Following a cerebral aneurysm, I was Life Flighted from Marcus Daily Hospital to St. Patrick’s in Missoula. While my insurance would have covered an ambulance, it did not cover Life Flight ($5000).

No one consulted my wife or me about whom or what my insurance recognized as preferred providers. Not that I could’ve carried on much of a discussion, given my condition. Fortunately, my insurance company considered St. Patrick’s a preferred provider as well as the neurologist on call.

The ‘preferred provider’ neurologist ordered tests from the radiology department housed in the ‘preferred provider’ hospital. Believe it or not, radiology was not a “preferred provider” so we were billed for the “excess”!

I believe in taking personal responsibility. However, in the medical world, I’m merely a layperson. Was it realistic or fair to expect me to question each and every possible expense? I was in a ‘recognized’ hospital being treated by a ‘recognized’ doctor. Isn’t it logical to assume that required care would be covered? Should I have asked if the ICU nurses, the cleaning staff, and the cafeteria cooks were preferred providers?

Those who don’t recognize the crisis our country’s health care system is in either haven’t dealt with an insurance company after a crisis or are rich enough to afford Cadillac coverage or already have insurance through the government.

One element of health care reform is a public option. This is simply what it states – an option you can choose. If you like your existing coverage, you won’t be forced to change.

No for-profit insurance company will currently insure me due to pre-existing conditions. I’m insured only because the state of Montana subsidizes insurance for the uninsurable. Nevertheless my $10,000 deductible policy costs me $360 a month. A public option would allow me, and so many in my situation, access to affordable health care.

Letters to the Editor

Parade incident spawns hate

Dear Editor,

I saw the article about Cathy Kulonis in the Missoulian this morning and it made me think of another instance of hate at the Creamery Picnic.

It was 11 a.m. in downtown Stevensville and the streets where crowded with adults and children happily waiting for the parade to begin. The rain had cleared and the sun was shining! My two young daughters were sitting next to me with their bags ready to catch candy. What a great day it was proving to be! As the floats starting going by people started crowding in to get a better look. Then came the political floats. As the Democrat floats went by a handful of people clapped and whistled. Then came the Republican floats and a handful of people clapped and cheered also. It was all very respectful and no big deal. I remember thinking to myself, it's great to live in a country where neighbors can be on different sides of the political lines and still treat each other with respect (yes, a little ignorant on my part).

Then came Cathy's vehicle. Apparently a man who I had not noticed before had come up alongside my children and he started screaming at her. Yelling something about a sign being spelled wrong. He was using foul language and so full of hate. He then continued to degrade her and leak with hate. After the float passed he flipped her off. All the while the children around him watched in silence! I was furious! Myself and several other people tried to get him to stop, telling him children were present and to knock it off. Some even tried to make him leave. He refused to stop and actually defended his hate by saying "Well, her sign is spelled wrong!” I thought it was strange that a misspelled word could cause someone to be so hateful! It literally changed the atmosphere from exciting and fun to tense and not fun.

I admit I am a bit sheltered in my life here in Stevensville. I have heard a lot of talk about "hate" lately in the country and I have always wondered how anyone can "hate" anyone. I do not support Obama or liberal ideals but not because I'm racist or full of hate. However, this man, an obvious supporter of Obama, was obviously full of hate. Maybe we should call him a "sexist" because he obviously hated Cathy. Shame on this hateful and ignorant man for acting like a hateful fool in front of my children and others!

Sarah Hankinson
Stevensville

Perfect day marred by racism

Dear Editor,

The 2009 Creamery Picnic was one of the best yet. The Stevensville Civic Club deserves high praise, as usual, for the marvelous results of months of planning and incredibly hard work from, not only the Civic Club members who are to be especially complimented, but from the many volunteers and all of the participants who made this event so memorable. Even Mother Nature cooperated by holding back the rain for Saturday's festivities and the Grand Parade.

