Governor is right about National Guard

Lets all hope that the pending fire season is not as dire as predictions,and conditions suggest. While we are hoping, lets prepare in case it is that bad. That seems to be the thought of Governor Schweitzer. The Republicans on the other hand, feel Mr. Schweitzer is somehow bashing our president by asking that Montana have its 3,500 or so National Guard members actually in Montana to help with needed fire suppression.

Although in my opinion Bush is certainly deserving of more than a little bashing, I doubt that is what Mr. Schweitzer had in mind. Still, when Montana's Republican leadership is not busy denying Montana workers a pay raise, or refusing to give Montana workers a break, they seem to have nothing else to do but a bit of their own bashing - of our own Governor.

Currently about 1500 of Montana's National Guard men and women are deployed in Iraq, worse yet the helicopters which have in the past played such a vital role in fighting fires are not available, because either the helicopter or the pilot is currently serving elsewhere.

Viva, Governor Schweitzer for having enough foresight to begin planning for what could be the worst fire season in years. To our Senator from Bigfork and the rest of the Republican leadership shame on you! Please put aside your next election plans long enough to at least feign an interest in Montana's future.

Shannon Hanson, Whitefish

Winter Classic was a success

Thanks to the help of the Flathead Valley community and their generous donations, the Whitefish Winter Classic successfully raised monies again to support children from northwest Montana who need assistance to access specialized medical care. Thanks to the businesses who donated products and services, and thanks to our title sponsors: Whitefish Credit Union, Big Mountain Resort, Grouse Mountain Lodge, Stillwater Gallery, and Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. And a big thanks to all the volunteers who donated their time to put on the events. All contributions raise during the Winter Classic go to For the Children, Inc. a non-profit organization providing financial assistance to help children access the medical care they need.

Thank you.

The Winter Classic Board Members