and contributed homemade goodies for the aid stations; Mike Walker and the Big Sky Cyclery for the bike mechanic and doing the test rides; the volunteer firemen and their families who worked the aid stations and patrols; the volunteer emergency medical technicians; the logistical support organizations for everything from water and food to porta-potties; and a special thanks to every rider who supported us by registering -- without you there is no ride. On behalf of the committee, the YVFD and the community -- thanks.

Tina Limon

York 38 Special Bicycle Ride Committee

Better deer ideas

Our class is concerned about the increasing deer problem in Helena and feels that the proposal to kill deer may be an unfair solution. Helena is growing, and we are building homes in what used to be the deer habitat. They need somewhere to go!

Many of us love nature and enjoy watching the deer grazing. We feel they have as much right to live in our city as people do. We also understand that they create a safety issue and we can't ignore their growing population. We would like to offer some other ideas:

n We liked Sen. Dave Lewis' solution of hanging CDs from trees.

n People could spray their yards with something that is safe for the environment but still keeps the deer away from gardens.

n Perhaps someone could develop a deer whistle like what many people put on their cars.

n There are some areas of the country the deer population is decreasing; we could try to move our deer there.

n Fence areas that you don't want deer to invade.

Some of us are afraid that pets or other people may be accidentally shot. We think if people would all take this seriously and meet together we could come up with a better idea.

Mrs. Shepherd's fourth-grade class

Jim Darcy Elementary School

A week to remember

This week we celebrate one of the single most important events in America's history, the signing of our Constitution. For more than 200 years, this document has been the tool that has shaped our federal government. As a member of Congress, it's a great privilege to be able to stand up every two years and swear to uphold its ideals.

This week is Constitution Week, which is a great opportunity to sit down with your kids and tell them about this important document and the rights we have as Americans. These lessons should never be forgotten, and it's important we continue to pass them from generation to generation. However, it's also critical these lessons extend beyond merely one week per year. America's unique dedication to freedom was built through a strong, written guide and that guide is as important as ever today.

The framers of our Constitution created a document that has withstood the test of time, and their shadow continues to be a constant presence in the work I'm doing in Washington, D.C., on behalf of Montana. This week, let us all pay homage and remember those who first sacrificed in order to give us what we have today.

Rep. Denny Rehberg