Our View: Darts and Laurels for Nov. 8, 2013

Dart — Frank Cote from Blue Cross Blue Shield spoke at a forum sponsored by the Havre Area Chamber for Commerce Wednesday on the Affordable Care Act and its impact on the Hi-Line and its businesses. He provided something we don’t hear about Obamacare much — facts. There was no political spin, just information that people could use in making up their minds on what to do. Obamacare is a hot-button issues, and there has been much more heat than light in discussions on the topic. Congratulations to the Chamber for sponsoring the program.

Laurel — Candidates throughout the Hi-Line volunteered to run for office. They put themselves in the public eye and opened themselves for criticism. Local offices don’t pay much money, and there is little reward except the knowledge that they are serving their communities and making things a little bit better for their neighbors. Some candidates won Tuesday, some lost, and unfortunately, many were unopposed. We thank each one for stepping forward.

Dart — Montana is blessed with lots of wildlife in our vast, beautiful state. Fish, Wildlife and Parks works hard to maintain a balance between hunting and preservation of our wildlife. It’s sad to see poaching take place, but sadly an elk was poached in southern Blaine County last week. We hope they catch the people responsible.

Dart — Later this month, our nation will remember the assassination of President John Kennedy. For people of a certain age group, this historic occasion will be forever etched in our minds. Dan Rather was a young reporter at the time. He played a key role in reporting the events of that day. He later became the anchor for CBS Evening News, and after a long career, he had a big-time falling out with CBS. Virtually every other CBS reporter who covered the assassination has died. When the network planned its 50th anniversary coverage, it left Rather out completely. He could have added so much to the explanations of what took place on that historic day. Don’t worry. He will be interviewed by his longtime competitor NBC’s Tom Brokaw for that network’s special program.