Letter to the Editor - Montana voters need help

Editor,

It is a shame so many Montana voters do not understand how to vote. But, not to worry, in the recent election many public-spirited national corporations, foundations and political figures volunteered their time and money to inform and educate Montana voters. It should be obvious that these national figures and organizations understand Montana’s economic circumstances, cultural background, values system and candidate selection better than those of us who live isolated lives in Montana.

These nationally known individuals and groups have the knowledge and resources that enable them to relate to rural life and the problems of bringing in crops and produce. they especially understand working long hard days, gambling with the weather, and coping with the vagaries of a worldwide marketing system. They can empathize with these conditions far better than second- and third-generation farm families. Their background also provides insight and appreciation for the vast distances between Montana cities and rural areas. Therefore, they can create more successful solutions to communication, transportation, education and infrastructure than our state legislators. In the past, they have provided Montana voters with generous amounts of information and guidance about selecting candidates and determining issue. In the best public spirit, they voluntarily spent enormous amount of money and time.

However, some Montana voters need less help than others. These self-thinking voters are cautious about candidates whose campaigns focus more on personal attacks and criticism of their opponents and less on their own achievements and plans. They are wary about political figures who build straw men and then make promises to destroy the straw men and the dangers they pose. Voters who do their own thinking also have concerns about candidates and issues whose main support comes from outside sources, because they question their motivation and their loyalty to Montana.

An example of thinking with your own head occurred during the recent mid-term election. Many self-thinking Montana voters either misunderstood or chose to ignore out of state advisors. They elected one of Montana’s most capable, successful and results-oriented senators. Apparently they did not understand the out-of-state advisors’ highly skilled word usage that utilized partial quotes, incomplete information, misinformation and innuendo.

Whether a voter uses their own head or the head of and out of state advisor, it is important that everyone vote in the 2020 election.

Pat Tierney

Havre