Valley Views

Let’s examine the drug issue

Driving through Polson, I am reminded of all the times in high school when I was told how devastating the drug issue was in our town. Naturally, I used to think these drugs were the cause of the ubiquitous poverty within our community. However, I cannot help but think this causal relationship is reversed.

Carl Hart, professor of neuroscience and psychology at Columbia University, notes that addiction “has almost nothing to do with the drugs themselves… (and) has much more to do with our psychosocial environment.” Thus, instead of drugs causing psychosocial pain, it is poor psychosocial health that leads to drug dependence and misuse.

If this is the case, why is Lake County so obsessed with fighting the symptom rather than the disease? Why were my high school conversations so drug central and not psychosocial central?

Professor Hart also addresses this issue. In his book Drug Use for Grown Ups, he writes that many of the negative connotations people associate with drugs are not formed from evidence, but by “anecdote and conjecture issued by authority figures.”

Indeed, the post-70s fear of drugs is most likely far too extreme. Recent studies from Johns Hopkins University and other institutions suggest that current Schedule I drugs such as psilocybin (magic mushrooms) and 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) are safe and effective at treating anxiety, PTSD, and mental disorders amongst those with cancer. Many people also do not realize that methamphetamine can be prescribed to people with ADHD or obesity issues, so clearly the drug itself is not pure destruction.

Hence, perhaps our community is so focused on wrongfully demonizing these drugs because it is the easy thing to do. For decades we have blamed drugs for countless issues, but where has that taken us? Can anyone seriously claim the War on Drugs in Lake County has been a success? On April 26, Polson Police, alongside a SWAT team, arrested 13 adults for drug distribution. However, despite the incessant War on Drugs, our own commissioners acknowledge that our community faces a “troubling increase in drug-related crime.”

Instead, we should divert Lake County’s time and money towards solving the psychosocial issues that lead to addiction.

Most notably, those with mental disorders who are addicted to drugs should in no way be punished for their drug use. Giving these people psychiatric and psychological help will improve their psychosocial condition and reduce their risk of addiction. Education is another method of improving the psychosocial status of our community and so too is increasing financial literacy.

The most challenging underlying issue to address is the lack of self-worth amongst those in Lake County and the lack of value people assign to their life. According to Professor Hart’s philosophy, those who value their lives and find worth in what they do are much less likely to get addicted to drugs. While I cannot claim that I know how to help people find value in their lives, perhaps this is what our community should devote its resources towards.

This approach also allows us to recognize that these drugs do have destructive side effects. In no way am I proposing that methamphetamine and fentanyl have not cost lives and ruined families in Lake County; in no way am I saying that the children who lived in the meth house of the recent SWAT raid should not have been moved to a healthier environment. I also do not know if I agree completely with Professor Hart that all drugs are safe if used properly. What I am saying is that our causal relationship between drug use, poverty and psychosocial ill-xhealth is seriously backwards. Addiction is not causing the pain that our community suffers from. Moreover, if drugs were the cause of this pain, decades of SWAT raids should have solved the issue by now. Instead, it is the poverty and psychosocial ill-health within Lake County that is causing so much addiction.

We need to stop fighting drugs. It is a battle that will go on for eternity and cost enormous sums of money. Our local leaders (political, social, scholastic, and religious) should instead begin to address the real issue. Let’s divert the money we spend on combating drugs and instead better fund our schools, educational programs for adults,

Valley Views Davis Smith PHS alum

It’s time to stop warehousing people

One of us is a Republican legislator representing rural Gallatin County. The other is a Democratic legislator representing the city of Missoula. Despite our political differences, we are committed to taking action to end the crisis at the Montana State Psychiatric Hospital at Warm Springs. The State Hospital’s problems are not new. For more than a decade, federal investigators and disability rights advocates have sounded the alarm about persistent human rights violations against the Hospital’s residents. Avoidable falls, preventable deaths, untreated illnesses and broken bones, over-reliance on restraints both physical and chemical, chronic understaffing– this has long been the reality for the facility’s residents. As legislators tasked with oversight of Warm Springs, we frequently

Legislative Notes Danny Tenenbaum Jennifer Carlson

see page 11 programs that help people find meaningful jobs and community projects that show the talent and beauty within our citizenry.

