The good people of Colstrip, Montana are frightened. They, like everyone, can see that the coal industry is in serious trouble worldwide. That the product this industry sells is harmful, obsolete and soon to be replaced altogether. So the last thing they need is craven politicians, from both sides of the aisle, pointing to scapegoats and pandering to their fears just to score political points. What these hard working citizens do need is creative, forward-thinking problem solvers, people who can help identify new opportunities and help turn them into reality. What they get instead is science-denying cranks, “free-market” millionaires and donor-loving Democrats.
Does anyone remember the frightened tobacco industry workers in the 1960’s? Industry lobbyists and pandering politicians told them not to worry, that millions would be spent on a PR campaign convincing the public to ignore the “junk science,” that smoking was perfectly safe. Sound at all familiar? How about American textile industry workers who also cherished the good life their jobs provided? Instead of facing reality and looking ahead, the same politicians and corporate lobbyists promised that their way of life was secure and their jobs would be protected. How did that work out?
It is by now an all-too-familiar story. Instead of pushing for investment in the future economy, the industry and politicians eke the last dollar and the last vote out of the people before they cut and run. Always leaving workers holding the bag. Wake up, people of Colstrip, and look ahead! Why do you think they call it “The Rust Belt”?
Dave Jones
Hamilton