Rehberg drives wedge into Breaks

As a Republican, I must say Rep. Rehberg baffles me! All the yammering he does about his misguided Missouri Breaks legislation does nothing but encourage contention. The only explanation for his stand on this issue is to make political hay by playing to the fears of some ranchers.

Not all landowners in the breaks share his views. Many want the current monument status left as is. His proposed legislation is actually more restrictive than what we have now. Property rights are now fully protected. Private lands within the Breaks actually bring an economic premium.

Prior to Clinton's designation, considerable public input was received from all constituencies. The majority public opinion favors this monument as is. This was not the late-night back-room deal Rehberg made it out to be. Pristine open lands like the Missouri Breaks will be highly valued by future generations. Be thankful we have this monument. It is an economic and cultural boon to Montana.

The path he has chosen drives a wedge between landowners and the general public. It hurts all of us. Rehberg's time would be better spent promoting trust and harmony, not divisiveness.

Don Woerner
Laurel