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Activism
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Title: WHY WE CHOSE THE FLATHEAD VALLEY OF MONTANA
Source: newswithviews
URL Source: http://www.newswithviews.com/baldwin/baldwin652.htm
Published: Jun 9, 2011
Author: Chuck Baldwin
Post Date: 2013-12-03 08:57:34 by Itistoolate
Keywords: None
Views: 2186
Comments: 37

WHY WE CHOSE THE FLATHEAD VALLEY OF MONTANA

 

By Chuck Baldwin
June 9, 2011
NewsWithViews.com

Last weekend, we had people visit us here in the Flathead Valley of Montana from at least eight states: Oregon, Washington, Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, Texas, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. And since my family and I moved here last October, people have moved here from at least a dozen states. And many more are in the process of moving or trying to move.

As I was speaking with an out-of-State guest last Sunday, he asked me, what was it that made you decide to move to Montana's Flathead Valley, as opposed to Idaho or some other State? Of course, that is a very fair question. I will attempt to answer that question in today's column. As a Christian, I believe that "the steps of a trusting man are ordered by the Lord." So, ultimately, I believe that the superintending hand of God guides and directs those who put their trust in Him. Accordingly, I believe that our move from Florida to Montana was directed by divine providence. What follows are the reasons, factors, and philosophies that guided us to this wonderful valley.

Cities

During the 18 months between the summer of 2008 and the end of 2009, I traveled more than 60,000 miles to virtually every area of this vast country. I traveled from coast to coast and border to border. I visited huge cities and small villages. There were only a handful of states that I did not visit during that span of time.

As I traveled the country, it became very obvious to me that not every place shares the same love for and understanding of freedom. I quickly discovered that Thomas Jefferson was right when he said that big cities were the "bane" of freedom. And there are almost no exceptions to the fact that the bigger the city is, the less freedom there is. Furthermore, it is also an accurate observation that those states that are dominated by big cities (which most states are) the more difficult it is for freedom-loving people in those states to be able to actually resist the juggernaut of oppression and socialism.

Chicago is why the people in Illinois are losing their liberties; Baltimore is why the people in Maryland are losing their liberties; Atlanta is why the people in Georgia are losing their liberties; St. Louis and Kansas City are why the people in Missouri are losing their liberties; Dallas and Houston are why the people in Texas are losing their liberties; Los Angeles and San Francisco are why the people of California are losing their liberties; Portland is why the people of Oregon are losing their liberties; Seattle is why the people of Washington State are losing their liberties; Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, and Orlando are why the people of Florida are losing their liberties; Birmingham is why the people of Alabama are losing their liberties, etc., etc.

In order for freedom to be defended, it will require a State, or group of states, to draw a line in the sand against this assault against our liberties, which, for the most part, is being orchestrated by Washington, D.C., and its allies in the big cities. We deduced that freedom-loving people in any State dominated by one (or a handful) of major metropolitan areas are almost helpless to defend this globalist, socialist juggernaut that is steamrolling the country.

This was a major reason that we selected Montana over Idaho (our second choice). California liberals are leaving the land of fruits and nuts like rats off a sinking ship. The economic conditions in California are driving people to surrounding states in record numbers. And many of them are flocking to the beautiful city of Boise. It's very possible that Boise will fast become another Portland or Seattle. If this happens, the great freedom-loving State of Idaho will quickly go the way of Oregon and Washington State.

The beauty of Montana is it has no major cities that dominate the State. Missoula (home of the University of Montana) is the most liberal city in the State. The population there is a little over 90,000. Billings is the largest city in the State, and it is largely a Republican area. The population there is just over 100,000. To give readers an idea of Montana geographics: Montana is the fourth largest State in total land area (behind Alaska, Texas, and California), but the total population of the State is UNDER one million. Here's another statistic to help readers understand what I'm saying: we live just outside the town of Kalispell. The population of Kalispell is around 20,000. And Kalispell is the seventh LARGEST city in the State! Montana's lack of large metropolitan areas is a huge asset to the defense of liberty, in our opinion.

People

As I traveled those 60,000-plus miles, I met a huge variety of people. And there is no doubt that there are freedom-loving people scattered all over "the fruited plain." But, that's the problem: they are SCATTERED. I found some wonderful freedom lovers in South Carolina, New Hampshire, Eastern Tennessee (especially in the Johnson City area), Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, Eastern Washington State, Utah, and the Dakotas. That is not to say that there are not thousands of freedom lovers in other states. There most certainly are!

