Letters to the editor March 24
Voter rights bill a threat to democracy
The John Lewis Voting Rights Bill rammed through the House of Representatives on a partisan Democrat vote and promoted with false allegations by their main-stream media allies and other acolytes like the League of Women Voters would destroy the integrity of our elections and create the specter of single-party rule in the US. Proponents either haven’t read the bill, or don’t want the public to know what is really in it. Here is what the Bill does by amending the Voting Rights Act of 1965:
Require all States and subdivisions (counties and cities) to receive pre-approval from the U.S. Justice Department before making any changes that affect voting rights and redistricting. In other words, federal government control of state elections.
Picture ID nor proof of citizenship (approved by 80% of voters) not required to vote.
No signature verification required for mail-in ballots.
Unlimited ballot harvesting.
Unattended ballot boxes must be available to voters.
Online voter registration.
These changes would allow undetectable voter fraud. With minorities voting in record numbers, claims of voter suppression lack credibility.
We need to contact Senator Tester and ask him to oppose this Bill.
— Philip L. Barney, Polson
Book in question
I have been debating how to respond to the events surrounding the library. Ms. Cuthbertson’s letter to the editor has spurned me to respond.
The sense of entitlement that her letter transmits is astounding. Just because she doesn’t think the book belongs, it needs to go? No one else gets an opinion? If she doesn’t want to read it — or her kids — then don’t. Contrary to their beliefs she, the board of trustees, the county commissioners, nor John Fuller has the right to tell anyone else what they are allowed to read, think, or say.
My parents brought us up to believe that God gave us a brain for the purpose of thinking for ourselves. The Jesuit parish priest reinforced that purpose. We were educated to think things through, not just follow someone else’s ideals, no matter what position they held. Our house was filled with books, some I am positive Ms. Cuthbertson would be horrified over.
When I heard that “Gender Queer” was being taken out of the library – I went and purchased a few copies. I wanted to see what the “evil” book was. I read it… and found that it is a personal self-discovery memoir. Like all well-written journals of self, it is by turns funny, angry, sad and uncomfortable reading. It is not pornographic, nor does it espouse pedophilia. It is a journal of one person’s travels in seeking their identity. Since it is a graphic (meaning pictorial) novel, yes, it does have some images that could cause discomfort to some. To be honest, I’ve seen worse in graffiti around town.
In closing, if anyone else would like to read the book, I have a copy that I would be happy to lend out.
— Nancy Cunningham, Kalispell
Welcoming new library director
I would like to take a few minutes to welcome the new director of the Flathead County Library to our community. I hope you are getting settled in well.
I am a lifelong library user: 50 years at the current location. Four generations of my family have used the library in Kalispell, and it is very dear to our hearts. I just want you to know that I am trusting you to continue the fine tradition of work that has preceded you.
I believe your heart is deeply committed to the work and mission of a public library, and there are many, many folks in this community who will support you in your efforts to keep our library a facility where all are welcome, and have the freedom to read any book in the current collection which has been carefully selected according to the wonderful policies currently in place.
This library is excellent. You have an awesome opportunity and responsibility, and we are here to help you in any way we can!
— Valeri McGarvey, Kalispell
Lessons of Galileo
On Feb. 22, 1632, Galileo published his book “Dialogue Concerning the Two Chief World Systems.” In it, he argued against the belief of the church, that the earth was in fact not the center of the universe and that in fact, the sun was the center of the solar system. The earth circled around the sun.
The “Dialogue” was placed on the Catholic Church’s index of forbidden books and Galileo was tried and convicted of heresy. He spent the rest of his life under house arrest and none of his later books were allowed to be published in his lifetime. “Dialogue” remained on the index of forbidden books until 1835.
Arrogance and ignorance remains our most stalwart enemy against curiosity, acceptance and progress.
— Susan Cahill, Kalispell