Unfortunately, it had to be marred by the reprehensible actions of one Cathy Kulonis.

How dare she disrespect and insult the President of the United States with a disreputable racial slur, and using our community's family-oriented celebration as a platform for her racism is totally unacceptable. She and any of the local Republicans who condoned her disgraceful actions should be hanging their heads in shame. My responsible Republican friends were as appalled as I.

Basically, racism is not just an issue for Republicans or Democrats alone, but, rather, it involves Americans everywhere who are proud that our wonderful country is predicated on the many diversified creeds, colors and nationalities of our citizenry. Such diversification makes our nation great.

How like her and her kind to hide behind the First Amendment. A little reminiscent of the Ku Klux Klan, isn't it?

Cathy Kulonis, if you think your actions were those of a good American, think again. Bigot, in every sense of the word, readily comes to mind.

Beverly Helrich
Stevensville

Overreacting?

Dear Editor,

I was recently astonished by an article in a local paper entitled, “Bro sign holder asked to resign.”

I am not a Republican or a Democrat, but I am a retired military officer and a former middle school teacher from a multi-cultural community. The word “Bro,” as well as “Dude,” are used extensively by the younger generation and to presume that they are used exclusively by African Americans or that they refer to African Americans is ridiculous. To presume that the use of the word “Bro” is racist is also alarming. Today’s students use the word “Bro” in the same manner that the hippie and Bavarian communities of my generation used the term, “Hey, Brother” and “Hey, Sister.”

The demand by three members of the higher echelon of the Republican hierarchy is also a little astounding. They are obviously centrist or moderate in their Republican viewpoint and are a perfect example of why Montana, which is recognized by most political pundits as a “Red State,” has two Democratic Senators and a Democrat Governor. They are either morally weak or do not have any contact with the younger generation’s lexicon and are ignorant of the common use of the word, “Bro.”

The message that I perceived from Mrs. Kulonis’s sign is loud and clear! “No More Bro” is indicating that we as American citizens cannot stand the financial burden of “No more stimulus deals, No cap and trade, No Federal Health control, etc.”

For me, “No More Bro” sends a message which is clearly a resonating proclamation. Too bad the liberal Democrats don’t like it. It would make a great bumper sticker. This is logic that a conservative independent can support!

Jim Van Sickle, Col (ret)
Stevensville

The flap over ‘No Mo Bro’

Dear Editor,

I am an independent voter who for the life of me cannot understand the Liberal Loony Left or the Right Wing Extremist. I think you both should take a cold shower.

I have read the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence backwards and forward and would suggest the right and the left do the same. The First Amendment says that a person has free speech whether you agree with it or not. No one on the right or left has the right to infringe on it.

Wake up, neither side has the right to tell the other side what to say or do. If you don’t like what a sign says, look the other way. If you don’t like what someone has to say, just leave. If you don’t like a program on T.V. you simply turn the channel. If you don’t like living in free society, I would suggest you make other arrangements.

By the way, most of what you zealots complain about is really none of your business. America is the greatest country the world has ever seen, because of one word. FREEDOM!

James T. McKoy
Corvallis

Kulonis represents right wing well

Dear Editor,

I've read with some amusement the various comments, editorials etc. surrounding the uproar the Republican Pachyderm float caused at the Creamery Picnic two weeks ago. I, along with many of my friends and associates, feel political floats have no place in a parade such as Stevensville's or the Corvallis Memorial Day march.

If politicians want to be involved, then they should set up a booth off site somewhere to display their "No More Christian Brother" placards or whatever. That gives the audience the option of visiting their command center to listen to some great thoughts vocalized on solving this country's problems like "why do members of Congress have such great health plans and we don't?"

