Pubdate: Mon, 14 Feb 2011 Source: Helena Independent Record (MT) Copyright: 2011 Helena Independent Record Contact: http://helenair.com/app/contact/letters_to_editor/ Website: http://helenair.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1187 Author: Don Kiehn PLEASE RETHINK PRIORITIES Last Saturday's IR was really a slap in the face. The front page consisted of five stories focused on setbacks in the rights and needs of Montanans. First, the Center for Mental Health, helping 5,700 clients, is experiencing financial troubles that are curtailing its services. The other four articles featured what Republicans in the House regard as "serving" the citizens who elected them. The eminent domain bill is designed to make it easier for corporations to appropriate private property. The medical marijuana bill repeals the collective will of Montanans who overwhelmingly endorsed the 2004 initiative 62 percent to 38 percent. House Bill 278 allows residents to establish armed militias, companies having their own uniforms, flags and identities. Finally, House Bill 280 violates a woman's right to privacy as those seeking abortions will be forced to endure unnecessary ultrasound tests and then having the results read to them. Besides harassing women who have made this agonizing choice, this bill further jacks up the cost of healthcare with providers being forced to spend extra time and perform expensive additional but unnecessary procedures. Thus, Republicans are taking stands against private property rights (with a few Democrats), against the people's consensus in passing the marijuana initiative, and against the right of privacy, but they stand for corporate power and the creation of gun-toting militias! Why not Republicans standing up for our police and firemen, for tackling the really important issues like jobs, education and making health care efficient and available to all citizens -- for the people, for a change? Don Kiehn Helena - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom