Letters

Editor, Proponents of CI-128 frame the initiative as the only way to protect abortion rights. But let’s be clear: Montanans already have strong protections for abortion under our state constitution. Since the Armstrong v. State case in 1999, Montana’s Supreme Court held that the state Constitution protects a woman’s right to an abortion before fetal viability, based on the privacy clause. And despite recent legislative efforts to impose restrictions—such as banning abortions after 20 weeks—Montana courts have consistently struck down all these laws as unconstitutional, firmly securing abortion access across the state. Instead of safeguarding existing righ...

Editor, Montana is changing. Freedoms we have taken for granted are being threatened by intolerant political agendas spawned at the national level. The incessant hate and fear dialogue emanating from a relatively small sector of extreme right-wing interests dominates our lives. We are better than this; we...

Editor, As a retired Missoula Municipal Court Judge, I write to ask for your support of District Court Judge Dan Wilson, candidate for the Montana Supreme Court. I have known Judge Wilson for many years, and he embodies the qualities we need on the Supreme Court. His background demonstrates a solid founda...

Editor, When debating legislation, legislators are always looking for unintended consequences. If you are prolife or prochoice, CI 128 must be a major concern. Hidden in the text of the initiative is language that gives blanket immunity to abortion providers for malpractice, incompetence or outright crimi...

Editor, Deviating from my usual style of letters, here’s one that simply offers some inspiring thoughts. Hope you find them meaningful and even perhaps helpful in these present very “trying times” for us all. Offered by Dr. Debasish Mridha of Saginaw, Michigan, a physician, philosophe...

Editor, In November, Montanans will vote on two constitutional initiatives that will improve how elections are conducted. CI126 creates an open primary system. All qualified candidates regardless of party will appear on one ballot, and voters choose a single candidate from that ballot. This system does no...

Editor, Recently a relative of mine was rushed to the ER in Polson, stabilized, then transported to Missoula a few hours later. Having worked 30 years as an RN, I am well aware how critical, literally, the initial care in our local hospital mattered in terms of outcome. One third of Montana’s pop...

Editor, What I love about where we live is our community of people. We are friends and neighbors, sometimes with varying views, but always there for each other in times of need. This election, I encourage all of us to vote for candidates that are not divisive and hateful. For candidates looking for soluti...

Editor, I have known Shirley Azzopardi for over 25 years - as a coworker, a hiking companion, and a friend. Shirley is the best choice for HD 13. She works hard, spending time after work knocking on doors and talking to people about the issues important to them. As a teacher, Shirley believes in a strong ...

Editor, “Hello, Jon!” my outgoing husband cheerily called out to Senator Tester in the concourse of the Salt Lake City Airport. The senator, obviously headed to the men’s room, turned around, grinning, and stuck out his right hand. To my surprise, what followed was a five-minute conversa...