Posted on 07/19/2018 12:07:18 AM PDT by 2ndDivisionVet
I was called a Nazi. This laughable political arrow was flung at me, my wife and kids, by a man driving in a minivan with anti-Trump posters taped to its many windows. “Your opinion means a lot to me,” yelled a lady standing next to me. We all chuckled.
Yes, my family and I were some of the thousands of Montanans who made the pilgrimage to Great Falls to listen to the president speak. We didn’t get out of the house early enough (the disadvantage of living in a house full of girls) so we were part of the thousands of people who waited for hours outside the Great Falls Fair Grounds only to be find out at four o’clock that the venue was full.
We ended up, however, listening to his oratory on AM radio. And we did so at the airport, enjoying the view of Air Force One (I know, it’s hard to imagine this writer listening to politics while looking at airplanes).
I was blown away by how many people turned out to see Trump. For an afternoon, we were awash in a sea of red “Make America Great Again” hats. We visited with people from all across the state as we stood in a line a couple miles long, and if we had kept track, we could have logged a majority of the 56 Montana county license plates.
Although no official count is available, I would estimate over 10,000 people showed up for the rally. The Four Seasons Arena held 6,500 attendees, but outside at least as many people stood in line for the opportunity to watch the speech.
In attendance were protestors, too. The Great Falls Tribune places that total at around 300, making the ratio of pro- to anti-Trump at least four-hundred-to-one.
Most of the protestors were respectful. Yes, they yelled at me and my children as we passed. Yes, I stood between my family and their accusations. And yes, I had to explain many times what they were protesting against. But, for the most part, the anti-Trumpers were civil.
After the speech kicked off, and the mile-long line was dispersing, a couple of liberals with posters found their friends decked out in MAGA gear, and agreed that politics time was over, and it was time for a beer. We all laughed!
Former Tennessee Congressman, and frequent bloviator on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe,” Harold Ford, once claimed that many Republicans were “embarrassed” to support Donald Trump. But the Nixonian “silent majority” spoke loudly on that November night almost two years ago. And since then, I think our “embarrassment” has evolved into a badge of honor. And by the looks of that rally, Jon Tester may have something to worry about.
Personally, I like the job President Trump is doing. I wouldn’t mind a toning down of the rhetoric at times, but I’m also amused by how quickly it sets many people into a tizzy. People who berated me eight years ago for wishing Obama was out of office are now openly posting online their desire for Trump to “quite simply, die.”
My dislike of then President Obama was un-patriotic. My dislike of his use of executive orders was folly. And, when US Senate Republicans chose to stand against the liberal president, his policies, and his nominees, they were excoriated and called “obstructionists.”
Now, the other side calls me a “nationalist,” with all its negative, not-so-subtle overtones, because I support this president. Now that their side is obstructing, it is hailed as the only acceptable thing to do in a democratic society. Shucks, their “Resistance” even comes with lauded bumper stickers!
I fear that thinking in our great country is becoming more insular. Americans, at an increasing clip, are gathering into clusters of similar ideas. People are choosing their news-sources, and only speaking to those with whom they agree. A free exchange of differing views and values is going the way of the Dodo.
Personally, I subscribe (yes, pay actual money) to the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. I have the free Associated Press app, and read most newspapers and magazines left on my airplane.
But my desire to see issues from many angles puts me in the political and societal minority...
I’m glad my family and I went to Great Falls, although I’m disappointed that we weren’t able to see the president. I was encouraged by the mass of fellow Trump supporters. And, I am glad my kids got to see some of what America is about- political differences openly on display. A mostly-respectful group of opposing sides simply living their political values.
I could have done without, however, the guy driving around yelling “f*** Trump” in front of my kids!
Nice first hand report. Thanks.
Thank you for this report.
Physically unable to attend this type of event, it’s wonderful to hear what really happened from someone else who loves our Country, as we do.
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