Also, I don't believe Ms. Kulonis, the displaced California/Okie (or wherever she's from originally) Republican Pachyderm chairperson, should be removed from her current position. She's an appropriate representative for the religious right-wing element of the party and best embodies their core values of liberty, fraternity, equality and use of occasional Malaprops for all. She should be promoted for her efforts, not demoted and vilified by those pesky liberals. Hopefully, Fox News (Glen Beck?) will pick up on this story and come to her aid. She needs it.

Jim Hamilton
Florence

More subtle form of racism

Dear Editor,

I would like to respond to Cathy Kulonis' letter published on 8/12,2009. To preface my response, I would like to say that I have grown up in the Bitterroot Valley and lived here my entire life, until recently moving away to college to study Psychology, with an emphasis in Prejudice and Discrimination. I am proud to call Stevensville my home because of all of the different people who make up such a wonderful community.

I would like to clear up some things for Mrs. Kulonis. When most people think of racism today, we think of blatant discrimination and prejudice - not passive aggressive signs at a family parade or snide letters to the editor defending racist behavior in a public newspaper. The latter are examples of Modern Symbolic Racism. Dovidio and Gaertner (“Prejudice, Discrimination & Racism,” Orlando, FL Academic Press, 1986) define Modern Symbolic Racism as a belief that racism and discrimination are a thing of the past. People who exhibit Modern Symbolic Racism believe that people who are black are pushing too far and too fast into places they are not needed or wanted. Modern Symbolic Racists believe racism is bad, but that the feelings they express are not racist, they are empirical facts; much like Mrs. Kulonis said that she knows in her heart she is not a racist, though her actions and behaviors contradict her statement. Racist comments or beliefs tend to be rationalized away, and most people manifesting Modern Symbolic Racism have never actually had a negative experience with the group they are targeting. Unfortunately, the sign Mrs. Kulonis displayed at the parade was racist, and the letters she wrote defending her intolerant behavior was even more enlightening to her actual feelings of narrowmindedness and prejudice within the community.

What is most disgusting is that she acknowledged that men and women died for her right to express her own opinion yet chose to do so in a manner that promotes hate and inequality throughout our community - and at a family parade! Have some class! I am especially saddened how she chose to express her Christian beliefs in such a way that articulates her intolerance to its core. I am 100% positive that there were non-Christians who fought for your freedoms, Mrs. Kulonis, as well as homosexuals, minorities AND atheists. Is their sacrifice so unimportant that you can publicly diminish the fact that they gave their lives so you could have these freedoms because they do not think the way you do? Just because you have an opinion about something does not mean you can blatantly offend others.

In her letter, she describes how she saw a sweet young black girl clapping as she drove by. I hate to tell you this, Mrs. Kulonis, but that girl was clapping because she was at a parade. If she knew what your sign stood for or read your letter, there would be no clapping.

We have the opportunity to grow and learn from this experience. People of all different cultures, colors, ethnicities and religions make up our community. Just because racism is not as overt as it once was, does not mean is doesn't exist. It is more subtle and just as hurtful and intolerant. When all else fails, remember what your mother used to say, Mrs. Kulonis, if you don't have anything nice to say don't say anything at all.

Kandi Raymond
Stevensville

Setting the record straight

Dear Editor,

I have been told that person(s) are saying that I am trying to shut down the Stevensville Police Department. I know as a matter of Montana State Law we as an incorporated township are required to provide at least one police officer and a town judge. So anyone suggesting I would attempt to violate State Law really does not know me very well.

I, as a Town Council member, have never said I would eliminate our Police Department. When police presence appears less obvious, I ask are we getting what is being paid for. I have asked if there are less expensive ways for our department to deliver service. I am vigilant in how your taxes are spent. Some are saying they would spend more on our officers’ salaries. When someone suggests this, please ask what in the budget would they eliminate to provide those funds, because it is not a matter of wanting to pay our officers more. It is a matter of providing fire protection, street maintenance, building inspection, mown parks and cemeteries, to name a few. All these services require funds that compete with requests from our police department.

