Sooner or later we will have to realize the future of the lumber industry is in the tree farms of the southeast where they have the land, the roads and the rainfall to support it, not in the diminishing natural forests of the west.

This is not about aid to those in the lumber industry who really need some help right now; it’s just another taxpayer subsidy for the wealthy arrogant types who build large homes in the urban-woodland interface and know that Montana’s political machine will try to keep them from burning up at taxpayer expense.

Personally I’m pretty fed up with Montana’s “take from the poor to give to the rich” policy that keeps the current ruling class in power.

Montucky, I agree with you, however, it’s not just Montana, ever been to Telluride, Vail or Aspen, Utah, Tahoe? All of these places are inudated with homes of the rich and famous who rarely use them and they are mansions and properties thousands and thousands of square feet that go unused for years. It’s all about status and keeping up with your peers. Seriously, just how much room do you need for a week-end getaway. A hotel will do.