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Stifling debate keeps bad deal hidden

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Benjamin Franklin said “Without freedom of thought, there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.”

Lately it seems that water compact proponents have done all they can to stifle the local debate with much fanfare but with little if any success. These compact proponents are panicking because now that details of the compact have seen the light of day, people are not buying into the argument that this compact is a good deal for western Montana. Stifling debate is the only way to keep the facts of this bad deal hidden.

On the same note, it is unfortunate that a representative of the people would also stoop to the same tactics that show such little regard for the freedom of speech of his constituents or for their serious concerns about the Flathead water compact. I can only come to this conclusion after seeing that Dan Salomon used his legislative notes column in the local paper to personally call out a constituent that disagrees with his position on the water compact. Was his response to my letter appropriate considering the fact that I’d only conveyed what many others before me had already said? 

You have to ask why he chose to strike out against one constituent over the many others who have taken the time to write letters concerning this very important issue. Is it possible that Dan Salomon intended to specifically give a strong message to other constituents that if they speak out against the compact, he might just go after them in his next column? Let’s hope that’s not the case, because if it were, people might get the impression that Mr. Salomon does not respect his oath of office, his constituents, or freedom of speech. 

When legislators are sworn into office, they take the following oath: “I do solemnly swear that I will support, protect and defend the constitution of the United States, and the constitution of the state of Montana, and that I will discharge the duties of my office with fidelity, so help me God.” 

It seems to me that our representatives should be held to a higher standard than the average person. People trust that they will be fairly represented, and would like nothing more than to ensure their voices are heard. I defend Dan’s freedom of speech as I do my own, but am disappointed in his inability to properly discern the responsibilities that come with his position and with the rights that he swore to protect. 

Dan didn’t swear an oath to protect the Constitution for some of his constituents, he swore to protect it for all of them.

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