But I also observed that people who are dependent upon the federal government are much more tolerant of the machinations of the federal government. And if you live in an area that has a large population of welfare-dependents or federal government-dependants, you are going to find yourself pretty much alone when you attempt to "rally the troops" against federal usurpation of power. (And, yes, we have some of that problem here in Montana, too.)

But during my extensive travels, I had the opportunity to come speak in Western Montana on several occasions. I spoke in the rural town of Hamilton to a crowd of around 800 enthusiastic patriots. I spoke in Missoula to several hundred. I spoke in Kalispell to a crowd of over 500 on a below-zero weeknight. When I first visited the Kalispell area, a local State legislator put out one email to some friends and supporters telling them I would be speaking to a small gathering outside of town. His email was sent less than 24 hours from the time that I would be speaking. In that short time, with only one email as publicity, there were some 100 people in attendance to hear me speak--including several pastors, businessmen, physicians, and State legislators and senators. I spoke for an hour and we had Q & A for an hour. It was amazing!

I can tell you that I could take out a full-page ad in the newspaper and spend thousands of dollars in advertising a similar event in the town where I had lived in Florida for over 35 years, and if two-dozen people showed up, it would be a miracle. That's a difference in people!

My family and I believe that there are very traumatic, tumultuous days ahead for our country. We wanted to be with like-minded patriots who truly understand that there is a conspiracy at the highest levels of government, business, and religion to sell America to the forces of evil. We wanted to be around people who wouldn't give us that "deer-in-the-headlights" stare if we dared to question the official story of 9/11, or act like they're looking at a Martian when we talk about the sinister military-industrial complex, or the evilness of fighting perpetual foreign wars, or the unconstitutionality of the Patriot Act, or the evilness of sending trillions of dollars to foreign countries, or the ruination of our country via deficit spending, or the wickedness of the Federal Reserve, ad infinitum, ad nauseam. And while Montana has its share of liberals, socialists, and environmentalist wackos, we have found more freedom-minded people (on the whole) in the Flathead Valley of Montana than anywhere else we've been.

I've been sold out and betrayed by these "good Christians" who are more statists than they are Christians, who love the government more than they love God, and who will assist the PTB in putting principled freedomists in jail--or worse! I want to spend the rest of my life among people who love freedom (and understand what that means) and who are willing to fight and die to protect it! And I believe I've found such people in the Flathead Valley of Montana. Come visit Liberty Fellowship here in Kalispell one Sunday, and you will see what I mean!

Watch us as we livestream our Sunday messages each Sunday afternoon at 2:30pm (MDT).

Or to watch my archived video messages from Liberty Fellowship.

Mountains and Location

As I said, we were very attracted to Eastern Tennessee, New Hampshire, South Carolina, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and Arizona. But at the end of the day, we believed these states lack some key ingredients necessary to defending liberty. Arizona and Texas are on the southern border, which presents huge problems all their own. Oklahoma might have the best State legislators in the country right now, but the State is landlocked. The same is true for Missouri. Who around them will come to their assistance against federal encroachment?

As we analyzed the states (well, to be honest, we did not even consider Massachusetts or California. Sorry. Any state that would deny us the right to keep and bear arms was a State that we dismissed out-of-hand), we quickly eliminated all states east of the Mississippi River for geopolitical reasons: too many military installations, or too close to the belly of the beast, or too flat, or too isolated from "friendlies," or too inhospitable to freedom principles, etc. And it wasn't long before we felt strongly attracted to the mountain states of America's great northwest: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, the Dakotas, Wyoming, and Utah. Colorado was dismissed for the same reason other states were dismissed: one huge metropolitan area dominates the entire State. During this time, I also did much searching of the scriptures relative to the subject of mountains, and I was very impressed with all the positive things God's Word has to say about them. There is no question that this search was as much spiritual as it was geopolitical, or anything else! (I'll let readers do their own research of the scriptures, if they are of a mind to do so.)

Weather

We determined that the cold weather climate of Montana was an asset, not a liability! Why? Because it keeps out undesirables: people who are comfort-oriented and not liberty-oriented! Let the "beautiful people" go to California or Hawaii or Florida. People who live in the mountains live here for reasons other than weather and personal comfort. And when what's coming actually comes, we will need rugged people who mean business, not people who are looking for a sunroom!

Firearms

As I mentioned above, we refuse to live in any State that does not recognize and respect our right as free men and women to keep and bear arms. I am convinced that, humanly speaking, the only reason there is a modicum of liberty left in these States United is the presence of nearly 100 million firearms held in the private possession of the American people. As such, any State to which we would relocate had to be firearm friendly.

