PLEASE RETHINK PRIORITIES

Last Saturday's IR was really a slap in the face. The front page
consisted of five stories focused on setbacks in the rights and needs
of Montanans. First, the Center for Mental Health, helping 5,700
clients, is experiencing financial troubles that are curtailing its
services. The other four articles featured what Republicans in the
House regard as "serving" the citizens who elected them.

The eminent domain bill is designed to make it easier for
corporations to appropriate private property. The medical marijuana
bill repeals the collective will of Montanans who overwhelmingly
endorsed the 2004 initiative 62 percent to 38 percent. House Bill 278
allows residents to establish armed militias, companies having their
own uniforms, flags and identities. Finally, House Bill 280 violates
a woman's right to privacy as those seeking abortions will be forced
to endure unnecessary ultrasound tests and then having the results
read to them. Besides harassing women who have made this agonizing
choice, this bill further jacks up the cost of healthcare with
providers being forced to spend extra time and perform expensive
additional but unnecessary procedures.

Thus, Republicans are taking stands against private property rights
(with a few Democrats), against the people's consensus in passing the
marijuana initiative, and against the right of privacy, but they
stand for corporate power and the creation of gun-toting militias!
Why not Republicans standing up for our police and firemen, for
tackling the really important issues like jobs, education and making
health care efficient and available to all citizens -- for the
people, for a change?

Don Kiehn Helena