To My Liberal Peers, From A Conservative, In A Conservative State
Start writing a post
Politics

To My Liberal Peers, From A Conservative, In A Conservative State

We don't always agree, but that doesn't mean one of us doesn't belong here.

599
To My Liberal Peers, From A Conservative, In A Conservative State
Lauren Picard

I identify as a conservative.

Most of my values align with right-side beliefs. I'm partial to tradition and I am religious - these aspects of my values have created some, for lack of a better word, awkward interactions, but they are the core of my values and morals. Some may call them "old fashioned" or "anti-progressive." And whether said affectionately or begrudgingly (the latter is far more common these days), there's no denying that there is some truth to both.

Even so, my values have always been my values.

The state I live in - Montana, Big Sky Country, the Treasure State - is a mostly conservative state, and I've always believed that that's one of the reasons I love the state as much as I do.

I connect with it on a relatively deep level.

It's an agriculture-heavy, Ariat and Carhartt-infatuated expanse of land, its men and women brandishing tough hands, hearts, and lifestyle steeped in tradition. The way of life found throughout its mountains, valleys, and plains interest me and are more aesthetic to me than the opposite lifestyle within a concrete jungle.

My college town is heavily liberal, naturally so. A city of learning, progressing, and advocating, it's a hub in the middle of a conservative landscape.

It tends to act as a kind of "safe zone" for those who tend to have more left-leaning beliefs and values. And when I'm with my more conservative friends, the topic of my college town and how liberal it is often comes up, and the fact that it's sometimes an uncomfortable place for us to be and live.

That being said, I have something to say to my liberal counterparts;

I am happy you have a place here.

This state and which we live, yes, supports a massive amount of conservative lifestyle and heritage. But it is a massive state, and there is so much to be found and done and experienced here.

Despite my own right-side leanings and the right-side leanings of this state, I'm happy that this college town has given you your safe haven, your home base, and your place of progression and advocation.

Yes, some of my own fellow conservatives display immature and, quite frankly, awful behavior towards you with their bumper stickers and their apparel and the words that come out of their mouths. And I wish that I could apologize for them and have it mean anything to all of you. But I know your skin is tough and that you all are keeping your heads high.

I am so thankful that you have found a place here in such a beautiful environment, where you can experience some of the country's most special landscapes, history, and peace. I may not agree with you on much, but I am glad to live here alongside you and hear your story. I hope you stay here for a long time.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70821
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132432
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments