Note to readers

As you read the Carter and Wilmeth columns this week, notice they describe how custom, culture, history and tradition melded together to define our beliefs and actions.

Then take note in my column how today's political leaders totally ignore history and tradition.

Our problem in The West is, much like the lady from Kalispell, we keep running into bears on the trail. In our case, however, the bear is not running away. Instead, the beast is acquiring the trail and forever banning us from its use.