Davis Smith is a PHS alum, former Salishian editor, and first year student at Columbia University.

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hear from families who are understandably terrified for the well-being of loved ones who end up there.

The first step is to stop warehousing people with neurocognitive disorders, like dementia and traumatic brain injuries, at the State Hospital. The most common source of violations is the wing being used to house people with neurocognitive disorders like Alzheimer’s disease and traumatic brain injuries. Although these residents often do not have a psychiatric diagnosis, under Montana law they can still be involuntarily committed to the state psychiatric hospital if a judge finds they are “unable to care for their basic needs.” This standard is low enough that virtually anyone living with dementia is at risk of being involuntarily committed. National experts who have testified before our legislative committee have expressed shock at how Montana’s outdated treatment model compares to other states. In legal filings, the State itself has referred to the placement of people with dementia at the State Hospital as “unfortunate.”

It’s time to stop kicking the can down the road. With input from medical professionals, disability advocates, families of residents, the Department, and community care providers, we are introducing bipartisan legislation to (1) end this misuse of the State Hospital and (2) fund medically-appropriate places for Montanans with neurocognitive disorders to receive quality, dignified care instead. Of course, quality care costs money. DPHHS is currently studying increases to Medicaid reimbursement rates. With these updated rates, long term care facilities will no longer be forced to reject these Montanans for financial reasons. Furthermore, a major, soon-tobe-completed renovation of the Montana Mental Health Nursing Care Center in Lewistown will allow more people living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias to receive specialized care in a facility that’s designed to meet their unique needs.

We may be from opposing parties, but we are totally unwilling to engage in the usual political blame game. This is a problem that affects our entire state. Montanans deserve solutions, not partisan attacks. Once signed into law, our legislation will provide a dignified, medically-appropriate safety net for Montanans living with dementia and traumatic brain injuries.

Danny Tenenbaum (D-Missoula) represents House District 95, Jennifer Carlson (R-Churchill) represents House District 69.

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Talks of water supply

Editor,

The Polson City Commission has decided to proceed with consideration of extending the city water system to service a new casino near the airport with a suggestion that sewer service will also become available when requested.

I have lived in Polson for 41 years with several decades serving as the city engineer. I do not recall a summer when there were no concerns for if not serious restrictions on summer water use.

Securing new sources of water has been difficult and expensive at best and is further confused by the new water compact. The commission may have forgotten the fact that water has been in short supply in the summer, and hopefully they have a currently undisclosed plan to significantly increase supplies, but until reliable and significant sources of new water are online for the current residents of Polson, discussions of providing water to a large casino are inappropriate.

Bob Fulton Polson

Let’s discuss abortion

Editor,

Just because there is a law that tells us abortion is okay, there is God’s law that says it is morally wrong. It grieves our Lord when one of His babies is taken away. God has a destiny for that child.

Why should there be any unwanted pregnancies? We have clinics everywhere giving out birth control pills. Drug stores selling protection for men. Yes men, these babies are yours as well. Is abortion being used as birth control?

Abortion clinics are a business. After they are done with you, they are done. They have nothing to do with you. Did they suggest maybe having the baby and giving it up to some family that wants a child? I bet not. Women have to live with their decision their whole lives. Where are the abortionists then?

We are responsible for ourselves. We have free wills so don’t compound the mistake by making another one by getting a quick fix abortion.

Politically I am an independent. Democrats voted unanimously to allow doctors to lay aside a newborn to die when an abortion failed. I won’t be voting for any Democrat.

This letter is my own opinion, and thank the good Lord I live in America where I still have that right. You have the right to make your own decisions. The one baby saved today is a generation saved. The law or the moral law. Which will it be?

Gloria Mader Simon Pablo

Running for Justice of Peace

Editor,

I am Tony Isbell, and I am running for Justice of the Peace here in Lake County. After graduating from Florence, I continued into college where I graduated from Dickinson State University with two Batchelor’s degrees, one in business

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administration and the other in human resource management. I also have two associates degrees. Fast forward some years and I began my professional life with a career in law enforcement. I began as a police officer in Miles City. I investigated a wide variety of crimes there. After some years, I decided I wanted to move back out to the western side of the state.