Montana just might be the most gun friendly State in the entire country. Consider: the average home in Montana has 27 firearms in it. 27! Compared to most places, the crime rate in this State is extremely low. And a major reason for the peace and tranquility of this State is the fact that the vast majority of Montanans are armed and prepared to use those arms in their own defense.

Even most Democrats in Montana stand steadfast in the right of the people to keep and bear arms. Example: it was the two Democrat US Senators from Montana that, in essence, killed newly elected President Barack Obama and Attorney General Eric Holder's attempt to resurrect the Clinton "assault weapons" ban. During the US Supreme Court Heller case deliberations, it was a Democrat Montana State administration that wrote a letter to the court and to the Obama administration warning them that when Montana joined the Union in 1889, it did so under the agreement that the federal government recognized the right of individuals to keep and bear arms, and that if now the federal government was refusing to recognize the right of the people to keep and bear arms, the State of Montana would consider its contract with the federal government (i.e., its entrance into the Union) to be null and void!

In addition, open carry is lawful throughout the State of Montana. That's how deeply the citizens of Montana regard the right to armed self-defense. Plus, Montana is in the middle of a region of states that regard the Second Amendment just as dearly.

When push comes to shove (and it will), to be among people who are willing to fight and die to preserve their right of self-defense was a major factor as our family deliberated relocation.

Conclusion

I don't think I have to convince many readers that America cannot continue on the same path it's on forever. There is a day of reckoning coming, and everybody who has half a brain knows it! And another thing, more and more of us are waking up to the fact that neither major party in Washington, D.C., is going to fix it. At this point, I don't think it can be fixed in Washington! The only hope for freedom's survival is stalwart, independent, courageous people defending liberty one State at a time. And we (my family and I) believe that the mountain states are the last best hope for freedom in North America. And now you know a few of the reasons why we chose Montana.

I recommend that you read these two recent news items, as you contemplate your (and our country's) future:

From the London Guardian

From James Carville

I further recommend that readers who are contemplating relocation check out the information provided by Joel Skousen and James Wesley, Rawles. These gentlemen have some tremendous research material available on this subject.

Skousen's web site

Rawles' web site

Let me hasten to say that I completely understand that not every freedom-minded patriot would feel inclined to relocate to the mountain states, or anywhere else! Nor should they. God is bigger than any one State or region, and He will doubtless lead His children in different ways, to different areas, and to different works. Neither am I suggesting that those of us who relocate to the mountain states are any more spiritual or any more patriotic than those who do not. I do not believe that in any shape, form, or fashion! I am simply sharing with my readers how God led us.

But I will also add that there is no question in my mind that God is bringing a remnant to Montana. I see it up close and personal every day! The gathering of eagles has begun! What it all means is yet to be seen. From the bottom of my heart, I am as excited as a kid in a candy store just to be part of it--all the betrayals and trials associated with this move notwithstanding!

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#1. To: Itistoolate (#0)

Here is the actual basis for the peace and tranquility of Montana, even with its winters...

"White alone, percent, 2012 (a) 89.7%

Black or African American alone, percent, 2012 (a) 0.6%

American Indian and Alaska Native alone, percent, 2012 (a) 6.5% 1.2%

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   9:16:48 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#2. To: Itistoolate (#0)

"But I will also add that there is no question in my mind that God is bringing a remnant to Montana. I see it up close and personal every day! The gathering of eagles has begun "

The New Age of Communications is aiding this greatly and Timely.

It's happening in many areas. I've got relatives who used to think I was too far out in my "survivalist" talk that are now asking me about buying precious metals, food storage, "prepper" stuff! :-)

"If we don’t adhere to the Constitution on matters as significant as presidential eligibility, then the Constitution ceases to be a meaningful document for guiding our nation."

ndcorup  posted on  2013-12-03   9:17:35 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#3. To: Cynicom (#1)

All my Scots-Irish ancestors are from Eastern Tennessee. I'm descended from Border Reivers, the kind who skinned the British and nailed their tanned hides to their walls.

"Have Brain, Will Travel

Turtle  posted on  2013-12-03   10:02:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#4. To: Itistoolate (#0)

Years ago I met a pastor in DE who had moved to Montana. His efforts to start a church failed, not for lack of attendance but for lack of tithing. There are few jobs and many folks who only receive social security and they barely squeak by.

If you're comfortably retired then go for it. But skills and ambition just won't pay off there, and the heating bills can be considerable regardless of your income.

The pastor was forced to return to DE and work in a menial job (there were none of those there, either) as he sought another church to call home.

