Letters to the editor March 26

I recently read an editorial article in The Epoch Times newspaper entitled “Where Ties With Communist China Are Close, the Coronavirus Follows.” I find it interesting that the article pointed out that outside of China — Italy, Iran, South Korea, and Japan — they all have deep ties with the Chinese Communist Party and it is where the spread of the virus is most severe. Italy, who is the most affected, has recently expanded its close ties with the CCP in economic and geopolitical affairs; Iran has had a partnership with China since 2016; In South Korea, 1.4 million people have signed a petition calling for their president’s removal because of the countries close ties with the CCP; Japan, also has close economic ties to the CCP, with the number of infected there that keeps increasing.

Taiwan, on the other hand, has been held as a model for epidemic control and seems to understand the consequences of aligning with the CCP. The same holds true for Hong Kong whose citizens have worked so hard to keep the CCP out of their country.

Could it be that siding with the evil nature of the Chinese regime brings retribution? Let’s hope that America keeps on the side of goodness and upholds the universal values of truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance, as aligning with evil could bring disaster. For many centuries, plagues and other calamities signaled the downfall of imperial dynasties. Could it be that the pandemic is a disaster that is linked to the communist party and its rule of terror that has been going on for 70 years? It’s no wonder that so far over 352 million Chinese citizens have renounced their membership in the Communist Party.

—Katherine Combes, Kalispell

Recently, a contributor tried to make the case that a wall along our southern border was wrong from several perspectives, pointing out that walls never work, using historic examples as well as crossings near Calexico, California. In addition, he references several tunnels that have allowed penetration. He also asserted that a portion of the wall “blew over.”

The wall is preposterous, in his opinion, because it demonstrates racial bias, and costs money that should be used elsewhere, without providing his preferences.

These assertions are half-truths at best. The referenced walls are along old portions in California, a state opposed to any new wall construction, being a “sanctuary” for illegal entrants. ”Trump’s wall,” over 100 miles of it so far, is yet to be penetrated as of the date of this writing. Tunnels will be possible, but, allegedly, will be more difficult than previously, and will limit flow.

Funding money has been tough to come by, given the overall resistance from the Democrat-controlled House, even though party leadership, including Obama, has supported walls in the past.

The writer also ignores the obvious fact that illegal immigration is, in fact, illegal. Even our largely Hispanic border control agrees that a wall helps them in their task. Furthermore, MS-13 members are being rounded up and deported daily. Why were they here in the first place? Right! Illegal immigration.

Now we have the coronavirus scare. California is perfectly happy to prevent cruise ship passengers from entering San Francisco, but ignores potential carriers from south of the border where no testing takes place of those who escape detection.

It’s not about racism; it’s about control of our country, and prevention of slow-motion invasion by non-citizens. California is still a state subject to national law. They’re not acting like it!

—Ward DeWitt, Bigfork

I wonder how many Inter Lake readers would be interested in a more family oriented Super Bowl halftime show for next year.

In past years Pepsi, the sponsor, has always showcased pop music and celebrity culture. I would like to make the case to Pepsi for featuring groups from high school music programs.

To begin with, these groups would present a wholesome and all-American image. In addition to looking good, they would inspire high school music programs to compete for the honor. The quality of the arrangements and compositions performed by our school groups is in my opinion much higher than the celebrity shows.

Imagine combining a professional level of stagecraft and video production with the performance of our school groups. I feel this would generate excitement and goodwill for Pepsi products in schools around the country, and besides, it would be a good thing to do.

If you feel the way I do, please contact Pepsi and let them know how you feel.

—Steve Eckels, Kalispell

There is a very easier and much cheaper solution to the serious problem at the intersection at Batavia Lane than a roundabout that no one likes. It would take maybe three or four days to reduce the speed limit to 45 mph by putting in speed limit signs. People may lose a minute or two to get to their destination, but that’s much less than an accident and someone seriously hurt, or worse.

—Dexter Hamilton, Kalispell

It is a fact more people have died from influenza this year than coronavirus. People need to not panic. 500,000 die each year from brain aneurysms, yet there isn’t panic over that.

Proper hygiene prevents a bunch illnesses.

—David DeShazer, Bigfork