Listen to the truth
As a candidate for House District 5, I pay close attention to things related to the political races. I noticed the difference in advertising tactics displayed by the Republican and Democrat parties on the pages of the Daily Inter Lake (Sept. 30.)
The Republican full page ad identified the candidates, told what we stand for and believe in, and stated facts. The Democrat full page ad identified their candidates, listed what they stand for, and then proceeded to use scare tactics and lies to put down Republicans.
As one example, their ad states their position concerning health care: “Women should have freedom of access to safe, affordable reproductive care.” Then the ad proceeds to tell us what Republicans think: “Government should control this relationship between women and their doctors.”
I’ll leave it to you to interpret the meaning of their stance, but their presumption about what Republicans believe or want to do is totally a lie. In fact, Republicans want to minimize government involvement in health care. Republicans don’t want private employers to be forced into paying for anyone’s reproductive health care. Republicans don’t want other taxpayers to have to pay for someone else’s reproductive health care.
On the contrary, it seems that Democrats want to force subsidized health care, whether it be reproductive or not. I might note here that abortion isn’t health care. It’s the opposite of health care.
Another part of the Democrat ad states that the Democrats want to “ensure access to outdoor activities on public lands,” while Republicans “support transfer of public lands to states and potentially their sale or lease to private users.”
It’s true that many Republicans support the transfer of federal lands in Montana back to the state as was originally intended and promised when Montana became a state (and has been done for the states in the eastern half of the U.S.)
But it’s nothing but a scare tactic to infer that Republicans want to sell off these lands. I have attended many Republican functions, seminars, and the State Convention this year. I’ve listened to programs on transferring these lands, and not one Republican has brought up selling off any lands.
While selling the lands is a theoretical possibility, it’s not the intent of the Republican party. And, considering the fact that the state is far more financially stable than the federal government, the chance of the state needing to sell the properties is less.
Additionally, Republicans aren’t out to shut down recreation and travel in public lands. I’d venture to say that those favoring Kelly humps and primitive wilderness are not Republicans.
Folks, here’s the bottom line: if you care about access to public lands, financial solvency, funding for water quality, good schools, and affordable health care, I suggest you ignore scare tactics and lies. Listen to those to tell you the truth, even when it hurts. Vote for those who will best manage state finances by being prudent about spending your dollars. The end result will help you accomplish your goals for our community.
— Doug Adams is the Republican candidate for HD5