One friend wanted to move there to enjoy their hunting paradise, so, for two years his wife sought a transfer with the USPS. There were no slots open for postal workers and, if my info was correct my friend would have quickly learned that his energetic self employed side job hustle muscle would likely atrophy there. People just don't have the money for those improvements (or for a new church collection plate) and there are already more companies and established workers there than available work.

It was very much like Iowa when I lived there for a year. Flyover country just doesn't seem to have the disposable income that is freely spent along the bankster, transportation (rail, trucking and ports) and the corporate-military dominated Eastern seaboard.

"Privileged information is the ambrosia of elitists. It gives them a sense of power, and the human ego loves to feed from the trough of power."

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2013-12-03   10:24:54 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#5. To: Turtle (#3)

All my Scots-Irish ancestors are from Eastern Tennessee.

Nonsense... Who ever heard of a Scotch Turtle????

Scots are so tight they squeak.

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   10:46:13 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#6. To: HOUNDDAWG (#4)

stranger!! how are you doing darlin' dawg? ;)

To question is to value the ideal of truth more highly than the loyalties to nation, religion, race, or ideology.

christine  posted on  2013-12-03   10:53:26 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#7. To: Itistoolate (#0)

Here is another stat that explains tranquility of Montana.

Jewish population of Montana...

2012...

1,350 ....... 0.1%

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   10:59:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#8. To: HOUNDDAWG (#4)

But skills and ambition just won't pay off there, and the heating bills can be considerable regardless of your income.

That all depends on what your skills are. My family lives in the Flathead Valley and I just returned from a visit.

My brother in law has done very well in a variety of jobs. Currently he runs a pump service for wells and he is always busy, making good money. He did construction for years up there, made a change in 2008 when the housing market took a dump. This was a good move because people need water and always find the funds to take care of the pump.

I know lots of people who make a good living in Montana: ranching, excavating, iron work, trapping, hunting, fishing, taxidermy, raising poultry, growing tomatoes and all sorts of things. Those who succeed are hard working and have some skills. Not that these folks are getting rich, but they do alright.

Heating can be very cheap if you can chop wood and haul it. Montana has no restrictions on burning and that is the most used source of heat. The cost for gas/electric are some of the lowest in this nation although you do use a lot of it in the winter.

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-03   11:04:27 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#9. To: abraxas (#8)

Those who succeed are hard working and have some skills

Ah ha.

Racist state, no diversity.

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   11:12:02 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#10. To: Cynicom (#9)

Racist state, no diversity.

lol! Eight people got up early on Black Friday to get the deals at WalMart in Polson.

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-03   11:19:56 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#11. To: abraxas (#10)

lol! Eight people got up early on Black Friday to get the deals at WalMart in Polson.

Snicker...

I did see that in 2012 nearly 45 per cent of the WHITE voters in Montana...VOTED FOR OBAMA....

Difficult to understand their thinking.

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   11:27:04 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#12. To: Cynicom (#11)

I did see that in 2012 nearly 45 per cent of the WHITE voters in Montana...VOTED FOR OBAMA....

Funny story. When Montana was voting on where the capital should be located, two towns were in the running--Helena and Anaconda. When the votes were counted, the tally was 55,000 but at that time Montana only had 51,000 registered voters. Helena won despite a lot of money thrown at Anaconda by the Anaconda Company.

There is an entrenched history of more votes than possible....I think that is what happened with the Obama tally. : )

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-03   11:35:07 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#13. To: Cynicom (#5)

Nonsense... Who ever heard of a Scotch Turtle????

Oh yeah well you just google Scottish Turtles. so there.

"Have Brain, Will Travel

Turtle  posted on  2013-12-03   11:52:18 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#14. To: abraxas (#12)

Sounds like New York.

Spent a couple of years in Idaho.

If I were younger, would move there.

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   11:55:03 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#15. To: Cynicom (#14)

Spent a couple of years in Idaho.

Where abouts? I love Idaho too, been all over that state up and down, back and forth. Good people in Idaho.

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-03   11:58:45 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#16. To: abraxas (#15)

Where abouts? I love Idaho too, been all over that state up and down, back and forth. Good people in Idaho.

Good people indeed.

I was young, especially liked the girls grown there.

Flew out of Mt. Home, air farce.

Bet you NEVER BEEN TO ATLANTA IDAHO.

Did the mountains from Salmon South.

Drank a lot of beer.

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   12:08:35 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#17. To: Itistoolate (#0)

Superb article. The only thing he didn't mention that he should have are all the state capitols. At least the ones in all the states he talked about being hostile to liberty.

Americans who have no experience with, or knowledge of, tyranny believe that only terrorists will experience the unchecked power of the state. They will believe this until it happens to them, or their children, or their friends.

