Editorial

Some of area's finest will be on hand for spring scrimmage

Jim Blow

Letters to the editor

Brushfires of Freedom forms in valley

Editor,
America is awakening to the fact that the “fundamental changes” being implemented by progressives in our government are destructive to our economy, security, liberties, present and future prosperity. Our country has never been more divided and the changes are coming at us fast and furious.
This transformation, we have discovered, is not only a redistribution of America’s wealth, but also a blatant attack on our freedom. Our Constitution has been subverted, and for all intents and purposes, is a meaningless piece of paper in the eyes of both Democrat and Republican leaders.
Coming to the realization that our government is out of control and has serious problems is important, but actually coming up with viable solutions and engaging other Americans in working on those solutions is the challenge that we face. Americans are resourceful, resilient, and fully capable of finding solutions to problems. We’ve proven time and time again that we can pull together during difficult times and the time has come for us to make some tough choices about the direction we want to see our country move.
Brushfires of Freedom is a non-profit, non-political group that’s been organized as a forum for all concerned citizens to gather together to focus on the problems at hand and to find solutions. Our goal is to educate citizens about topics and issues that have contributed to the erosion of Constitutional principles and the very freedoms and liberties we can no longer afford to take for granted.
To accomplish this mission, Brushfires of Freedom offers four separate discussion and education groups, designed to promote self-education, self reliance, personal responsibility, and community building. Each group will meet once a month and supplemental educational offerings will be available on our website. Brushfires of Freedom will offer the grassroots foundation for taking action to strengthen our community and empowering citizens to hold their representatives accountable to the Constitution.
Check out our website at www.brushfiresmt.com, and contact us with questions. Also watch the newspaper and the bulletin boards in your community for meeting information. We look forward to you joining us at one or more of our group meetings to help us begin the process of restoring our country.
Dave and Milla Koger
Ronan
Bob and Elke Starks
Terry Backs
Former co-founders of Calling All Conservatives
St. Ignatius

We must deal with fear

Editor,
Having just returned from a month-in-the-sun trip, picking up the April 8 Valley Journal and eager to catch up on local news, I was struck by one article in particular: "Panel delves into women's issues."
As Melea Burke reported, "Addiction, Social Security, and mental health were just some of the topics covered in a panel discussion sponsored by the Flathead Human Rights Coalition and focused on women's issues last Wednesday evening." It was held in St. Ignatius.
Anything sponsored by this great organization is valuable, in my opinion. Some years ago I was active in the FHRC.
Six very well informed and qualified professional women "each gave a brief overview of what her job entails," Burke reports. This must have been a most interesting, provocative and informative evening. And there was a question and answer time, too.
One very significant question concerning the climate of fear in this country, a subject dear to my heart, leaped out at me. It was asked of Renee Roullier-Madrigal, one of the two panelists I know, and I thought her answer was superb and very insightful. The question was this: In the current climate of fear in this country, would you discuss ways to keep a healthy mind amid such turmoil.
I quote Renee's response: "The first step is being aware that you are not fear. Prayer, positive thinking and remembering that we are not our emotions are also important methods of dealing with fear."
Lynn Peters and I have recently been talking about starting a once-a-week gathering for inspired discussions around the subject of fear. We have named this series, "Letting Go Of Fear."
Most all frustrations, tensions, relationship problems, anger and concerns stem from fear. There is a better way, and there are definite and effective ways to replace these fearful thoughts with thoughts that engender hope, inner peace, stability and joy.
Anyway, and I know this St. Ignatius gathering had much additional inspiring substance, but this caught my eye and imagination, sparking this first public mention of our ideas on "Letting Go Of Fear."
You will probably be hearing more about this.
Bob McClellan
Polson

You can't take vote back

Editor,
I would like to comment on the candidates for Lake County Sheriff. When we soon sit at home alone filling out an absentee ballot or stand alone in that voting booth we must not forget that once that vote is cast, it cannot be taken back no matter how much we would wish it to be.
Eighteen months ago, Republicans, Independents, and Democrats rang in a new era of change and co-operation. How many wish they could take back their vote? We knew the candidate lacked experience, budget expertise, and made hollow promises. But once the vote is cast, it cannot be taken back.
I personally know all of the candidates for Sheriff. All are good persons. But Jay Doyle is the right person for the job of Sheriff.
Honesty, Integrity and over 21 years experience clearly makes Jay Doyle the candidate of choice. Jay Doyle has projected all the qualities needed in his personal life and professional life needed to be an excellent Sheriff. Jay Doyle loves God, his country, his family and his community that he has served so diligently.
My dad always said “When you’re going to New York, don’t stop in Chicago,” meaning, ”Don’t go halfway.” I owe my children and my grandchildren who are being raised in this valley the best law enforcement leadership choice that I can make. I am not going to stop halfway with a good person, I am going to vote for the best and the right person to be the chief law enforcement officer for our county.
I want to make my vote count. I do not want to be sitting 18 months from now wishing I could take that vote back. Jay Doyle has the experience, Jay Doyle has the integrity, and Jay Doyle has the one-, five- and 10-year plan that involves community partnerships and inter-departmental relationships to carry well into the future with fiscal responsibility.
Jay Doyle has my vote and my total endorsement for Lake County Sheriff.
Lanny C. Vanmeter
Polson