Better things for you

I have been full of joy, ever since that historic event on November 4, 2008. Our first black president, and a charismatic liberal too. Throughout his long campaign, he has promised better things for the middle class, in terms of tax cuts, health care, the economy, the environment and climate. I pray to God he is able to follow through. But even so, he'll be charming us all the way to whatever fate awaits us. And that's OK by me. I'd rather be charmed and hopeful, than live with this fear pushed upon us by the outgoing administration.

What we have witnessed is a paradigm shift. And this is really big! The old paradigm held that only a white man could be President of the USA. The new paradigm shattered that rule, but that's only the beginning. I'm hopeful this new paradigm will allow for other positive changes in our American culture, and give us the courage and discipline to really work on the HUGE problems ahead of us. President Obama cannot follow through on his promises unless we, each and every one of us, are willing to work and to sacrifice, to bring these positive changes to fruition.

Can we really pull this off? Is Barack more substance than rhetoric, when it comes to shepherding us through a real change? Yes, I think so. He wants to unite, rather than further divide America. Like JFK (with whom he is often compared), Obama's challenge will inspire us to work together for our betterment.

Now we all have the opportunity to be a part of this historic time, and to watch amazing events unfold. I am watching with hope in my heart. Yes indeed, there's "Better Things for You" (traditional American folk song).

Catherine Haug

Bigfork

County should set back decision on setbacks

After their November 10th meeting, it is now obvious that the county commission is going to follow the instructions of their county planning director, and adopt his new county Subdivision Regulation proposal before the end of the year.

As one of ten former county planning board members that recently signed an open letter to the county commission expressing our concerns over this very course of action, I want to express my personal dismay over the total disregard this commission seems to have for the voters of Flathead County.

After stalling around for the past couple of years, the "bums rush" and now the seeming "panic mode" of the county to implement these sweeping new restrictions to the use of rural private property, can only be explained as a slap in the face to our newly elected county commissioner that doesn't assume local office until January, Jim Dupont, and to county voters that so overwhelmingly demanded change!

Through last minute "Machiavellian" tactics, it appears that Mr. Dupont will come into office saddled with these further county attacks on private property rights and the inevitable law suits that property owners and county taxpayers will have to bear.

This county commission's present actions do not serve the public well.

Russell Crowder