Paul Craig Roberts

James Deffenbach  posted on  2013-12-03   12:15:36 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#18. To: Cynicom (#16)

Bet you NEVER BEEN TO ATLANTA IDAHO.

Did the mountains from Salmon South.

Can't say that I have, Atlanta is about 40 miles from paved roads. Very remote little place. : )

I have traveled many times along the Salmon River. Take Route 95 in the summer months from Fruitland on the Oregon border to Lewiston into Montana. Next trip will be in June.

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-03   12:24:27 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#19. To: abraxas (#18)

Next trip will be in June.

Damn.

Make an olde man cry.

Atlanta is now civilized.

Back then it was one lane dirt road, high grass growing in the middle. Just beautiful in summer.

Is spoiled now as tourists have moved in.

Back then it had a bar with bat wing doors, sawdust on the floor, stand at the bar only, spitting allowed. We had an olde 1938 Chevvy with water injection. If I recall Atlanta is up about 8000 feet, olde bomber would only run in second gear. Summers were crisp and clear, cold at nite, just wonderful, miss it all.

Cynicom  posted on  2013-12-03   12:35:24 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#20. To: Cynicom (#1)

Race aside, Jefferson would've agreed with the point about big cities.

"If an angry bigot assumes this bountiful cause of Abolition, and comes to me with his last news from Barbados, why should I not say to him, 'Go love thy infant; love thy wood-chopper: be good-natured and modest; have that grace; and never varnish your hard, uncharitable ambition with this incredible tenderness for black folk a thousand miles off. Thy love afar is spite at home.'"
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance

Prefrontal Vortex  posted on  2013-12-03   14:07:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#21. To: christine (#6)

Okay, ewe?

"Privileged information is the ambrosia of elitists. It gives them a sense of power, and the human ego loves to feed from the trough of power."

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2013-12-03   15:58:09 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#22. To: abraxas (#8)

I believe that the info you posted supports the assertion that Montana is a closed shop for most newcomers. It's one thing to repair well pumps which burn up and are struck by lightning. But, quite another to try and survive building backyard decks, hot tubs, rock garden waterfalls or luxuries that are often purchased with disposable income.

A new resident in DE-MD area with a licensed dump truck, back hoe (to dig sewer laterals) or a taxicab can make a living. Is that the case in MT?

The obvious answer is no. In MT there isn't enough population growth or enough disposable income to keep all who would work busy. It was not my intention to assess the financial health of established natives there. That would be as pointless as comparing my inability to hustle on the side in Iowa with the comfy lifestyles of successful 4th gen corn or pig farmers.

"Privileged information is the ambrosia of elitists. It gives them a sense of power, and the human ego loves to feed from the trough of power."

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2013-12-03   16:21:41 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#23. To: HOUNDDAWG (#22)

That would be as pointless as comparing my inability to hustle on the side in Iowa with the comfy lifestyles of successful 4th gen corn or pig farmers.

And, there're tens of thousands of'em up there.

“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken

Lod  posted on  2013-12-03   16:29:56 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#24. To: HOUNDDAWG (#22)

A new resident in DE-MD area with a licensed dump truck, back hoe (to dig sewer laterals) or a taxicab can make a living. Is that the case in MT?

The obvious answer is no.

If you know how to run your back hoe or dump truck and you take it with you to Montana you will have plenty of work. Anybody with a hoe can make a good living up there if they follow two rules: don't rip people off and do what you say you can do. People up there never forget who rips people off or who blows smoke up their asses and they talk a lot about those who do these things.

No it isn't obvious. You base this on your one friend. Others have a different experience.

There are a few taxicabs in a few towns, but most of the small towns have none. So, I don't suggest moving your taxicab up there.

New residents with skills who work hard make it just fine. People like to talk about those qualities as well and word gets around. If you have skills and work hard, you can make it in Montana.

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-03   18:48:36 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#25. To: abraxas (#8)

Heating can be very cheap if you can chop wood and haul it.

Back in my northern Wisconsin youth we had a saying; He who cuts his own wood warms himself twice.

I know I'd enjoy the hunting in Montana, but you couldn't pay me enough to put up with those six month winters anymore.

It's the bankers fault !

Buzzard  posted on  2013-12-03   20:55:24 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#26. To: Buzzard (#25) (Edited)

but you couldn't pay me enough to put up with those six month winters anymore.

Winters can be rough and dark.......but you get extended daylight in the summer. : )

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-04   11:24:14 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#27. To: abraxas (#24)

New residents with skills who work hard make it just fine. People like to talk about those qualities as well and word gets around. If you have skills and work hard, you can make it in Montana.

