Letters to the Editor

Perverse amendment

Voters need to understand some things about Rick Jore and his Constitution Party's proposed "right to life" constitutional amendment.

First, the initiative proposes changing the phrase "All persons are born free..." to "All persons are created free..." -- unmistakable language revealing the underlying inspiration. Courts strike down legislation on First Amendment grounds if the intent or effect is to promote religion. The religious intent here is clear. One would think a "Constitution" Party would know this.

Further, in declaring that a "person" is "a human being at...fertilization" and "has a paramount...right to life," this amendment throws privacy into turmoil. Would medical decisions affecting pregnancies be subject to criminal inquiry? Is a pregnant woman drinking wine with dinner serving alcohol to a minor? Could illegals claim citizenship for a child they claim was conceived in Montana? This initiative is a legal can of worms. (Incidentally, Jore's original bill said "that the 'right to life' does not affect the death penalty," making one wonder what "right to life" really means.)

It's easy to just sign their petition, let them have their vote, then assume they'll quit after losing. They won't. When you're on a mission from God, defeated initiatives and constitutionality are irrelevant.

W. Craig Heymann

1618 Lyndale

Foster care

In Helena and surrounding communities, approximately 200 children are placed into foster care annually. Children in foster care may have been abused, neglected or exposed to violence or substance abuse. Foster homes provide a place for these children to begin healing and a chance for their families to become stronger and healthier. Foster parenting can be challenging, but it has many rewards. It isn't for everybody. If you are committed to strengthening families, a free introductory presentation about foster parenting will be held Jan. 15, 6-9 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, Helena. To register, please contact Liz Hayden or Peggy Colvin at the Department of Public Health and Human Services, 444-2030. One call may change your life and the life of a child!

Liz Hayden, Peggy Colvin, Colleen Lippke, Dwan Winden

Child and Family Services Division

Foster and Adoption Program

316 N. Park

Angel needed

I am in need of an angel.

I am a senior citizen who has been on crutches for 26 years. I have a 1986 Nissan Maxima Wagon which needs a complete front end. I have neither the money or my children or the tools needed to do the work. We have taken it apart, so it would only need good used or new parts and be put back together.

If someone could do this, please call me at 449-7273. I would be eternally grateful and you would always be in my prayers.

Edith Nauf

1629 Aspen #528