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I believe it is time for Flathead County to look at and implement a change in the county commissioners office.

The valley has grown exponentially with population since the three-seat system was started and frankly, the representation of just three individuals in such a vast population spread is no longer adequate.

I’ve been thinking about this for years and recent events around the valley now convince me of the need for a change.

How about it, citizens of the Flathead? — Skeeter Johnston, Whitefish

VFW sends thanks to Kalispell for its hospitality

Late last week approximately 300 combat veterans, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and their spouses visited this great city to attend the 96th VFW State Convention. It was a successful event, due in large part to the incredible people of Kalispell.

Countless businesses and organizations supported the three-day conference by purchasing advertisements in the event program, providing first-class accommodations, catering the banquet, donating items for the silent auction, and generally taking good care of America’s veterans, families and friends. With impressive precision and professionalism Civil Air Patrol cadets from the Flathead Composite Squadron presented the colors during opening ceremonies. The list of supporters goes on and we appreciate every one!

It was because of these people that attendees were able to focus on the meeting itself. National VFW leaders provided updates about congressional testimony; Veterans Affairs experts discussed changes in health care, suicide prevention and educational opportunities; and elected officials spoke of their support and appreciation of veterans.

One of the highlights was during the awards ceremony. Proudly, Kalispell’s VFW Post 2252 won first place for Community Activities across the state. This speaks volumes about the volunteer and community service from post members. Kalispell’s war vets are actively involved in the Flathead Valley giving of their time and providing financial support to youth programs, school activities, student scholarships, and charitable organizations. And of course we are up at dawn every patriotic holiday lining Main Street with American flags.

One final salute: to our Post manager and staff. They are the reason veterans and customers alike feel welcome at the VFW and this wonderful city.

On behalf of all VFW Post 2252 members, Thank You! —Les Kodlick, Kalispell, Brig. Gen., USAF, Ret.

Shouldn’t you protect those that you love?

While reading Valeri Walden McGarvey’s comments on gun violence, I experienced some amazement concerning her comment that teachers had undergone training to disarm a shooter with their bare hands.

I would welcome the opportunity to ask Valeri how many teachers would suffer fatal wounds plus other injuries before the shooter was disarmed. Armed teachers or enough armed guards would disable the shooter before that many casualties occurred.

I was a little surprised also about her statement that teachers and students would rather be engaging in their normal routines than confronting a shooter determined to take their lives. Who wouldn’t want to be engaged in normal activities rather than facing a shooter determined to take your life?

Then she says that she would never be able to defend her students if one of them showed up with a gun and began murdering her other students. Is that, may I ask, showing real love for her students? The love she professes to have for them? Does she have any children? If someone appeared with a weapon and began to shoot them, would she, if she was armed, defend her children?

If you really love, you want to protect those you do love. —Robert Tebeau, Kalispell

Whitefish clinic is welcome

In Whitefish, we now have a wonderful new women’s clinic for healthcare for the under-served women of our area.

And, now we have some men and women with signs protesting this clinic.

Firstly, why do these people feel that they have the right to protest anything about women’s bodies and their health care? The health and wellness choices of how you treat your body are at your discretion, man or woman. Supported by law.

Secondly, regarding “saved children”: If they have the time to stand and complain and protest, why don’t they take their time and their money and support an unwanted child and their family. Or, give this time and energy to supporting CASA or Child Bridge. Or take in a foster child. Or, maybe, financially help someone to adopt and unwanted child. Or opt to adopt a child yourself. Or volunteer at the Food Bank. Sadly, these things don’t happen. It is easier to hold up a sign.

To sanctimoniously stand on the street with a sign when there are so many other ways to address helping unwanted children and families in distress is unconscionable. Get out there and do something. And leave women’s health-care choices to women. And, be thankful that we now have a women’s clinic in Whitefish.

Please, Whitefish, stand up and support the efforts of this clinic. —Linda Coolidge, Whitefish

Please care about babies torn out of womb, too

Oh, that there would be as great an outcry when tiny babies are torn and separated from their mother’s womb as we have heard when children are separated from their families when crossing the border!

Oh, that this outcry would reach the hearts of all and the halls of Congress. —Susan Sullivan, Kalispell

Maybe it’s time to add more commissioners

I believe it is time for Flathead County to look at and implement a change in the county commissioners office.