But, won't new residents have to compete with the 127,821 workers who were axed by MT companies? Or, should we assume that they are undeserving rip off artists and discount them for purposes of your vision of Pollyanna Montana??

In May, employers took 1,301 mass layoff actions involving 127,821 workers. Mass layoff events increased by 102 from April, and associated initial claims increased by 10,972.

Link

One guy with a backhoe may indeed survive. But if a thousand IT workers, day care operators, CNC programmers and truck drivers arrive their statistical impact would obviously not be positive.

"Privileged information is the ambrosia of elitists. It gives them a sense of power, and the human ego loves to feed from the trough of power."

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2013-12-04   11:31:00 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#28. To: HOUNDDAWG (#27)

In May, employers took 1,301 mass layoff actions involving 127,821 workers. Mass layoff events increased by 102 from April, and associated initial claims increased by 10,972.

That statistic is mass lay offs for the nation, not just Montana. Sheesh, there are only 1 million people living in the entire state of Montana.

80,000 jobs posted on Ladders.......Montana jobs - TheLadders.com‎ www.theladders.com/‎ Find $80k+ Jobs in Your Industry‎ Get Your Dream. Sign Up Today!

Here are some ACTUAL lay off statistics for Montana for 2011:

n 2011, there were 63 registered mass layoff events in Montana, with 26 of these events becoming confirmed extended mass layoff events. In total, 2,663 initial UI claims were made to an extended layoff event, which is less than the 4,150 reported separations associated with the events. From 2010 to 2011, the number of confirmed layoff events decreased from 31 to 26, a decrease of 16%. Separations from confirmed events decreased 23% from 2010 to 2011, decreasing from 5,411 to 4,150. Based on the number of separations relative to the number of extended layoff events, fewer people on average were laid-off during each of Montana’s confirmed mass layoffs in 2011 relative to 2010. During the same time, the number of initial claims made from confirmed layoff events de - creased by nearly 675 claimants, a 20% decrease. Like the rest of the United States, Montana began to experience an increase in the number of mass layoff events in 2008. From 2007 to 2008, the number of extended mass layoff events in Montana increased from 20 to 32, a 60% increase. Similar increases in the number of separations and ini - tial claims were also seen, with increases of 54% and 81% respectively. Just like the United States, Montana experienced a 10-year peak in the number of layoff events, and separations related to the events, during 2009. Relative to the peak in 2009, the number of mass layoff events declined from 93 to 63 in 2011, while the number of extended mass layoffs declined from 35 to 26. The decrease in extended mass layoffs relative to their 2008 levels, and the mild decline in total mass layoffs, indicates two things. First, Montana’s economy has continued to recover from the recent reces - sion, as the level of extended mass layoff events for 2011 have almost returned to the pre-recession level. Second, the number of job losses not associated with a permanent layoff, and the number of smaller layoffs, remained above their pre-recession levels, indicating that Montana’s economy has yet to completely recover from the recent recession

Source: http://www.ourfactsyourfuture.org/admin/uploadedPublications/4347_MLS-10.pdf

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-04   11:49:45 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#29. To: HOUNDDAWG (#27)

your vision of Pollyanna Montana

But if a thousand IT workers, day care operators, CNC programmers and truck drivers arrive their statistical impact would obviously not be positive.

lol.....folks in these jobs are doing fine. Guess the lot of them are "PollyAnnas" and many Montana truck drivers are doing very well hauling in the Dakotas right now. You need not worry about them....rest assured they are doing just fine.

Oh my, in May 40% of the workforce in Montana was laid off....call Chicken Little!! The sky IS falling!! Lol!! Thanks for the laughs Dawg!

" If you cannot govern yourself, you will be governed by assholes. " Randge, Poet de Forum, 1/11/11

"Life's tough, and even tougher if you're stupid." --John Wayne

abraxas  posted on  2013-12-04   11:53:31 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#30. To: HOUNDDAWG (#4)

Chuck's words are inspiring, but it takes more than inspiration to live through 8 month winters with 4 months of spring.

That said it is absofuckinglutly awe inspiring beautiful!

“Anti-semitism is a disease–you catch it from Jews”–Edgar J. Steele

“The jew cries out in pain, as he strikes you.”–Polish proverb

“I would like to express my heartfelt apologies for the unfortunate and tasteless quotes I published in my tag lines. I am very sorry and ashamed. I never wanted to offend anyone, or to encroach human rights."- Hmmmmm

Hmmmmm  posted on  2013-12-04   19:35:36 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#31. To: abraxas (#29) (Edited)

Oh my, in May 40% of the workforce in Montana was laid off....call Chicken Little!! The sky IS falling!! Lol!! Thanks for the laughs Dawg!

