Pubdate: Mon, 14 Feb 2011
Source: Helena Independent Record (MT)
Copyright: 2011 Helena Independent Record
Contact: http://helenair.com/app/contact/letters_to_editor/
Website: http://helenair.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187
Author: Don Kiehn

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
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom