Study proposed compact yourself
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Editor,
You may have received an invitation to participate in debate-style email correspondence sponsored by Ed Berry. Time would probably be better spent studying the details of the proposed CSKT water compact itself and arriving at “informed” opinions based upon “facts.” Extensive information has been made available on the Internet which would be of much greater value than reading ongoing emotional, uninformed reactions of those who have formed opinions while visiting with other equally uninformed individuals. Too many people have opinions based upon how they anticipate the outcomes will personally affect themselves without considering the long range and widespread ramifications of how it would ultimately impact the entire community or even the entire state. Exchanging personal opinions based upon ignorances is of little value.
This is not a game for light “chit chat” or entertaining banter. This is a very involved matter with long lasting, forever impacts virtually devoid of much needed potential corrections submerged in a massive document. People’s lives, the economy and the future of our state are basically at stake. Complications now extend beyond the tribal water compact and include Kerr Dam, power generation and land values. No one wants to endorse legislation that would create lasting damage to the best interests of the people, economy and our way of life. Unfortunately the compact as proposed includes a mutual defense clause, which means that Montanans will be fighting their own state as well as the federal government and the Tribes if they legally challenge the compact and its administrators and dictatorial perpetrators.
Community leaders and planners, especially, should be observing and giving serious consideration to this very critical issue. They may be taking for granted proper control, availability, distribution and use of our water — all essential to life. Now is the time to bring up the subject in conversation with others, to carefully explore the reasoning and possible motives concerning what is technically, legally and morally right or wrong in this pending legislation now underway in our Montana state legislature.
Excellent sources of Montana water information are as follows:
www.westernmtwaterrights.wordpress.com or www.landandwateralliance or email 4mtlandwater@gmail.com
Clarice Ryan
Bigfork