The valley has grown exponentially with population since the three-seat system was started and frankly, the representation of just three individuals in such a vast population spread is no longer adequate.

I’ve been thinking about this for years and recent events around the valley now convince me of the need for a change.

How about it, citizens of the Flathead? — Skeeter Johnston, Whitefish

VFW sends thanks to Kalispell for its hospitality

Late last week approximately 300 combat veterans, members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary and their spouses visited this great city to attend the 96th VFW State Convention. It was a successful event, due in large part to the incredible people of Kalispell.

Countless businesses and organizations supported the three-day conference by purchasing advertisements in the event program, providing first-class accommodations, catering the banquet, donating items for the silent auction, and generally taking good care of America’s veterans, families and friends. With impressive precision and professionalism Civil Air Patrol cadets from the Flathead Composite Squadron presented the colors during opening ceremonies. The list of supporters goes on and we appreciate every one!

It was because of these people that attendees were able to focus on the meeting itself. National VFW leaders provided updates about congressional testimony; Veterans Affairs experts discussed changes in health care, suicide prevention and educational opportunities; and elected officials spoke of their support and appreciation of veterans.

One of the highlights was during the awards ceremony. Proudly, Kalispell’s VFW Post 2252 won first place for Community Activities across the state. This speaks volumes about the volunteer and community service from post members. Kalispell’s war vets are actively involved in the Flathead Valley giving of their time and providing financial support to youth programs, school activities, student scholarships, and charitable organizations. And of course we are up at dawn every patriotic holiday lining Main Street with American flags.

One final salute: to our Post manager and staff. They are the reason veterans and customers alike feel welcome at the VFW and this wonderful city.

On behalf of all VFW Post 2252 members, Thank You! —Les Kodlick, Kalispell, Brig. Gen., USAF, Ret.

Shouldn’t you protect those that you love?

While reading Valeri Walden McGarvey’s comments on gun violence, I experienced some amazement concerning her comment that teachers had undergone training to disarm a shooter with their bare hands.

I would welcome the opportunity to ask Valeri how many teachers would suffer fatal wounds plus other injuries before the shooter was disarmed. Armed teachers or enough armed guards would disable the shooter before that many casualties occurred.

I was a little surprised also about her statement that teachers and students would rather be engaging in their normal routines than confronting a shooter determined to take their lives. Who wouldn’t want to be engaged in normal activities rather than facing a shooter determined to take your life?

Then she says that she would never be able to defend her students if one of them showed up with a gun and began murdering her other students. Is that, may I ask, showing real love for her students? The love she professes to have for them? Does she have any children? If someone appeared with a weapon and began to shoot them, would she, if she was armed, defend her children?

If you really love, you want to protect those you do love. —Robert Tebeau, Kalispell

Whitefish clinic is welcome

In Whitefish, we now have a wonderful new women’s clinic for healthcare for the under-served women of our area.

And, now we have some men and women with signs protesting this clinic.

Firstly, why do these people feel that they have the right to protest anything about women’s bodies and their health care? The health and wellness choices of how you treat your body are at your discretion, man or woman. Supported by law.

Secondly, regarding “saved children”: If they have the time to stand and complain and protest, why don’t they take their time and their money and support an unwanted child and their family. Or, give this time and energy to supporting CASA or Child Bridge. Or take in a foster child. Or, maybe, financially help someone to adopt and unwanted child. Or opt to adopt a child yourself. Or volunteer at the Food Bank. Sadly, these things don’t happen. It is easier to hold up a sign.

To sanctimoniously stand on the street with a sign when there are so many other ways to address helping unwanted children and families in distress is unconscionable. Get out there and do something. And leave women’s health-care choices to women. And, be thankful that we now have a women’s clinic in Whitefish.

Please, Whitefish, stand up and support the efforts of this clinic. —Linda Coolidge, Whitefish

Please care about babies torn out of womb, too

Oh, that there would be as great an outcry when tiny babies are torn and separated from their mother’s womb as we have heard when children are separated from their families when crossing the border!

Oh, that this outcry would reach the hearts of all and the halls of Congress. —Susan Sullivan, Kalispell