Well, I think people are starting to realize that I -161 is out there, it's real, and it threatens a lot that we hold near and dear in Montana. I'm going to step back this morning and let an old friend/guest of our take the floor. She and her family have come to Montana many times to be with us. They are no longer clients- they are friends and family. She said it better than I can this morning. So, with that, have a great day, do what you do best, and we'll see you soon.
Greg
Beware of the Kurt Kephart Rhetoric:
As an out-of- stater I'd like to weigh in on this I-161 debacle.
I've been reading the arguements from both sides of the aisle; for and against.
Those against I-161 own the common sense and intelligent side of the issue.
The www.stop161.org put it all into perspective for me.
I'm for the outfitters!
Kephart's propaganda is loaded with statements such as "...the outfitting industry's selfish interests."..."...rob many Montana families of their cherished family values..."
In other articles he refers to those able to afford out of state licenses as "wealthy non residents". Yes, lets insert class envy shall we? Wealthy? The lion share of the people who buy these tags aren't wealthy but hard working individuals who save all year so they can go on a hunt.
Let's demonize both the out-of- stater as "wealthy" and the outfitters as "greedy"
In Kephart's world 'It just isn't fair' so he draws from the old 'bleeding heart' playbook.
Most of these outfitters are small business owners. Their life's blood depends on sponsored licenses.
Imagine what I-161 will do to their businesses? Proposing to kill the Outfitter Sponsored Licenses and jacking up the price of the B-10 and B-11 license is asinine. It's the same insanity that supports raising taxes to generate growth and revenue.
I have vactioned for years in Montana with my friends who are outfitters. These are hard working people who love and respect the land they draw their living from. They pay their taxes and contribute to their community.
I say put Kephart against an outfitter in a public debate and let the people see for themselves. I don't believe he can make it past 10 minutes. His thought is all emotion based, not fact based.
This is a classic case of someone wanting to pass 'feel good' legislation that will have 0 benefit on the state of Montana. Idaho mistakenly passed this same legislation and it's failed miserably resulting in over $1M in shortfalls. Imagine the impact this is having on their wildlife management and conservation.
Don't do it Montana.
How do you take down traditions, values and prosperity? ...one bite at a time and this I-161 is a mouthful.
LS
San Jose, CA
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