Has Montana Lost Some Of Its Independence?

As we approach America's Birthday, I've been thinking about this great country of ours. America is turning 249 years old this year, and let's be honest, we've had an impressive run.

We've fought with others to gain our freedom, we fought with ourselves, and we fought with others to protect our freedom. Oh, and then instead of taking control of those countries we defeat, we instead go in and help rebuild them.

No, there has never been a country greater than the United States.

Here in Montana, we are a freedom-loving crowd, or are we? I bring this up because for years, Montana has been known for being a little bit different than the rest of the country. I also tell people it's the only place I know where folks will donate to PBS AND go hunting.

READ MORE: Montana 4th of July Etiquette

We've always done what we believe is the right thing. Sometimes that was behind a Republican leading the way, and sometimes it was behind a Democrat. Whatever the case, we believe these people were doing what was best for Montana.

However, it seems politics has reared its ugly head here in Big Sky Country.

Unfortunately, The Last Best Place has become just like every other place. Red VS Blue. Gone are the days of let's agree to disagree and move on. Gone are the days of let's work together to do what is best for the state and its residents. Instead of making sure that our kids have the best future possible, we argue over flags.

We talk about Freedom of Speech, and then try to silence those who disagree with us. We proudly display our "Don't Tread On Me" flags, bumper stickers, and license plates, then decide to tread on those who don't think like us. Oh, and it's not one-sided, no, it's on both sides, and it's a total waste of time.

When can we stop with the Red VS Blue, the Right VS Left, and regurgitating whatever our favorite flavor of news tells us? When can we get back to thinking for ourselves?

So, remember as we celebrate this Holiday, America and Montana are a big place. It's ok to think differently from the person you're shooting fireworks next to. It's what has made us so special for the last couple of hundred years. Freedom is something for everyone, no matter their race, color, or belief system.

So as you gather with friends and family to celebrate all the freedoms you have while bonding over beer, bar-b-q, and sparklers, remember, others will be doing the same exact thing, even though they might not think like you...and that's ok.

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Oh, and Gold Bless America and Montana.