So, please, I am available anytime to give you my position regarding any issue of concern. Call 777-3810 or 721-0231.

Clayton D. Floyd Jr.
Stevensville

Is sitting on our hands going to get us anywhere?

Dear Editor,

To All Good People - in all your respected places and with all your meaningful styles of standing for the NOBLE CAUSE for the vital preservation of Humanity and EARTH:

A) Did anyone really hear what the UN Secretary General had to say earlier this week about the urgent need to stand now, for a New Resolve toward rescuing ourselves from the dire circumstance we are all facing? He said, in a clearly passionate and imploring plea, that the World situation – of our own making – has reached a critical stage. What will come threatens World peace as too many will find themselves confronted with clear threats to their very survival... the food and water crisis, looming on the near horizon, will certainly cause mayhem and panic. Did anyone catch this? FOX news ran the video and then proceeded to paint him as "Chicken Little"... (I know the feeling)... "...we need to decide about the climate crisis in four months," he said.

B) Just a few weeks ago (4-4-09), from the AP:

"A Diary of the Planet" by Steve Newman---

One of the United States' most influential science advisers says that the number of humans on the planet, has exceeded Earth's "limits of sustainability." Speaking prior to a conference in Paris of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, State Department chief scientist, Nina Fedoroff, said that famines affecting a billion people could threaten global food security this century. The world's population has already exceeded 6 billion and is predicted to rise to 9 billion within 50 years, unless action is taken soon. "The planet can't support many more people," Fedoroff told the BBC. Her warning echoed comments the previous week by John Beddington, Britain's Chief Scientist, in which he forecast a "perfect storm" of food, water and energy shortages by 2030.

C) Worldwide aggression is now escalated beyond all merit and belief.

D) By 2080, we'll need TWO EARTHS to support us. (Living Planet Report)

E) By 2040, we will be in the midst of a worldwide food and water crisis.

F) By 2030-40, USA will cease to be a food exporter.

G) Neglecting the needs of animals... (can we?) Each person's share of the producing lands on our Earth is 4.5 acres. WE in the USA consume at 23.5 acres per person. (Living Planet Report)

H) Worldwide, we are consuming at a 20% deficit. (Living Planet Report)

Without a VITAL WORLD PLAN for Sustainability, and a reverent re-creation of our way-too-old-now third grade motivating philosophies for: Responsible Liberty for ALL people, Common Truth, Common Destiny, Common Purpose and Common Aid... is there such a thing as "smart growth"?

What, I ask in all reverence, do YOU think we should do?

Might we all do something meaningful... now?

Has there ever been a more urgent time?

Shouldn't we be asking about the age-old Theocratic assertions?

IF we all united in a reverent voice, couldn't we change the world? Couldn't we bring the vital issues of survival and sustainability to the top of World discourse? Couldn't we stand for the noble cause, and say, "Please... STOP."?? Couldn't we apply a reverent disdain, scorn and public shame upon those who work against freedom for all?

Couldn't we make vital plans? WHERE... is the Infinite Love in what we do?

Couldn't we... UNITE?

You, yes you, could become part of this movement. Why not?

Lee Kierig
Hamilton

Wolf hunt should be stopped

Dear Editor,

Montana's Fish, Wildlife & Parks Department is excited about the state's first wolf hunting season, but those who respect wildlife still believe that the killing can be prevented.

Wolves are respected by environmentalists and held in high regard by the public. While most consider these majestic animals priceless, Fish, Wildlife & Parks pegs their worth at $19 each - the cost of a resident wolf hunting license.

Wolves are not a problem in Montana. With ranchers often "crying wolf" it may be surprising to many to learn that government-run poisoning campaigns aimed at killing off natural predators are more deadly to cattle and sheep than wolves are.

Are we to relive the early 1970's when hunters killed wolves to near extinction, necessitating their placement on the Endangered Species List? We may if special interests groups representing the hunting industry decide the fate of Montana's wolves in the months to come.

