Daines should recognize importance of public lands
Montana’s public lands are priceless. They generate annual revenues that sustain Montana’s tourism economy. A Bozeman-Yellowstone alliance was established 150 years ago this summer. The 1871 Hayden Survey explored the territory that would become Yellowstone National Park. The expedition, based at Fort Ellis, was comprised of thirty four members. The party included the preeminent American landscape painter, Thomas Moran, and the famous pioneer photographer, William Henry Jackson. Bozeman became known throughout the world as a jumping off place for
Yellowstone National Park.
Steve Daines voted to place a hold on Deb Haaland’s confirmation as Secretary of the Interior. He believes oil pipelines and fossil fuels are more important to Montana’s economy than our public lands. Daines stated that “her views would hurt the Montana way of life and kill Montana jobs.” Daines appears uninformed that 12.6 million nonresidents visited Montana in 2019, spending $3.77 billion. The tourism industry in Montana is sustainable and generates billions of dollars annually. His motivation and focus should be protecting our public lands to improve and advance Montana’s economy.
The Keystone pipeline Daines is concerned about crosses the eastern edge of Montana. It would tunnel underneath the Missouri River. What could possibly go wrong with that scenario? Very few Montana jobs would be created after the pipeline was completed. Operation of the pipeline would primarily be controlled by technicians in Houston. Daines should do his homework before selling out to oil and gas cartels. He should be concerned with the welfare of Montana citizens rather than the oil syndicates of Texas.
He also voted to support the seditious law suit by Texas to overturn the presidential election. Daines cares more about pipelines and oil money than protecting Montana’s irreplaceable public lands. Montana’s two national parks and 55 state parks are too precious to be sacrificed.
Jack Davis
Bozeman
Daines, Rosendale voted against Montana interests
Both Sen. Steve Daines and Congressman Matt Rosendale voted against the interests of Montana citizens by voting against the American Relief Package. They both say that they represent the
interests of Montana but voting no on specious grounds that they’ve cited is a dereliction of duty.
It seems that both of these men adhere to their party over the interests of their constituents. In fact, both voted to overturn the election on Jan. 6. Sen. Daines did change his mind after his life was threatened by the raging mob of Trump supporters. Congressman Rosendale had no such introspection. I hope the people of Montana remember that these gentlemen put party above country and the rule of law. Matt Rosendale will surely run for reelection in 2022. He must be ousted as he is unfit to represent us.
Ian Root
Ennis
Bozeman Daily Chronicle Letters to the editor 3/19/21