Letter: Rehberg's tone on S. 1470 is refreshing

Dear Editor:

Thanks to Rep. Denny Rehberg for visiting Libby to hear opinions and comments from folks interested in Sen. Jon Tester’s Forest Jobs and Recreation Act (S. 1470).

Rep. Rehberg has been conducting these sessions throughout the state and putting in the miles over the last couple weeks.

Rep. Rehberg should be praised for striking a refreshing and constructive tone regarding this potential legislation.

Before his visit to Libby, he was asked what he hoped to accomplish during his tour of the state and was quoted as saying, “What I learn will guide me in my efforts to ensure that any bill Congress passes strikes a fair balance.  It’s not about finding reasons to say ‘no’ – it’s about making changes that will allow everyone to say ‘yes.’”

In reality there is no way everyone will be able to say ‘yes.’ to S. 1470. After all, this is a democracy and total unanimity is near impossible.

Naturally at the Libby listening session there were comments in total support of S. 1470 and comments completely against. From my point of view the most substantive comments were those that recognized that this legislation, as proposed, isn’t perfect yet, but that we must keep working at it together. 

It’s clear to some people that crafting a solution together, from the ground up, is a far better alternative than having legislation shoved down our throats from Washington, D.C.

Tim Linehan

Yaak