Support for Gianforte

It has been very interesting to me to read so many letters in your paper regarding Greg Gianforte written in the negative vein. The bulk of these contain false information spread during the fall election cycle. Isn’t it amazing that lies told often somehow turn into the “truth?” So, let’s correct some!
First, (and probably the biggest) is that Greg is a millionaire from New Jersey. Not true! He was born in San Diego, moved as an infant to Pennsylvania where he was raised until graduating from high school. He then attended college in New Jersey after which he started his first business. A millionaire from New Jersey? I don’t think so!! Greg moved to Montana after he had previously came and fell in love with it, as have so many other “Montanans.” He and his wife of 29 years, Susan, bought a home in Bozeman and have lived and raised their four children in that same home.
Second lie: Greg would not allow public access through his property to reach the Galatian to fish. He NEVER denied access through his property, as he requested and waited for over a year for FWP to correct the access on his recorded deed. Once they came out and looked at the actual access point, they agreed with Greg and corrected it. Formal suit was never filed. End of story. No access EVER denied, even though folks continued to cross their property.
Not being a millionaire from New Jersey, Greg and Susan, with $5,000, started a business in their home, in Bozeman. They achieved the “American Dream” with hard work and determination, which resulted in an extremely successful enterprise, providing employment to over 1,100 individuals who received very good wages.
Now please tell me what is so objectionable about starting a business from scratch and making it into something pretty spectacular? I find it very commendable. Are some people envious of his success, and why limit their objections to him? Hundreds of Democrats are extremely wealthy, but all the complainants never mention that!! Besides, there’s nothing wrong with being wealthy, especially when people are generous in sharing their wealth, which Greg does over and over.
Greg is not a hoarder but has very generously contributed to wonderful causes. He has provided scholarships to many deserving students, donated funds to Christian school (which someone wrote in to complain about) and mentors young entrepreneurs wishing to start a business. Are you aware that he recently donated $1.1 million to a low-income housing development in Billings? Just think of the good he has done!
Greg is definitely a Montanan. He loves this state. He wants to maintain public lands for the public. He wants to improve the health care system. He loves our Constitution and wants our country to abide by it. He is not against legal immigration. His wife, Susan, is the daughter of immigrants from Germany. Our country has rules to follow, and there are many immigrants living here who have followed these rules. He is highly principled and extremely capable of, and has the qualifications for, serving us in the House of Representatives.
Now, Rob Quist seems like a nice man. He can play the guitar and sing, but how does that prepare him to serve in the legislature? You do know that he supported Bernie Sanders, an avowed socialist, don’t you? Now, Sanders is coming here to support him. I wonder how our founding fathers would feel knowing there are socialists wanting to run our country. The following is the definition of socialism as found in the World Book dictionary: “a theory or system of social organization by which the means of production and distribution are owned, managed, or controlled by the government….” Socialism does away with individual responsibility and freedom, motivation for individuals to improve themselves and to work hard declines, and private property owned by citizens disappears. True Montanans have no desire for the government to take care of them as they are proud to take care of themselves. Do you really want the government to run your life? Perhaps if you think this is a good idea you should talk to someone who has lived it! Do you really want a socialist representing you in Washington, D.C.?!
Laurie Burnham
Hamilton