Some Halloween costumes inappropriate
To the editor,
My daughter and I attended the Glacier Gateway Halloween carnival last week. Smiles abounded as the children enjoyed the games and activities, and parents socialized with one another. Altogether, it was a merry, small-town gathering of down-home folks. Except for one thing. Some girls as young as 8 strutted around in costumes that I can only describe as "prostitot" outfits: heavy makeup, big hair, fishnet stockings, skin-tight mini skirts, stiletto heels and belly-baring tops. I was mortified; these little girls looked liked streetwalkers.
So my question is: Parents, WHAT ARE YOU THINKING? Do you actually believe allowing your young, vulnerable child to dress this way is healthy? I'm all for self-expression, but when a teen wants to "express herself" in this manner, what message is it sending to you? Or are you ignoring it? The current Hannah Montana/Britney/Beyonce craze may be the reason for this sort of dress, but I think one needs to look beyond the "harmless aspect of it to the reality of it.
Did you know there are 21 sex offenders living in this city? Seven are pedophiles. Has it ever occurred to you that perhaps some of these criminals may attend functions such as these? Does it bother you that a sexual predator may be scoping out your little girl?
Parents, wake up! Your daughters have the rest of their lives to be adults. Let them be children NOW, and help them find validation from within, not seeking it externally by looking "hot."
Dawn Schmit
Columbia Falls
Veteran plates help state's cemeteries
To the editor,
This letter conveys a big "Thank You" to the veterans in Flathead County who purchased 1,365 "Veteran" license plates this year!
"Veteran" license plates cost $10 (in addition to the regular registration cost) and the entire amount is used to fund the State of Montana's three veterans' cemeteries — located at Fort Harrison (near Helena), Miles City and Missoula.
All are operated and maintained to National Shrine Standards — the same standard as Arlington National Cemetery — and Veteran plate sales is the only state money we receive to keep this program funded.
Please consider the Veteran plate upon your next renewal — just show the clerk a copy of your honorable discharge. For any further information, call (406) 324-3740.
Joe Foster
Administrator
Montana Veterans Affairs Division
Subdivision Regulation changes should be tabled
To the editor,
An open letter to the Flathead County Board of Commissioners:
Gentlemen:
As former Flathead County Planning Board members, we want to express our concern that the county appears to be on the "fast track" to adopt significant changes to the county's Subdivision Regulations before year's end.
Specifically, we are referring to the county's proposed river, stream and riparian setbacks and many other new regulations that are part of that package. If adopted, this proposal will forever alter the future ability of county property owners, particularly rural property owners, to use their private property.
The experience of two recent elections in Flathead County, the primary election and the general election, have taught us two things. First, county residents have serious concerns over many of the county's past and present land use policies and the effect of those policies on their ability to use their property. Second, we only have to look at the election numbers to recognize the deep respect and trust that county residents place in the judgment and abilities of our newly elected county commissioner, Mr. Jim Dupont.
For these reasons we feel compelled to ask, and highly recommend, that the board of commissioners table any action to amend or adopt the proposed new changes to the Subdivision Regulations prior to Mr. Dupont taking office in January.
Through the recently demonstrated and overwhelming public support, Jim Dupont has earned the right to be an integral part of the present ongoing adoption process. Anything less will be unsatisfactory to the public that has expressed that support and will call into question any confidence the public may have in the present process.
Jeff Larsen, Russell Crowder, Tim Calaway, Brian Sipe, Harm Toren, Cal Scott, Don Brown, Charles Lapp, Larry Linne and Greg Stevens
Need information about Alzheimer's disease
To the editor,
My family is experiencing the tragedy of a member who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. I need more information about this disease. I do not have a computer so I cannot search the Internet. Library books are scarce on this subject and are always checked out with a long waiting list. I don't know if, or where, an Alzheimer's Association exists.
I am requesting your readers to contact Dr. Phil, Oprah and the Doctors to see if they are willing to make Alzheimer's disease a topic. This disease is becoming epidemic and there is still little research and medicine available. Our own situation is becoming desperate. Thanks for your help.
Mary L. Adams
Columbia Falls