by Lance Broshar, Stevensville
Last week I had the opportunity to go to Homer, Alaska with a friend for deep sea fishing. I had the time of my life! Met new people, saw breath taking scenery and enjoyed the peace and quite. For a week, I left the cares of the world behind. During this time I didn’t think about politics and all the negativity that goes with it.
I was reminded to see the goodness in people, to be kind and tolerant of those around me. Just because we may disagree on certain issues doesn’t mean we have to be disagreeable.
Laurie Ruffner says
My above comment was for Helen Sabin whose arrogant and nasty replies are in the Opinion section of this newspaper almost weekly. Perhaps, Helen, if you know so much and are so concerned, you could get off your rear and head to DC and do some work rather than ranting constantly.
Lance: I’m so happy you experienced getting away from all the negativity and politics that people there seem to live and breathe by. Good for you. There is more to life for sure. We left the Bitterroot valley after 7 years of living there (I’m a MT 4th gen native) last year and couldn’t have fled fast enough. We were lucky to have another home here that we own and now we travel. No where else in MT have we experienced the hatefulness and downright bitterness of so many people.. The people who bought our home there at this time last year are moving. 1 year was it for them and they too are familiar with a “different Montana” that they knew. They sited not enough culture and rude, mean people. They couldn’t go to a grocery store or even the mailbox without being approached by someone asking them what their political affiliation is! We spent the winter in Mexico (and no, it wasn’t anymore dangerous where we were at than any place in the US). We lived among US expats, part time travelers, Canadians, the Mexican people and not once did politics enter into a conversation or were people so divided. We volunteered, played and met incredible people from all walks of life and are going back for the winter. Don’t let the “Helen’s” of this world rain on your parade. There’s more to life than living in bitterness, arrogance, and hatred for your fellow human beings. Good on you for having such an amazing experience in Alaska.
Gomez says
Very nicely said Laurie.
Bill Stroud says
Right on Laurie. I too have good friends who have fled the Bitterroot as it was no longer recognizable. There are still a lot of good people here but the vast majority have drank the Orange Koolaid and are trapped in Fox Nation. They cry ‘Don’t tread on me’ and ‘Take back our freedom’. Most of these people wouldn’t know discrimination if smacked them upside the head. I for one am sickened at having to drive past all the ‘F Your Feelings’, ‘Let’s Go Brandon’, confederate, etc., etc. flags flying so proudly around this valley. There’s only ONE reason you fly ‘Johnny Reb’ especially in Montana. Never understood how flying slurs, hatred and bigoted racism could garner support for one’s cause but here we are. It’s just so hard to fathom how so many are filled with such hatred while living in a paradise.
Laurie Ruffner says
Bill,
Perfectly stated. Such a lovely place filled with hatred, racism and judgement of fellow human beings. Hence the nickname known to all throughout MT of the majority of residents there: “Bitterrooters.” I don’t miss living in that environment at all. It’s just so hard to understand all the hatred which comes from the place of fear. I pity them as there’s so much more to life. With that said, we do have a few friends/neighbors there that we continue to stay in touch with that didn’t behave in that manner regardless their political beliefs. My grandma always taught us that religion, politics and not having anything nice to say were off limits. In polite company. It would be nice to see good will and manners back again.
Helen Sabin says
IT is good to hear that you had a great time. I hear that Alaska is gorgeous and it is on our bucket list to visit. The USA has many gorgeous places and thanks to God, we live in one – Montana! But until the liberals, leftists, progressives and Rinos decide to start being kind and think about their stupid choice of electing Biden as president and driving gas to over $9.00 a gallon in some states, most of us can’t afford to go visit Alaska. BUT….the mid-terms are coming. GO VOTE GOP for the house and senate and they can stop the money drain that congress is allowing. DEMAND that the state legislature call for an Article V Convention of States gathering to put term limits on Congress and SCOTUS and other judges and make it part of our Constitution once that topic is ratified by 38 states. We can also add that states should have re-call procedures for Congress, SCOTUS, federal judges, etc. due to the awful ones we have today who do NOT use the supreme law of the land, The Constitution, on which to base their rulings. The tortured routes that SCOTUS uses to make their rulings are legendary. Most are wrong and do NOT enhance the quality of life of Americans. AND…Please do NOT call a Convention of States proposing convention (COSP) a “constitutional convention” or a CON CON as they are different in structure and procedure. To do so shows your ignorance and lack of historical knowledge of the two conventions.
Laurie Ruffner says
You need to get a life. All you rant about are politics. I pity you. There are people and places that aren’t the “bubble” that the Bitterroot valley is. Perhaps you wouldn’t be so ornery and angry all the time if you got out and had some adventures with people. Don’t forget, we are all human beings and your way is not the only way in life. Good luck to you. I hope you find happiness.
Bill Stroud says
Totally classless, ignorant response to this LTE.
Mike Miller says
You clearly missed the point of his letter, by a mile.
Garth Stevens says
Sounds like a fun time – a once in a lifetime kind of deal. I’m glad you had such an neat opportunity!