This brought me to apply for the Montana Highway Patrol. My first station was in Polson, and this is where I remained to call my home. As a State Trooper due to hard work, I was placed on our interdiction team and special response team. I worked rigorously with the other local agencies to combat drug crimes in the valley. I was a field training officer, instructor and received officer of the year commendations. This experience in law enforcement taught me the difference between people that a pure evil and people that just made a bad decision and need to be steered in the right direction.

While still in law enforcement, I ran and became a member of the Polson City Council. I currently hold the position as a commissioner for ward two. Through this position I have learned a lot about government functions, from budgeting, grants, and administrative procedures to name a few. In the last year I went full time in my private businesses, which include construction and property management. I have employees and have learned how to be successful in the private sector as well.

Given this diversity of experience, I believe this makes me the candidate with the widest variety of experience. I am tough on crime, fair and balanced. To learn more about my plans for this office, go to www.isbellforjustice.com.

Tony Isbell Polson

Consider the PSC

Editor,

I am voting for Joe Dooling for the Public Service Commission.

We don’t pay much attention to the Public Service Commission (PSC) race, but it will be on our ballet in June.

Their website states “The PSC’s job to balance the interests of ratepayers who are concerned about utility rate increases, with the need to maintain a financially sound utility that is capable of providing reliable service. PSC generally regulates private, investor-owned natural gas, electric, telephone, water and private sewer companies doing business in Montana. In addition, the PSC regulates certain kinds of motor carriers, including garbage trucks and passenger motor carriers. The PSC also oversees rail and pipeline safety regulations in the state.”

For the most part it has very little to do with this valley and the Flathead because most utilities are rural cooperatives or tribal entities that are not regulated by the state PSC.

Why do I support Joe Dooling? Where Joe Dooling is from, the PSC does regulate their electrical utility. He has a degree in economics from MSU. He also has an engineering degree, and working in that field has given him the opportunity to observe how the energy industry works. He ranches near Helena and pays large utility bills, so he also understands how rate payers are impacted.

I reached out to a past PSC commissioner, and he felt Joe Dooling was the only candidate with the background and experience for the job.

The other candidates have no boots on the ground experience to do this job, which is why Joe Dooling has my vote.

Susan Lake Ronan

Wear your regalia

Editor,

We, the below signed members of the State-Tribal Relations Committee, the Montana Legislature’s liaison with tribal governments, write to congratulate Montana high school and postsecondary graduates and their deservingly proud families. Way to go! We extend our deep gratitude to the educators, administrators, and support staff who have contributed in countless ways over multiple years to the myriad achievements of the class of 2022. Thank you for all you do!

We also write as a reminder that the 2017 Legislature enacted Senate Bill No. 319, now codified at 2-1-315, MCA, that ensures the right of individuals to wear traditional tribal regalia at public events including award and graduation ceremonies. This law is part of strengthening the state’s commitment in its educational goals to the preservation of Indian cultural integrity under Article X, Section 1(2) of the Montana Constitution.

Congratulations again, graduates!

Representative Tyson Running Wolf, Chair Senator Jason Small, Vice Chair

Senator Susan Webber Senator Mike Fox Representative Frank Smith

Representative Sharon Stewart Peregoy

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COURTESY PHOTO

Foster Care providers meet with governor

News from the office of Governor Gianforte

HAMILTON — On May 10 in Hamilton, the governor led a roundtable discussion on foster care in Montana with local foster care families and providers.

“Montana tragically has one of the highest numbers of children in foster care per capita in the nation,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I appreciated sitting down today with some of the folks ensuring Montana kids have a safe, nurturing environment to grow up in.”

During the roundtable, participants discussed with the governor the importance of expanding access to addiction, behavioral, and mental health treatment services as well as workforce development opportunities for biological parents who want to get clean, sober, and healthy.

To combat child abuse and neglect, executive director of Bitterroot CASA Allison Dunne emphasized the need for community connections, saying, “We need to build connections for our kids. Children need to feel safe in school and in their neighborhoods. They need access to resources, and one of the greatest resources they can have is connection, whether to their neighbors, teachers, or friends.”

On May 9, Gov. Gianforte established May as Foster Care Month in Montana to support children in Montana’s foster care system as well as foster parents and advocates.