Is Montana Starting To Lose Part Of Its Greatness Over Politics?

There is no place like Montana. The unique charm of this great state makes it, in my opinion, the best place to live in the United States. When I first moved here years ago, I was taken aback by the kindness of the people, no matter our differences.

I’m a conservative by nature, though I have no interest in telling anyone else how to live their life, nor do I want anyone telling me how to live mine. When I moved to Missoula all of those years ago, I loved the fact that people were pretty cool with whatever.

That’s the beauty of Montana; for decades people have been doing whatever works for them. Montana is the only place that I’ve ever lived where folks will go out and hunt, have a ton of guns, AND donate to PBS.

However, things have changed in the last few years. This whole “you’re with me or you’re against me” attitude that so many folks have adopted is taking a toll on the state. Of course, those on one side will tell you it’s the other side, and those on the other side…well, you get the picture.

Both sides accuse the other of trying to force their beliefs on others. Both sides have a really hard time listening to anyone with a different opinion than their own. Both sides take to social media to spew their beliefs and, because they surround themselves with like-minded people, feel that everyone agrees with them, and if you don’t you’re an idiot.

Here is my question: How long are normal folks going to let this go on?

The more conversations I have with everyday Montanans, the more I find that they’re fed up with politics, on both sides. They don’t feel like they have a voice, and they certainly don’t feel like the government, no matter who is in charge, has their best interests at heart.

So what can normal Montanans do about it? Well, we could run for office, show up in greater numbers at the polling booths, inform ourselves about the people running, and not just look to see if there is an R or a D behind their name. Remember, those that are running your town, school board, and county will have a much bigger impact on your daily life than those running the country.

Whatever the answer, we need to come together and save what makes this place special before we become like everywhere else.

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