My Turn
By Crystal Thompson
I decided to take a break from my typical articles regarding all my wedding planning hoopla to vent my frustrations over a certain Great Falls Tribune editorial concerning the proposed expansion of Highway 2 along the Hi-Line. Obviously, after reading the numerous responses to the Tribune's article, I'm not the only one who was irritated by their snide remarks, but now is my chance to let readers know exactly what I thought.
First, let me congratulate the author of the article for his/her topnotch ability to bring out the most whining and sarcastic tone that I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
The Tribune's editorial on Monday, April 9, was that of a snotty grumbling bully with nothing better to do than pick on someone smaller than them. Yes, it is true that the Hi-Line is not as "culturally developed" as Great Falls. No, I am afraid that Havre, Wolf Point and Malta are not graced with such "big city" attractions as Great Falls' enticingly aromatic refinery or the crumbling monstrosity that is the 10th Street bridge.
To anyone with some vision, the Hi-Line is a gold mine. By directing traffic through this area, there is strong potential for economic growth. With increased traffic provided by a four-lane, small towns will once again be booming with economic opportunity. And what would that do? Perhaps take opportunities away from big bad Great Falls?
It is a well-known fact that bullies often act out towards those smaller than they, because they harbor some deeply-rooted problems at home. Perhaps Great Falls is hesitant to support the four-lane because they think that if given the choice, potential businesses may choose a friendly, growing community over an ugly zit of a city full of crime and grime. Maybe they are afraid that the skinny little kid that is the Hi-Line will hit a growth spurt, buff up and kick the holy crap out of this long-time bully.
The Tribune was quick to shoot off their mouth, without thinking of the consequences. Not everyone on the Hi-Line agrees that the four-lane proposal is the right thing to do; however, the majority agree that the Tribune's verbal bashing of these towns was not the best way to state their opinion. I happen to know that if a letter to the editor is seen as a personal attack by the editorial staff at the Tribune, they will refuse to print it. So, why is it that the Trib's own staff can write an editorial full of ridiculously obnoxious pokes at the historical, and I might add, beautiful and aspiring towns of the Hi-Line?
Sen. Sam Kitzenberg, R-Glasgow, is doing what legislators are supposed to do, and that is informing Helena lawmakers of what needs to be done in rural areas throughout the state to improve on what we already have. If big cities like Missoula and Great Falls had it their way, all small, struggling towns would be abolished, leaving only those ever-increasing morally deteriorating, slug-infested metropolises to grace Montana's landscape. Wouldn't that be certain to attract government funding?
I realize that by retorting to the Tribune's editorial, I am putting myself in the position to get in a rumble with someone who is obviously bigger and better because they come from GREAT FALLS, but it isn't like anyone in that superior city reads a small-town newspaper like the Havre Daily News anyway. Certainly not when they have the geniuses at the Tribune to keep them in stitches, making fun of the little guy.
