9 minute read
Valley Views
from 03-16-22 issue
valley views Support for Ukraine and Democracy must be bipartisan
As I watched Russian troops march across the Ukrainian border in an unprovoked war that immediately made the world less safe for our kids and grandkids, I thought about the words of a World War I veteran from Great Falls named Mike Mansfield, spoken in the days after Hitler invaded Poland in 1939:
What Mansfield meant is that democracy is fragile. In human history, democracies are the exception, not the rule. If we don’t defend them—if we don’t stand up for our principles of freedom, liberty, and self-determination in the face of threats from dictators like Vladimir Putin—then democracy will fail.
In the decades after Hitler was defeated, Mansfield became the longest serving Senate Majority Leader and one of the most distinguished Montanans in American history. And for nearly 80 years—many of them under Mansfield’s stewardship—the United States proudly answered the challenge from thugs like Putin.
Not long ago, Montanans could count on their elected officials to come together, put country before politics, and defend our nation’s core values. Supporting freedom and democracy was not a political issue when Senator Mansfield served in the Senate. It wasn’t about left or right or Democratic or Republican—it was about America, and our role in the world.
I am deeply troubled that is no longer the case, and that some politicians cower behind partisan politics and criticize our own President before they even think to rise in support of our allies. It is Congress’s job to provide accountability and oversight over the Administration’s decision-making, but there is no place for naked partisanship. That doesn’t help us beat Putin—it undermines America’s leadership and makes our enemies like Russia and China stronger.
Let me be clear: There should be no reluctance to condemn Vladimir Putin as an enemy of America and of freedom around the world.
There should be no indifference to an unprovoked war that jeopardizes millions of innocent lives.
And there should be no hesitation in putting partisan politics aside and standing with the people of Ukraine who are fighting for a peaceful future for their children and grandchildren.
I support President Biden’s unequivocal stance that we will not put American troops on the ground in Ukraine, and I believe we must remain focused on things that matter to Montanans and all Americans—like lowering the cost of gas and prescription drugs—at the same time we support our democratic partner, Ukraine.
I’ve urged the President to focus on increasing development of our own natural resources like oil, gas, wind, and solar, to make ourselves less dependent on foreign nations like Russia.
Congress also has a role to play in defending democracy, and in the coming days we must finalize more support for our European allies.
As Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, I have been working closely with Republicans and Democrats to craft a military and humanitarian package that supports Ukraine and strengthens the NATO alliance. My legislation will provide weapons and humanitarian aid to our friends and allies, and it will demonstrate the United States’ commitment to a free Europe and a sovereign Ukraine. I also worked with a group of Republicans and Democrats, including President Biden, to block all Russian oil and gas imports to the United States, further weakening Putin’s regime and increasing America’s energy independence.
I urge my colleagues to stand with me and the people of Ukraine by passing these bills when they come up for a vote. It’s critical we put partisanship aside and defend the right of all sovereign nations to determine their future without interference from authoritarian regimes.
America will always
stand up to bullies who attack democracy, and I will continue to work with all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who are serious about defending our core values at home Valley Views and abroad, just as Senator Mansfield did. Jon Tester U.S. Senator
If you are like me, it is difficult to think of a reason why we would want to make Montana more like California. Nonetheless, this election cycle, there are several ballot initiatives being proposed to adopt California policies here in Montana. One such proposal by former Governor Marc Racicot and former Secretary of State Bob Brown is to adopt a top two primary election system. A top two system is a bad idea for Montana. Today, Montana uses an open primary system. In an open primary system, unlike a closed system, voters do not register with a political party. Instead, each voter gets to decide which party primary to participate in.
We have had open primaries in Montana for over 100 years. Open primaries make it possible for all members of a political party to participate in primary elections while also giving the members of a political party the ability to nominate candidates who reflect the values of the party.
Valley Views Sen. Steve Fitzpatrick SD 10
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from page 10
In 2015, I fought to preserve our open primary system by bringing legislation to stop a lawsuit to close our primaries. The supporters of that lawsuit claimed too many moderates were winning Republican primary elections. Now, the opposite is occurring – moderate Republicans are claiming too many conservative Republicans are winning; thus, the moderates want to change our election system.
