Contentious conversations in the Bitterroot Star have simmered down a bit since I moved here four years ago. I find this encouraging! I love thoughtful, respectful, and challenging discussions. In the last two weeks, I have been part of conversations about corporations, Syrian refugees, political polarity, and the idea of separateness. People listened to one another, shared their own opinions and passions, and told personal stories. All these recent conversations have exposed me to other people’s perspectives, challenged my own perspective, and enlightened my life.
Imagine… an anti-government person talking nicely to a liberal. Or a climate change activist talking nicely to a non-believer. A real live Republican talking nicely to a Democrat or vice versa. IMAGINE… having a civil conversation about what matters most to you.
For those of you who like challenging questions, let me ask a few. If you do not, please skip this paragraph. All of these pertain to the most recent letters to the editor. Van P. Keele said, “We all know corporate executives… make ridiculous salaries.” Do we all know this? All is a pretty big word. Both my father and brother are corporate CEOs, and they do not. I am definitely not part of your “all” word. Keele also goes on to use “we need…” multiple times in his letter. Who is the “we” that you refer to? Carole Mackin sites the US Supreme Court. Is this really what should govern our actions? Gary Carlson doesn’t want Tester to be reelected. Bob Brown does not seem to particularly care for Andrew Jackson, and Chris Linkenhoker states, “Jeff Lonn… sent a very disturbing letter to the Missoulian…” Other than what we do not like about other people and other than political initiatives, political party change, and political party open primaries, what can YOU personally do to solve problems you see in our beautiful valley? Not WE, but YOU and I.
If you recall last month, a few of us letter-to-the-editor writers responded to each others’ points back and forth in the Star. I cherish feedback. Then, Mary FT called for a meeting for anyone who wanted to join her face to face and engage in conversation. We met at the Ravalli Museum in Hamilton and a few others have joined us since. We have had conversations like these. It has been beneficial and productive in my opinion.
Please join us at the Ravalli Museum for a lively conversation about what matters to you. We meet at noon on Fridays. When it starts getting cold we will look for a place inside, but in the meantime we meet at one of the picnic tables outside at noon on Fridays. If you wish to practice your non-violent communication, learn from a different perspective, or share what’s important to you, please join us.
Change starts here and now with you and me.
Chris Martin
Hamilton