Letters to the Editor

Help appreciated

The Montana Hope Project, on behalf of our recipient children and families, wish to extend our thanks and appreciation to Robyn and Lonnie of The Leather Store in Helena for hosting the 2nd year Poker ride for the benefit of the Montana Hope Project. We also wish to thank all those who assisted, to all those who donated, and especially to all those who participated, to make this year such a success. With your help, we can continue to grant Montana's chronically to terminally ill children their wish.

Thank you very much!

Perry L Brown, vice president/treasurer

Montana Hope Project

P.O. Box 5927

Unprofessional

Stating that the IR worked "to report completely and accurately" a tragedy and that this newspaper was "obligated to report those stores to fully understand the complexities of our lives and the challenges we might have to confront" is a patronizing attempt to deflect legitimate criticism of this newspaper's professionalism.

In America, people are presumed innocent until found guilty. An arrest warrant outlines allegations, not facts. The only person that needs that detail is the judge deciding whether to issue the warrant request. Material the IR determined was "essential to telling the story" was not reported by any other local or national media outlet. Queen City News, the Associated Press, and KTVH television presented factually accurate yet tasteful accounts of what occurred. Laura Tode did not. More than one of Tode's explicit details excerpted from the warrant was inaccurate or misleading.

Obviously there is more to this story. A hearing panel that evaluated the merits of the accusations contained in the warrant cleared Narles Layne of wrongdoing.

Tode and the IR have exhibited poor journalistic skill and lack of integrity. The media must carefully do their jobs without prejudgment, tabloid sensationalism and adding to the anguish inherent in this tragedy.

Wylie A. Rucker

2005 Flowerree St.

Board backs I-149

The Lewis and Clark City County Board of Health unanimously endorsed an initiative that simply represents good public health policy. It was an easy decision to support Initiative 149, the proposed tobacco tax increase that will appear on the ballot on Nov. 2. If passed, this initiative will benefit all Montanans by decreasing tobacco use, discouraging our youth from starting smoking, decreasing health care costs associated with tobacco use and increasing funding for important health related programs. Additionally, the initiative guarantees long-term funding and most likely increased dollars for our veteran's homes in the state. As viewed by the Board of Health, this is a win for everyone. Simply stated, a vote for Initiative 149 is a vote that will save lives.

Peter Donovan, chairman

Lewis and Clark City-County Board of Health

1930 9th Ave.

Show compassion

I was very upset after reading the article in the Wednesday, Oct. 6 IR concerning Narles Yde-Layne. The article started on the front page of the newspaper, and when I turned to the back page was horrified and shocked by the second headline and what I read concerning the events. The tragic story regarding this young man's life should have ended with his death. To go on in detail about the alleged rape and exactly what happened was totally inappropriate. The event has affected all of Narles' family members, the young woman involved and also the Helena community. There is a shock wave going across the city with sadness for all that knew Narles and also for those that did not know him.

This young woman has been through enough without exposing what should have been private details.

In the future please have a little compassion for all people involved. It is not necessary to go into intimate detail. Don't stoop to the level of the "National Enquirer."

Terry Sather

714 Second St.

Foreign policy

I have heard this question asked so many times from Republicans. "What experience does John Kerry have in foreign policy?"

My question to you is, "What experience did appointed President George W Bush have four years ago?" Last I heard Texas was not a foreign country.

Liz Eich

7895 Margaret Lane

Special Olympics

On Aug. 26, The Broadwater Athletic Clubs hosted The Broadwater Olympics and Barbecue, to let our members know how much we appreciate them as well as involve them in a fundraiser for The Special Olympics. Despite the dismal weather, the fundraiser was a tremendous success! Without the participation and contributions of Broadwater members, many members of the community, and local businesses, we would not have been able to present a generous check for over $1,000 to the Special Olympics.

Thank you Jamie's Auto Body, Parriman Construction, DA Davidson, Kleen King, First Montana Title, Capital Sports, Hair Hair, Montana City Counseling, Piper Lynch, Tara Mercer, Fireside Coffee, Capital City Laundry, Albertsons, Vann's Thriftway, Heritage IGA, County Market, Village Crafts, Air Jam, A-1 Rentals,.and J & J Tire!

The Broadwater Athletic Clubs would also like to thank our members, Governor Martz, the Helena Titans, Kay Fox and the Special Olympic Athletes for braving the cold and carrying the torch. We are very proud to be a part of this community, and to give back to such a deserving group of athletes.

Lehni Garza, special event coordinator, Broadwater Athletic Clubs

4920 Hwy 12 W.

Self interest?

Outta work? Energy costs higher? Like a war? Yep, keep voting Republican. Question: Are you really voting your best self-interest?

Jay Gore

127 Crestview Lane

Missoula

Meat and energy

Last week's crossing of the symbolic $50 mark for a barrel of oil should be a clear wake-up call for national energy policy officials.

According to the U.S. Geological Survey, global oil reserves are fixed at around 3,000 billion barrels. Likely fields have been explored and assessed. Yet, the annual global consumption of 27 billion barrels is growing at 1.6 percent, threatening to outstrip current production capacity.

Our desperate dependence on oil imports precipitated the invasion of Iraq and will lead to future disastrous adventures. Combustion of fossil fuels is precipitating a global warming crisis. Both concerns demand a drastic reduction in fuel use for our cars, our homes, and our diets.

Yes, our diets. According to Cornell University Professor David Pimentel, production of animal protein accounts for eight percent of our national consumption of fossil fuels, nearly as much as driving our cars. It requires eight times as much fuel as production of plant protein. The additional fuel powers manufacture of fertilizers, operation of farm machinery and factory farms, and processing and refrigeration of meat products.

Anyone who cares about world peace and environmental conservation should be aware of the impacts of meat production on their next trip to the supermarket.

Henry Imhoff

1105 Knight St