Gianforte, Daines won’t stand up for what is right
Is treason a Montana value? In the prelude to the upcoming Presidential election, during the past several months there have been published a number of letters expressing doubt as to the ability of
Rep. Greg Gianforte and Sen. Steve Daines to represent Montanans as their political voices.
While most of these allegations have merit, there has been no mention of what I consider to be the most egregious action of all against our democracy and that is the act of treason. I watched during the House impeachment hearing when Gianforte made his diatribe as to why Trump should not be impeached and in the Senate I heard Steve Daines distinctly reply “No” on a vote as to whether more information should be sought in a continued investigation of the impeachment process.
So, it appears to me that both men, while not actively committing treason against our country, were certainly complicit in supporting the president’s actions. Recent intelligence information released by the Senate further strengthens that claim beyond a doubt.
Granted that these two gentlemen did not exactly commit as treasonous an act as did Trump, but if they will not stand up and do what is right, who will?
Frank Tainter
Bozeman
Endorsing Trump, you accept his lack of principles
I, too, have several friends who support and vote for Donald trump, most of whom are decent, law-abiding, tax-paying citizens. Most. I’ve seen a number of letters over the past two weeks from some of his supporters who are righteously insulted over a letter published in this section denigrating them, calling them ignorant, racist and full of hate. Those comments were directed at Trump supporters riding in a caravan, waving flags, wearing and displaying MAGA gear – peacefully. They apparently upset someone.
The thing is, Donald trump is a known liar, cheater, misogynist, racist — and arguably – traitor to our Constitution. He trades in deceit, misinformation, defamation and diversion. In a word, he can’t be trusted.
My point is that if you choose to publicly endorse this man, you are announcing that you support – or at least accept – his principles, and they are dastardly. From Benjamin Franklin’s Poor Richard’s Almanack: “If you lie down with dogs, you get up with fleas.” You are so much better off to support and vote for him – if you must – quietly, and secretly, and disassociate yourself from
his negative characteristics.
Walt Long
Virginia City
Letters about economy not supported by facts
I’m well into my eighth decade, here on Sourdough Road where I grew up. Anyone who knows me, knows I’m a moderate. In the August 15 Chronicle, several fellow Montanans expressed overflowing opinions about the president. I don’t have a college degree, but to me it just doesn’t make sense when opinions neglect facts.
Facts like current U.S. economic indicators: unemployment at 10.2%, red/blue states face acute budget shortfalls (Moody Analytics), more than 700 cities scrapped plans for infrastructure improvements (National League of Cities), a 32.9% decline in gross domestic product for April June (sharpest decline since 1947), and productivity output decreased this quarter 38.9% (greatest decline in the 70 year history of recording this indicator).
Facts like current U.S. COVID-19 indicators: 172,537 deaths, death tolls exceeding 1,000 people per day in 10 out of the first 14 days of August, and the per capita covid case rate of 16,742 per million (the highest number of any advanced western country).
Facts like a president that has fired five inspector generals, including one overseeing the spending of the $2 trillion of covid stimulus spending, and has fueled the pandemic by spreading disinformation and encouraging behavior that accelerates infection.
Most economists say our economy will not recover until we control this pandemic. So I’m alarmed when I read glowing conclusions about what this president is doing. I fought for this country in the Korean War. I want my great grandchildren to grow up in a strong democracy. Please listen to the facts.
John Metcalf
Bozeman
Bozeman Daily Chronicle Letters to the Editor 9/2/20