Puritanical values hurting Whitefish

Editor's note: The Whitefish Pilot received the following letter from a concerned Whitefish resident who wished to remain anonymous.

This letter is a response to the recent puritanical value system that is currently being legislated and enforced in Whitefish.

Historically, this town has always been a hard-workin', hard playin' small Western town. We work hard, we play hard and try to make an honest living.

Recently, several of my friends have received public intoxication citations (and fines) for choosing to leave their vehicle downtown and walk home. This is a $250 fine and the Whitefish Police Department will report this to your insurance company so your rates will go up, regardless of what seemed like the responsible decision.

To some, a $250 fine may be a month's worth of groceries. Not all of us moved here to buy a second home with a fat pension from California.

Yes, Virginia, there is a working class in Whitefish, and we are struggling. We are educated, good people and part of the future of this community. (What do you do in Whitefish when someone with a Ph.D. knocks on your door? You pay them for the pizza.)

We have made the financial sacrifices to live and work in this town. We choose to live here for various reasons, some of which are personal freedom, personal responsibility and tolerance.

These values used to represent Whitefish. The police used to come into the bar for a cup of coffee, not just to write citations like a revenue robot. This isn't L.A.

Does anyone really feel safer because Joe Skibum got arrested for an open container? Did you know that on New Year's Day 2000 in Whitefish more people were arrested than in all of New York City?

Several bartenders have told me that they don't call the police for a fight anymore, because they've been told that if they aren't personally threatened themselves, the police won't respond.

The Whitefish Police Department also holds that hard-working bartender personally responsible for the actions of all their patrons. I don't know any bartender that can afford a $1,000 fine.

Wanna go outside to indulge in that now illegal smoking vice? Don't bring your beverage — that will cost you $250. Leave it at the bar where it will be easier for someone to slip "roofies" in it.

The truth is, yes, we drink in this town. Sometimes we drink too much. This shouldn't be a hangin' offense unless you do something really stupid, like get in a car, in which case you can't blame anyone but yourself.

The Whitefish Police Department's heavy-handed approach equates to financial class warfare for the working man. This used to be such a safe and hospitable town. Well, at least it's still safe.

Does anyone hear that dripping noise? It's the sound of the soul of Whitefish being slowly bled out by the steel fist of the Whitefish Police Department. Will the last ski bum please turn out the lights when they leave? Thanks.