Oh wow. I started on MT's Labor page and ended up a the FED page.

Silly me. Thank you for the correction.

If you say the state is a place of fair opportunity then I won't dispute it.

Out of curiosity, what jobs are offered in the classifieds and is there more than a single page? My state of DE has less than a meg of peeps too, but employers can draw workers from nearby MD, PA and NJ. Twenty years ago we had many electricians from WVA working with us as we built all of the HOME DEPOTS that were sprouting up. The union had everyone that wanted to work matched with a job and also there were 200 travelers in the area to fill available union jobs.

When I worked on the renovation of MBNA's new headquarters there were 200 electricians working 24/7. (The credit card giant had a munny machine and didn't care how much it cost.)

After 9/11 the construction boom was over and the union would now have hundreds of locals on the bench if they hadn't already given up waiting long ago.

So many electric companies have folded that I go for days without seeing any company's trucks anymore. (Before the crash you couldn't swing the proverbial dead cat....)

And HOME DEPOT is in a war with LOEW's as they compete for the same tiny construction base and home improvement business. They experienced a short boom when Sandy increased demand for portable generators and the usual materials needed for boarding up and emergency repairs.

There's no money to rebuild America's crumbling bridges, power grid, etc., but the Allied Petroleum Expeditionary Forces are funded and Boeing, Bechtel, General Dynamics and other permanent war contractors continue R&D on guaranteed purchase weapons systems of the future. How do they know that congress will authorize the purchases? Beats mee.

So, I'm actually pleased to learn that Montana's economy is bright enough to inspire a militant defense of same.

Two JOBS IN MONTANA websites only list truck driver positions on the first page. A search for "IT/computers" went off on an infinity loop, but there are a few hundred restaurant jobs (ARBY'S was listed) and the GOVT jobs website advised to browse the (3) links below to see available jobs. (None worked-404 error or "contact us")

So, things may be about the same as Delaware, which surprises me. (DE returned multiple hits for "IT/COMPUTERS" and Both states list construction openings. DE has multiple govt jobs for which apps are being accepted. DE is among the lickspittle states that worship FEDGOV and banks so, the demand for starving H1 visa-I.T. workers, ("Oh, I'm sooo hungrrreee...:) will quite naturally be higher. We are also home for petrochem giants and BIG PHARMA both of which are looking for ways to reduce overhead and payrolls. (This will likely involve "externalizing their costs", i.e. dumping radioactive feces-acids out back and waiting for them to hit ground water.)

(Many guest I.T. workers produce little but paperwork and heartaches so we can safely discount their production value to the states. They prove that "figures don't lie but liars figure" as they assist bank and CC companies in swindling their customers with higher rates if payments are *one day late.)

The closings of the Chrysler and GM assembly plants rippled through the greater Philadelphia area, leaving The govt and Dupont as the top two employers. Wanna guess which has workers sleeping with one eye open waiting for more layoffs and outsourcing?

Many folks took early buyouts with GM and Dupont only to have their stack of Frauds (FRNs) devalued another 40% in the past couple of budget cycles. (The last source for Claymore mines is here. Formerly Dupont, the only Diana-approved (they're above ground) mines are now outsourced to workers that may have no pensions or health coverage, certainly nothing like those enjoyed by Dupont workers during the war feast decades when DE profited from the defense industry including warships, tanks and The Manhattan Project..

Despite the proximity to several states and tens of thousands of formerly viable businesses (everything from AIG to the COWTOWN Flea Market) there are more skilled folks than well paying jobs here. It may be a blessing that MT wasn't involved in an incestuous relationship with many defense contractors, banks and finance for construction of more banks, more govt and defense contractors' installations!

The DODGE DURANGO which is no longer made here benefited from tax laws that favored accumulated wealth. The owners were positively arrogant (as were the HUMMERS' crowd) and couldn't be shamed about driving gas guzzlers. But gas prices finally did what conscience couldn't, and those fossil fuel hawgs were parked, sold or returned upon expiration of their Republican sponsored "elite one percent-friendly tax loophole leases."

Did the good people of Montana ever engage in such conspicuous consumption in any meaningful numbers?

