new people... (Bozeman: transplants, 2009, schools)

[AQHA]

Originally Posted by Delaneyland

AQHA, I can answer very simpy your question on page two of why folks might want to move to your fine state. My wife and I are considering it for just the reasons you give. We enjoy being left alone, being "bored" with nothing to do but hiking, riding, etc. I have witnessed the decline in quality of life in MN with the enactment of laws preventing most of the things we enjoy, shooting, four wheeling, hunting, fishing. Personally, I love my freedom, want to keep it, and MT (and a few other states) is a very appealing prospect for us!

And that's probably the same reason a lot of others want to move to this type of place. So far we still have that. I've spent a lot of time in Idaho as well, there's another great state. Wyoming is still very free, but there's not much to look at.

[AQHA]

Originally Posted by mark6052

It was the diversity of thought that got so many thinkers to come to Missoula in the first place. They thought they would just add alittle to the growth, it was for the good ya know. Its grown alot, no not by millions but enough to make a change. My diverse redneck thinking is Im glad Im not there.

I'm a Redneck myself. I pray to God this part of Montana does not turn out like Missoula. I could not live that way. I don't even like to go to that town anymore. But... I just don't think us being a$$holes to California folks, or anybody else, is going to change things. They are like ants on an ant bed, you can stomp them out until you are blue in the face, they will just keep coming.

All we can do is accept it and welcome the new ideas. Otherwise we become hatful and sour.

[YOU-CANT-EAT-SCENERY]

I think (of course that can be dangerous) that the type of "Californians" that do research (such as the ones on this board), and try to gather as much info as possible, are likely the ones that would blend in well.
It's the fly-by-the-seat of your pants type from here, that might be of more concern.

[GiftShoppeGuy]

Originally Posted by AQHA

.....I pray to God this part of Montana does not turn out like Missoula......

You are not alone in your prayers....

There are quite a number of chamber members throughout the entire state of Montana that pray the same about Missoula.

It's funny that everyone here can see how Missoula is, and would rather avoid "their town" from becoming just like it.
Missoula has done a pretty good job of isolating themselves from the rest of the communities in the state over the years.

[JoeJoeMan]

delaneyland wrote:

I have witnessed the decline in quality of life in MN with the enactment of laws preventing most of the things we enjoy, shooting, four wheeling, hunting, fishing. Personally, I love my freedom, want to keep it, and MT (and a few other states) is a very appealing prospect for us!

I think you'd find it worse here in Montana, western montana is VERY liberal thinking (ie, removing personal freedoms, guns, real down on the 4-wheelers etc), don't forget Montana passed the medical mary-wanna' law, plus we're out front with the banning smoking, western Montana (bozeman area too) are basicaly extentions of liberal thinking california, blame it on all the implanted baby-boomers having moved in over the last 40 some years. As in other places this state has really taken charge of your kids, or should I say taking them away from you, I've seen some people really get railroaded by the state, it's all those hippies the run the departments, The one I found most amazing what the couple who got thrown in jail because they kidnapped, took back their OWN kids from the foster care........it really makes you wonder what america has turned into.
I can't tell you how many stories of women shooting their spouses and getting away with it have occured here, you know it's that same old liberal tactic, "I'm abused"........or "I didn't mean to shoot him in the back I was aiming over his head"...........or "I didn't kill him, I just ment to stab him, but he bleed to death".........seriously....and the liberal courts and judges go along with it, what a sick society we've become.

[Delaneyland]

Interesting post JoeJoe, frankly I was rather surprised to read this. In my research, I've found some of the bigger cities in MT have been affected by liberalism but I didn't get the impression it had gone to the extent you speak of. I would like more of your thoughts but I'd suggest you sending me a message if you don't mind, some of my opinions apparently offended one of the moderators (lib) the other day and the post got closed. Thanks!

[lorelei2873]

I don't know. I'm really liberal and find that Montana is pretty conservative. But, I'm from here. So, perhaps my definition of liberal is different than yours, JJM. I feel like the word liberal has been bastardized by Fox News and talk radio to mean something completely different than what you would find in a political science textbook. It's like it's become a bad word. I want to take it back. According to dictionary.com, one of its most comon meanings is "avorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties."

But, if you mean that Montana cares a lot about individual liberties and wants and open and accessible government, then I'm pretty happy we're so darned liberal. I think the word liberal has been totally bashed and beaten down. I'm a liberal because I want to do my own thing. I don't want the government infringing on my rights. If we use the classic definition of liberal and go back to some of your past posts I think you'd agree you don't like those things either.

JJM, please don't take offense at my post because you know I don't mean to insult you.

[YOU-CANT-EAT-SCENERY]

Originally Posted by lorelei2873

According to dictionary.com, one of its most comon meanings is "avorable to or in accord with concepts of maximum individual freedom possible, esp. as guaranteed by law and secured by governmental protection of civil liberties."

That's just it....to much government control...even to the point of controlling your freedom/liberties.

[lesliegrace]

Originally Posted by johns65vette

That's just it....to much government control...even to the point of controlling your freedom/liberties.

Perhaps that would be protecting rather than controlling?

Other definitions of liberal include "broadminded" and " a person who favors a political philosophy of progress and reform and the protection of civil liberties."

I agree with lorelai; I'm sorry that liberal has been turned into a dirty word by certain far-right elements in our country.

By the way, I was under the impression that Montana is pretty much a libertarian state. Do you think that's true?

[mica]

I wouldn't say the meaning has been twisted by the far right. I think it has just changed over time, period. The only freedom politically liberal person's today believe in is their freedom to legislate your life. As currently used, if not by dictionary definition.

The libertarian spirit is what has me attracted to places like MT or WY. Laws or lack thereof is what has me looking to relocate, not pretty views and other frivolities. If one were to peruse the current and former legislation of MT you will find, at least I did in my small sample, that the proposed legislation that rings of government intrusion comes from Missoula legislator's.