From the Wednesday, August 15, 2007 online edition of the Daily Inter Lake . . .

Occasionally, we get correspondence from our good neighbors to the north, claiming that Montanans are hypocritical in opposing mine development in the Canadian Flathead when there is active mine development elsewhere in Montana.

Well, yes, it is true that there is mining in Montana. Gov. Brian Schweitzer is pursuing coalbed methane development as well as coal-to-liquid fuel projects in southeastern Montana. There are also precious metal mines in Montana that are gradually moving forward, despite controversy.

So how can Montanans have the nerve to be concerned about coal extraction in British Columbia