Fish, Wildlife & Parks should promote wildlife watching and eco-tourism rather than hunting. With wildlife watchers outnumbering hunters by a margin of two-to-one and contributing $325 million more to the local economy than hunters do (according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service), it behooves the state to protect its wolves from hunters, trappers and ranchers so they can be enjoyed by the majority of Montana's non-hunting residents.

Join our members and supporters in Montana and throughout the nation in opposing the way state wildlife agencies cater to hunters at the expense of wildlife, habitat and the public. Visit www.AbolishSportHunting.com.

Joe Miele, President
The Committee to Abolish Sport Hunting
Las Cruces, NM

Pending climate change legislation

Dear Editor,

As you may be aware, the U.S. Congress currently is working on an extensive piece of legislation intended to address significant concerns about climate change. Our representatives in Congress are working conscientiously on an important and challenging subject, attempting to achieve the right balance of outcomes for the climate, for energy customers, and for our region.

On June 26, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the American Clean Energy and Security Act of 2009 (ACES), which is intended to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In September, the Senate will consider the 1,400-page bill as well as other energy bills. Meanwhile, we are conducting extensive analysis to determine how the ACES Act might affect our communities, our customers and our company.

At NorthWestern Energy, we take our responsibilities to the environment and our

customers very seriously.

We currently obtain over 8 percent of our electricity in Montana from renewables, and are bringing on line our first wind plant in South Dakota, which will bring our South Dakota supply to 5 percent wind.

We are expanding our energy efficiency program in Montana and will be ramping up energy efficiency programs in South Dakota and Nebraska.

Our transmission plans are designed to allow wind development that will help reduce the entire region’s dependence on fossil fuels.

We participate in regional efforts to promote efficiency, and to pilot “smart grid.”

In any climate change legislation, we suggest several provisions that we believe will help protect our customers from significant increases in their cost of electricity and natural gas beyond what would otherwise be appropriate while encouraging environmentally appropriate energy production and development. We believe that no company should be enriched by receiving a disproportionate share of allowances to offset carbon dioxide and that any benefits from a cap and trade system should go to customers.

The August issue of our customer newsletter Energy Connections includes a summary of our detailed analysis and our positions on the Waxman-Markey Bill. We also will publish additional information reflecting the multiple perspectives on this complicated and important subject on our Web site, http://www.northwesternenergy.com.

In addition, we encourage you to do your own research so you can make informed and balanced assessments concerning utility service, customer impacts, and environmental consequences. Our analysis necessarily makes some assumptions about the variables that will determine the effect this legislation could have on electricity and natural gas prices in our region. We have attempted to be conservative in these assumptions. It is important to remember that the actual effect will depend a number of variables and upon the assumptions that you make regarding these potential variables.

Reliable utility service, reasonably priced energy, and a clean environment need not be in conflict. By working together constructively, and based on good analysis, we can address all three. It is this same spirit of teamwork that will also allow us to continue providing the high degree of reliable energy services and customer care that is NorthWestern Energy.

Bob Rowe, President and CEO
NorthWestern Energy

Thanks from North Valley Library

Dear Editor,

The North Valley Public Library would like to thank all the volunteers that have made our Summer Reading/Arts and Crafts Program such a huge success.

Thanks to the high school crew: Rafael Goodson, Leah Abdich, Cheyenne Sundberg, and Kayla Ewing who helped with crafts, games, snack and more.

We could not have done without our music experts, Melody Wiggins and Becky Bishop, who led singing, taught memory games, and helped with crafts as well.

Professional photographers Kim Roth and Barbara Michelman taught the 9-12 year old kids to take and crop pictures like a pro.

We were very fortunate to have a very special mom, Glenda Kearney, and a wonderful grandmother, Sparky Praast, who enthusiastically assisted with the craft projects and the creation of our ice cream truck float.

