New Chinook
Editor The following letter mailed today to Al Hauff, editor of The Big Sky Patriot.
Editor Hauff:
I think the time has come that I respond to comments made in your paper "The Big Sky Patriot". First, let me state that I am in agreement with much of your publication and find its contents, again for the most part, interesting. On page 4 of volume 5 Issue 1, you have some space dedicated to things "off the wall of Frank Egan". The first thing listed is the statement; "If a government does not trust me with a gun, then I dare not trust that government." I wrote that phrase, had it printed at the Chinook Opinion, and distributed them at my expense to gunshops not only in Montana, but all the way to Orange County, CA. This was done in 1968. Back then I thought that statement had merit, I still do today. Evidently you agree with it or you wouldn't have run it in your paper. So we agree on something, but not all things. Contrary to the articles in your publication, Blaine County and the town of Chinook are good places to live. Sure we have a drug problem, but that shouldn't set us apart as a crime capitol. Our problems here are no different than any other community. We have our few that participate in unlawful activities but we have many that live good productive lives, do good things, raise good kids and in general struggle through life in an effort to leave things better for those who follow.
Our older people have had experiences in life that can be an inspiration to the younger generations. Our youth have hopes and dreams of their lives yet to be lived. They accomplish things, while young, to be proud of, we prefer to focus on these things. True, things of a distasteful,unlawful, or scandalous nature are news and need to be reported on. However, a steady diet of these things are not needed. Articles need to be factual, brief' not filled with suspicion and innuendo. When I ran for sheriff the question I asked people as I campaigned was; "If you could change something in the county, what would it be?" The overwhelming answer was "the newspaper." That, sir, is how we came into being. I take personal exception to your statement "Ex-Sheriff Maddox bought the Chinook Opinion and the people of Blaine County will now have a steady diet of Pabulum." Now I consider pabulum to be nutritious, wholesome and clean' unlike the stuff at the other end of the baby. I, for one, was tired of the steady diet of what I considered yellow journalism and evidently so were the people of Blaine County. I, and others, chose to give the people a choice. Personally, I find it rather admirable when someone is willing to put their money where their mouth is, put out a desirable product, provide employment for other people, and maybe make a profit. I also find it interesting that those who find the most fault are most likely those who are either unwilling or unable to do the same.
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