Letters to the Editor - Bad laws have consequences too

Editor,

We are just past at the halfway point in the 2021 legislative session in Helena. I am impressed with the speed in which the Republican-controlled Legislature and the new Republican governor have ushered their agenda through the committees and on to votes inn the House and Senate. I guess it is easy with large majorities and there is no need to accommodate other positions.

I noted that one of the first bills passed was one to expand concealed weapon regulations. More guns on college campuses, bars, restaurants and other public places is the result. Who doesn’t want that? What could go wrong?

It was also impressive to see the majority try to limit the authority of local health officials. Who does not believe ranchers, lawyers, farmers and businessmen are not better equipped to deal with health issues than trained medical staff?

We all know that the Republicans are for smaller government, but when it comes to a women and her health they know they should step in and put restrictions on the privacy of a women to make her health decisions. Who does not think it is the right of white male legislators to decide issues that are between a woman, her doctor and her conscience?

When they decided to try and limit voting by eliminating same-day registration, we know it was for the correct reasons, not to suppress anyone’s right to vote. That would be undemocratic.

I see that almost all Republican legislatures around the U.S. have put forward bills to eliminate certain people from participating in some sport activities. It is really something they all got the same idea at the same time.

I have no doubt that the Republican majorities will be putting forth infrastructure, COVID relief, the budget and educational needs with the same vigor as they have promoted all of these personal agenda items.

This legislature reminds us that elections have consequences, but so do bad laws.

Dennis Kuntz

Havre