Should taxpayers foot the bill?

I am sorry that Ms Shoshenskiy felt a peaceful protest was rude to Vice President Dick Cheney, and I am dismayed that that she would think that the expression of opinion against war is "Extremist Behavior."As for the Rude-o-meter, the peaceful protest I saw was in no measure anything close to Mr. Cheney's use of obscenities directed to an esteemed member of Congress in the Rotunda. That was rude.

I know many still support the invasion of Iraq and the unnecessary murder and humiliation of thousands of civilians. Many of us, including most likely the majority of the war protesters, firmly believe the Commandment "Thou shalt not kill." God could not be any clearer.

In spite of the White House admitting to its mistake that it "misspoke" in regards to Saddam having nuclear capability and other weapons of mass destruction, it will take years of Mr. Bush restating his error before many will believe it. It is so much easier to act on emotions and to convince others to act based on emotions than on facts.

As for Whitefish taxpayers and U.S. taxpayers footing the bill for his "visit," as Mr. Prongua suggested (did Mr. Cheney really "visit" Whitefish?), I was under the understanding he came to a private, invitation-only fund-raiser.

If that was the case, I think it is only fair for taxpayers to be reimbursed. If he came for a visit, why didn't he stop and shake hands and say howdy to us regular folks.

Republicans are big on saving taxpayers money and on personal responsibility. It would be nice if our politicians could lead by example.

P.S. Mr. Cheney "took responsibility" for shooting his friend. Does that mean he reimbursed the taxpayers for the services of his private physician, the taxpayer-owned helicopter and the hospital expenses?

Laura Nugent

Columbia Falls