The people's voice. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1939-1969, 1962-10-05

Z
nents are chopping me TO pieces back
home where will you be when it
comes time for me 70 run again?
The 1859 Legislature tried TO be
realistic about both needs and taxes
and we turned them out in 1860.
We have no right TO be self-right-
eous and indignant because social
welfare is 50 sadly neglected if we
think we can take care of it for moth
ing. It is not enough TO deplore the
educational situation if we think it
comes for free.
contend the majority Of the peo-
pie are willing to pay for the proper
and legitimate obligations they as
sumo as citizens and taxpayers. We
just. once in while, get lured away
by z political Gree.
So, what faces legislators who make
i TO Helena for the 1863 session?
What faces us as citizens TO under
stand the job they have to do?
There is a line Of thought that
the Republicans should be put back
in 10 clean up their own mess; that
if the Democrats, who find it easier
70 capture legislative control IN non
years, and who have
more compassion for the needs of
people, come in and try 70 repair
some Of the damage, they are sitting
ducks in the 1864 election. This has
in the 1864 race for
Governor, too, this thinking goes.
In using this approach you always
run into the guy who says, regard
less of the outcome in 1864 the de-
terioration has to be stopped
two more years of economy and re-
-renchment will ruin US.
The rejoinder goes: true, but can
We afford to go forward one step
and back two they put US IN, we
10 job, then they knock Us out and
ear up the placel
A pessimistic point of view has
ome basis because we have ignored
'ur institutions over the years and
ct them deteriorate. We simply lost
wo years of possible progress, in
961. No good business man would
How his plant and personnel to de-
unless he knew he was go
1g on the rocks anyhow.
Lack OF attention TO our obligation
no place more evident than at the
rison. Neglect has brought Us to
ne point of no return. When faced
18th the truth about what needed
} be done, it so overwhelmed us
e ran. We turned down the bond
sue IN 1860; we allowed the place
go to pot over many years and we
ouldn't face the truth. We slipped
1T from under, using the sterile ex-
lse we shouldn't coddle these no.
bod trespaSsers, anyhow.
No legislature, no matter how
can straighten out the
lstodial mess in one session or many
However. faced with an
deluded by the false
'ophets who say we can fulfill our
'ligation without money, legislators
III do nothing.
Most disturbing is the line that
IT'S the inmates, patients and Ior
clpients of services in an unworthy
mt. 1t allows the escape that makes
so we can proclaim our generosity
d Willingness to support the good
Ifortunates" but stirs our sense of
f-justice that there are so many
hiselers''. Then we forget the 'sgood
fortunates" and only talk about
hiSelers''.
During the 60 days in Helena a dis
rolng number of legislators are
sesSed with the necessity to return
two years. These legislators will
whatever they think those people
o vote for them approve. Even the
ength and force of the corporate
by is as of nothing if the legisla- .
knows the people back home sup
It him.
SO whether the Democrats or the
publicans face the mess in 1868,
at happens during the go days can
gely depend on the attitudes back
ne.