Don't vote for the 'untouchables'

How can you vote for a man who won’t shake your hand? U S. Rep. Greg Gianforte, U.S. Sen. Steve Daines and State Auditor and senatorial candidate Matt Rosendale have fled the time-honored public meeting for the safety of invitation-only events and the electronic shields of telephone and video. It’s no crime to have moved to Montana from somewhere else, but these men seem to have imported a shared fear of our general public.

Why? Because of hecklers? Unscripted questions?

This cowardly behavior is so un-Montanan, but the greater loss is to these untouchable, aristocratic men who don’t get to learn from the inventive, experienced, common-sensical men, women and kids who have done many things to make a living. Jeffersonian Americans.

One of my most valued friends was the Republican governor of an eastern state and a courageous man, so I don’t think hiding from the public is a Republican failing.

The Democratic challenger for the House seat, Kathleen Williams, doesn’t seem to be afflicted by this fear of you and I and holds open meetings in every town.

Rep. Gianforte and the electorate of Montana and the U.S. would have been nobly served by the application of equal justice under the law by Gallatin County Justice Court Judge Rick West, who said at Gianforte’s criminal sentencing, “In keeping with my standards of the time I’ve been a judge, I think some jail time here would be appropriate.” And then he let Gianforte skip the four days. More cowardice.

What is the judge afraid of? Had Gianforte worn the orange suit for four days, he would’ve learned that the jails contain our workforce and individuals who won’t tolerate his sucker punches.

—Ron Carter,

Libby