Letter to the Editor - Paper's People's Rights articles biased

Editor,

This was the first Montana People’s Rights Group meeting that I have attended and I was disappointed with the dark bias that was used by HDN to describe it. Conveniently, there was no mention that the meeting was opened with a prayer and also closed with a prayer. One main question at the meeting was what the Constitutions of the United States and Montana really say and how that might differ from what we are being told. Another question was the positives of wearing a mask, as well as the negatives of wearing a mask. The HDN article very conveniently left out all of the negatives of wearing a mask. If you remember, Dr. Fauci told us a few short months ago that there was no reason to wear a mask, now it is a mandate/law? I am very concerned with the talk of having my grandchildren wearing masks extended hours a day in school with no idea what the negative health, physical, mental and emotional effects this would have on them. These are things that people have a desire to know and a right to be educated about.

The article also included many references to gun toting militia’s as if that is what they were witnessing at the meeting. What I saw, was people seeking information and seeking to be educated.

If what the mayors and governors in this country are doing is to protect their constituents, I respect that. However, I am sure I am not the only one who has concerns about the legality of this and whether or not some of these mandates are politically motivated rather than strictly for the good of the people. There have been 65 deaths YTD in Montana from COVID-19 and 108 deaths YTD in Montana from vehicle fatalities. I believe it is a tragedy when any life is lost, but if this is all about saving lives, why have there not been any mandates to restrict driving and stay-at-home orders for all vehicles. (OK, yes, I agree, stay-at-home orders for all vehicles would be ridiculous, but does it make you wonder if all the mandates given to us are really justified?) If laws are passed by representatives elected by the people, that is significantly different than individuals such as mayors, governors and health boards passing mandates/laws on their own thoughts and opinions.

In conclusion, I believe answering people’s questions, and giving out information does not make you a militia or a malicious group. Rather than take the opinion of seemingly bias journalists, I would suggest you visit with people who attended the Montana People’s Rights meeting or attend a meeting yourself so you can ask your own questions and make your own decisions, unbiasedly.

Gus A. Sharp

Havre