There is nothing more precious in our democracy than the right to vote. However, that right is meaningless without adequate choice.
In a top two system, the top two vote getters, regardless of party affiliation, advance to the general election. Instead of getting the opportunity to vote for a Republican and a Democrat, the general election ballot may consist of two Republicans or two Democrats running for the same office. If you live in Missoula, you may never get to vote for a Republican. If you live in Eastern Montana, you may never get to vote for a Democrat.
A top two system is fundamentally anti-democratic. It is explicitly designed to limit choice and to take away the voice of the minority. It is not a tool to make government better; it is a tool to rig the outcome of an election and to disenfranchise voters.
Contrary to what supporters claim, a top two system does not increase moderation. Partisan voters are still the most likely voters to vote in a primary election. Instead, people stop voting because the general election ballot lacks candidates who share the values of the voter.
A top two system also increases the amount of money in politics. That is because a candidate must plan on running against the same person twice. Montana elections are unique because a person can run for office without spending a lot of money. A top two system will force candidates to spend more time asking for money instead of talking to voters.
Our open primary system is not broken. It works well for Montana. Thus, we do not need to copy California and adopt a top two primary election system.
vj
Humane trap, neuter, release program needed
Editor,
An update from “The Magic 30” cat colony, once of four intown Polson groups. This message is from the meow of “BB” (Big Black) one of the two Mr. Toms who keep the population numbers up. (Ya think we need a neutering program.) “BB” says “Most of us in Magic 30” will make it through the February cold spell. Why? Because we eat on a regular basis so our bodies won’t freeze when we take shelter. Not so for some of our starving cousins in other groups – it will be death by freezing. This is certainly not a humane way to address and curb our feral cat population.
To animal lovers and other concerned and compassionate people – this seems trival to think about in view of the terrible world situations; however, everything is interconnected in one way or another. But think about these feral cats in the same light as your companion cats. The only difference is “luck of the draw.” In the meantime I will continue to maintain the “Magic 30” and two outposts from my heart, of course, but also in the memory of Linda Crawford, the hard-working advocate for feral cats during her leadership time with “Life Savers.”
I can only hope caring people put food out for the wayfaring cats from other groups – and that’s tricky thanks for a few irresponsible people who let their big dogs run from one end of the town to the other late night and early morning – but that’s another story – old lady stands ground with aggressive dogs. There’s a police report on that experience. At this point I think I need a BB gun. Dogs and cats – but back to cats. If something humane isn’t done, there will be more cats – no, not the city killing these innocent victims as done in the past, but again having a nationally supported trap, neuter release program.
Due to cat behavior, soon there will be kittens – a full spring event. Maybe mamas will bring their little ones to their safe feeding time with me. Maybe I can take a few for a better life. Maybe local vets will offer a discount for feral neutering. Maybe the city will have a humane trap, neuter, release program that’s volunteer handled. Maybe I’m a dreamer, but it is said it all begins with a dream. Mine is a better life for our feral cat population.
Joan St. John Polson
Tell the truth
Editor,
According to John Adams, “facts are stubborn things.” Putin’s approach to controlling the Russian populace during the war in Ukraine is to prevent them from knowing the facts. He threatens his citizens and the media with fines and jail for telling the truth regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. This effort to hide the facts is currently threatening the world. Unfortunately, there are parallels between what is happening in Russia and what is happening in the United States regarding facts. Facts are stubborn things, to mention a few; the narrative of climate change, false 2020 election claims, COVID conspiracy theories, and the “peaceful” January 6 insurrection. All this is overlaid by the claim of fake news. Fortunately, we still
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CHARLO SCHOOLS Kindergarten Round Up
Charlo School will be holding Kindergarten Round Up for children who will be turning five (5) years old before September 10, 2022 on Friday, April 1, 2022. You must bring a copy of their birth certificate and immunization records. Please call Ginger at 644-2206 for an appointment.