______________________________________________

*"Some practices that Frontline claimed MBNA has engaged in included doubling or tripling of interest rates, shifting billing due dates/payment cycles monthly, and raising rates for customers whose payments were a day or two late. MBNA has been found to be one of the leading implementors of Rate-Jacking.[citation needed] For further information and links, see Credit Cards."

link

"You're of no value to the revolution if you haven't the brains to avoid the third rail of street survival, stupid, fatalistic machismo when confronted by the police."__Puppy Q. Schwartzberg "

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2013-12-14   21:32:16 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#32. To: HOUNDDAWG, abraxas (#31) (Edited)

I have a cousin who WAS working in IT in Montana - when he was laid off he had to go out of state to find an equivalent job. His wife was already making much more than he did in a different industry, but her services are in high enough demand that she can find a good job most anywhere.

"“Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings - that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.” ~ Gautama Siddhartha — The Buddha

Any sufficiently advanced stupidity is indistinguishable from evil. ~ Unk (Paraphrase of Clarke's 3rd Law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.")

Original_Intent  posted on  2013-12-14   21:41:05 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#33. To: Original_Intent (#32)

...her services are in high enough demand that she can find a good job most anywhere.

Dang.

No comment OI.

“The most dangerous man to any government is the man who is able to think things out... without regard to the prevailing superstitions and taboos. Almost inevitably he comes to the conclusion that the government he lives under is dishonest, insane, intolerable.” ~ H. L. Mencken

Lod  posted on  2013-12-14   21:46:52 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#34. To: Lod (#33)

Not thosssse kind of "services". :p

Hee, hee. I did think about that when I wrote my comment, but decided to leave it for all of my fellow D. O. M.'s. :-)

"“Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings - that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.” ~ Gautama Siddhartha — The Buddha

Any sufficiently advanced stupidity is indistinguishable from evil. ~ Unk (Paraphrase of Clarke's 3rd Law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.")

Original_Intent  posted on  2013-12-14   22:07:01 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#35. To: Original_Intent (#32) (Edited)

I have a cousin who WAS working in IT in Montana - when he was laid off he had to go out of state to find an equivalent job. His wife was already making much more than he did in a different industry, but her services are in high enough demand that she can find a good job most anywhere

Right.

One of the blessings of MT is its remoteness, and gangs from Chicago can't just hop on the interstate and burglarize the homes of absent Billingsites during the day.

I'd hate to move out to Montana and set up the perfect griz-deer-antelope-Bigfoot rifle(s) and collect the right clothes and gear to survive the sudden flash freezing Chinooks (that can rob one of his manhood with a resounding thunk as they hit the frozen dirt) only to have to move away to some afflicted area in order to find work.

"You're of no value to the revolution if you haven't the brains to avoid the third rail of street survival, stupid, fatalistic machismo when confronted by the police."__Puppy Q. Schwartzberg "

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2013-12-14   23:43:07 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#36. To: HOUNDDAWG (#35)

One of the blessings of MT is its remoteness, and gangs from Chicago can't just hop on the interstate and burglarize the homes of absent Billingsites during the day.

Not only that, they might run into the neighbors. Montana is like one BIG little town, and generally people look after one another. It is a survival skill in a beautiful country that is also deadly to the unwary. Some years "poached" deer is a fine winter food. I have this other cousin ....

I'd hate to move out to Montana and set up the perfect griz-deer-antelope-Bigfoot rifle(s) and collect the right clothes and gear to survive the sudden flash freezing Chinooks (that can rob one of his manhood with a resounding thunk as they hit the frozen dirt) only to have to move away to some afflicted area in order to find work.

You get used to it - I used to think +15 was nice weather. The summers may be short but the scenery, and fishing, is wonderful. Just don't expect to grow tomatoes without a Greenhouse. :-)

"“Believe nothing merely because you have been told it. Do not believe what your teacher tells you merely out of respect for the teacher. But whatsoever, after due examination and analysis, you find to be kind, conducive to the good, the benefit, the welfare of all beings - that doctrine believe and cling to, and take it as your guide.” ~ Gautama Siddhartha — The Buddha

Any sufficiently advanced evil is indistinguishable from stupidity. ~ Unk (Paraphrase of Clarke's 3rd Law: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.")

Original_Intent  posted on  2013-12-15   1:04:09 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


#37. To: Original_Intent (#36)

Understood about neighbor solidarity and even the off the record harvest of survival chow.

But, I don't want Montanans to start harvesting and eating streets gangs. Now that I won't stand for!

"You're of no value to the revolution if you haven't the brains to avoid the third rail of street survival, stupid, fatalistic machismo when confronted by the police."__Puppy Q. Schwartzberg "

HOUNDDAWG  posted on  2013-12-15   5:39:19 ET  Reply   Trace   Private Reply  


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