Catalina Gerner taught us how to prepare authentic Mexican salsa and homemade tortillas while telling us about her native land and its culture.

Finally, special thanks to Ed Cummings, who provided flat-bed truck and hay wagon for our Creamery Picnic Parade Float; Jim Pfau, who provided the straw; and John Meakin who built the frame work for our ice cream truck.

Thank you, one and all, for helping to provide Stevi’s wonderful children with an amazing, successful Summer Program!

Patricia Wilson Meakin
North Valley Public Library

Thanks from Friends of NV Library

Dear Editor,

The Friends of the North Valley Public Library wish to thank everyone who generously participated in the Creamery Picnic Big Book Sale. It warmed the cockles of our bibliophile hearts to see so many of the books go to new homes, particularly when bags of books left with children who love to read. The Friends of the Library work very hard on this project and we're always grateful to have so many individuals and families support our efforts.

We had some wonderful entertainment on Friday evening when the Cedar Ridge Bluegrass Trio played for over two hours to the enjoyment of a toe-tapping audience. A rousing good time was had by all.

We look forward to seeing you next year, same time, same place.

Bev Helrich (for)
Friends of the North Valley Public Library
Stevensville

A big Creamery thank you

Dear Editor,

Let's have a big round of applause for Pat Offen, Tim Schreiber and Mark Anderson for all of their hard work on the Creamery Picnic! It's a huge project and most of the effort goes on behind the scenes and for months in advance of the big weekend itself. Jeff Fuller and Robin Holcomb also deserve thanks, as do all of the many volunteers who pitched in to make this year's Creamery Picnic a success. Hip, hip, hooray!

Renee McGrath, Director
North Valley Public Library

Support for single payer, public option for health care

Dear Editor,

I am writing to very strongly encourage everyone to work for a comprehensive single payer, public option for health care for our country. Below are some of my reasons, not all of them, and not necessarily in priority order.

In order to get unconscionably high costs down we need to make health care a not-for-profit industry and simplify it. At present it is confusing, with a myriad of iterations, and with a cacophony of brokers competing for everyone’s money. Health care, to be truly comprehensive and for everyone, needs to be universal, public, and a not-for-profit service or it cannot honestly be called health care for all, but simply another business for profit.

We need to get the insurance industry out of health care. Our health care is not dice to be rolled for their gaming and profit, and they should have NO say what-so-ever in a person’s health care needs. This relationship has evolved into a colossal mess that is not good for anyone, and in fact puts your health care in jeopardy.

Health care needs to be taken off the backs of business. Employers should not have to be saddled with this extra burden that takes away from their intended business goals and makes it harder for them to compete in the marketplace. Everyone, without this burden on employers, could bring home a larger salary. Health care should not be linked to one’s employment and be lost with unemployment. We, the people, should be free to seek and obtain employment independent of health care worries or tied to an undesirable job due to health care needs. I don’t know why health care was ever linked to employment in the first place. It should never have anything to do with one’s employment. We need to eliminate this irrational employment/health care link.

“Affordable health care” is just a gimmick to keep it the way it is with a few minor changes. We need, and want, universal health care for all Americans similar to what other industrialized countries have (where life expectancy is longer due to better health care). We can still have a choice in doctors and facilities with much simplified paperwork and billing procedures. It is time for a completely new paradigm in thinking if we are to make a very bad situation into a worthy system.

Costs, while complex, should not be a problem since the present system has a colossal amount of waste in it which could be eliminated. For example, there are around 1300 health insurance companies each with their own administrative staff that are paid for in your current premiums (their health care costs are in your premium too). That must be over one million administrators, not to mention the messy confusion of benefits, rules, charges, etc. This cannot be cheaper and more efficient than one single payer administration. There is also a huge amount of money in the generous tax breaks that the wealthy receive in this country. Cost is only a technical problem.

The money is already there, it just has to be freed up.

Bill Bisbee
Corvallis

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