Trapping Hunting method should be history
In his guest column (Jan. 6), Dennis Schutz, a member of the Montana Trappers Association, claims that in the past 30 years he knows of only four domestic dogs injured in traps. But his affiliate, the National Trappers Association, offers insurance to trappers because so many pet owners sue after their companions are injured or killed in traps. Nine dogs I know of have been caught, two fatally, in traps - one this month, snared near the Lee Creek Interpretive Trail.Schutz also praises the rules that trappers and Fish, Wildlife and Parks agreed on to provide safety for pets on public lands. But there are no rules, and no license required, for trapping animals like raccoons, coyotes and foxes - traps can be anywhere, anytime. For furbearers, the trap must be set 50 feet from a trail. That's about the length of three parking spots. That's safe?
And Schutz never addresses the real trapping issue: the sheer cruelty of trapping, the anguish and torment that trappers cause, and herald as their traditional right. It's beyond comprehension that people still defend this practice of pain for fun and profit.
Montana has a time-honored hunting ethic of fair chase and clean, quick kill. The commercialization of wildlife has been illegal since Teddy Roosevelt. Why isn't trapping - slow death for the price of a pelt - history?
Connie Poten, Missoula
Creation/evolution Logic shows God created universe
I was intrigued by the handful of letters regarding creation/evolution and decided to express my own opinion.I will start with the origin of the universe. As I see it, there are only three possible explanations: 1. the universe has no origin; it has existed forever; 2. the universe created itself, or 3. God created the universe.
Explanation No. 1 doesn't work because it violates the second law of thermodynamics, which basically states that the universe is in an increasing state of disorder. The universe cannot have been growing increasingly unsteady forever. Explanation No. 2 presents us with a huge problem. The universe creating itself? I don't even need to expound on that. Therefore, the only logical explanation I can come up with is that God created the universe.
As for David B. Rice's letter (Jan. 4), if you're going to claim that creationism has been proven wrong time and again, at least offer some proof that it really has. Presupposing that your opposition is wrong and offering no basis for it makes for a rather poor argument.
As for W. Bennington's letter (Jan. 6), do you really think a novice engineer could make a better human? I would be very interested in seeing that.
Webster's Dictionary defines science as “knowledge acquired by careful observation, by deduction of the laws which govern changes and conditions, and by testing these deductions by experiment.” According to this definition, evolution is not science because it was neither observed nor is it repeatable. Evolution is merely a theory, and an unscientific one at that. I know what people will say in response to that statement - that creationism is not science, either, but I readily accept that. Truthfully, any explanation for our origins is unscientific by it's very nature, so stop claiming evolution to be what it most definitely is not.
Adam Emery, Missoula
Presidency McCain best choice for country
This letter, being sent prior to the close of the New Hampshire primary, is to publicly state I am a proud McCain Ace.John McCain Jr. is not only knowledgeable, he is also wise. Wisdom comes with age and experience. It is this wisdom that will guide his decisions in keeping our country safe.
As David Broder so aptly expressed in his editorial on Dec. 30, “Americans will be choosing a president for a dangerous time in the world that has more shocks to administer.”
We are at war.
McCain can best lead us in these hazardous times.
Kim Ann Handy, Huson
Violence Abuse against children heartbreaking
As a single mother who nearly gave her life to save the lives of her two existing children and the life of the child I was carrying at the time, it breaks my heart to see and read stories about harm being brought to children by the adults they've come to trust. The recent instability and horrific pictures from Kenya have literally stained my eyes and the images disturb me daily. Have we really come to devalue life like this?I've written this as to express the pain when I see these pictures and read stories of violence against children. I feel a deep need to share this and hope so badly that it has an impact.
“Ode To The Littlest Angels”
How can I show you big blue skies,
And bring back the wonder in your naive eyes?
How can I tickle your feet with a feather,
And hear again, your lighthearted laughter?
How can I bring back your happiness,
And remind the world of your immaculate innocence?
How do I tell you I'm sorry?
I am so, so sorry!
For you are gone,
And the world is a blemished place without you.
Helpless and unsuspecting, surrounded by anger,
Your delicate body left broken, your blissful curiosity extinguished,
And without the capacity to understand why.
I can't understand either,
I am so, so sorry!
Be embraced in the arms of the Angels,
Know happiness and comfort and love.
You did nothing to deserve the unjust fate
You met here.
Have peace in the Wings from Above.
Jodie Ingraham, Missoula
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