Valley Views

Lessen the divide

Our nation is polarized and angry unlike any time since the Civil War. It seems that we are shouting at each other in person and online. Nobody is listening to one another unless they agree with their opinion. Social media and the 24/7 news cycle magnifies this tension. How do we lower the volume, stop shouting at each other, or get through a dinner with our family or friends without it ending in a fight or someone leaving angry? These are just some of the questions that I am frequently asked when I do transformational listening workshops. People ask, how do we lower the volume and listen with the current discord and political divide that currently exists in the United States?

People feel stuck and that they have no other choice than to avoid any politically or emotionally charged topics and conversations at all costs. Even worse, many of us are removing people from our lives including loved ones, family members, and close friends, who do not believe what we believe, labeling them as stupid or of no value in our lives because we don’t agree on these issues. Lifelong friendships and families are being shattered with parents and children no longer speaking with each other. We have managed to create bubbles where we only listen to and surround ourselves with those who share our viewpoints, marginalizing others who do not think like us or believe what we believe. Social media has played a role in this as well with people only associating online with those they agree with and the people who shout the loudest online get the most attention. But what is it costing us not listening to other viewpoints? It is costing us our democracy, the nation we have known, and people we hold dear.

Political disagreements have been a part of our nation’s history dating back to Jefferson and Adams, who despite their great political differences remained friends and listened to each other’s point of views. As did Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas as they debated the future of the union. It is what has always stood out about the United States. People the world over have long marveled about the United States’ ability to listen to opposing views

But now we no longer do. When did it happen that having opposing thoughts, ideas, and views became the recipe for disaster and hatred, instead of success? One of the main elements of American Democracy is providing an effective method to deal with conflicts and improve decision quality. The foundation of finding the best solutions is to bring people with different perspectives and ideas to the table to challenge thinking and spark ideas and to listen to all viewpoints. Doris Kearns Godwin masterfully demonstrated this her book, Team of Rivals, where she recounted how Abraham Lincoln brought together the men who had challenged him for the presidency and had different beliefs and leanings from him to wield together a team to win the American Civil War. Not only did he bring them together, but Lincoln also listened to them and combined their ideas with his. Businesses have long followed this model.

In what corporate meeting room would we suggest that we bring people together that think exactly alike to solve a difficult problem or innovate? The democratic process is based on bringing leaders together that represent opposing viewpoints, the voices of the people they represent, to find areas they agree, can compromise, and create solutions that are best for the majority. Discord, conversation, and opposing viewpoints were once welcomed allies of the democratic process. At the start of World War II, Franklin Delano Roosevelt reached across the aisle and brought some of his sharpest political opponents into his Cabinet to forge a team committed to victory. He believed opposing ideas would create a consensus and a winning strategy. He told his wife Eleanor, “there is power in listening to all viewpoints, taking the best of each, and combining them into one.” He even nominated a Republican, Harlan Fiske Stone, as Chief Justice of the Supreme Court to show unity (imagine that now). Today, the former allies of democracy are now enemies, which polarizes us instead of helping us find common ground. Listening has become a dirty word when everyone wants to shout.

As the expression goes, what we fear we create. Fearing people who think differently and avoiding conversation and discourse only leads to more discord, Rattle D Zastors are fish getters! Lake trout under the whitefish and mixed in with them. Lake trout generally stay close to the bottom. 40 to 65 feet is the target for jigging. Valley Views Christine Miles

This month’s fishing setup

see page 11

Mac Man

Dick Zimmer

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from page 10

disconnection, and polarization, which social media exploits. Listening and thoughtfully discussing what we hear, are the answers to lowering the volume and reducing this polarization that is consuming our nation and our daily lives.

Our current approach to this has been flawed. We have been talking to argue or convince others of our point of view to change their minds, so they agree with us. We have been taking the approach of telling in the hopes that this will get us somewhere, and we have been failing miserably. People generally do not like to be told what to do, and telling rarely works, so we must change our approach. Instead, we must listen to understand others, not to agree or change minds. When we listen to understand the viewpoint of others, rather than argue, this lessens the defenses, opening up a different dialogue that leads to conversation, connection, solutions, and ultimately, lessening what divides us. We may not agree 100% with what is said but with this approach, the anger and bitterness is lessened, helping to ease the polarization.

While most of us do not want to get involved in politics and are opting out of any involvement, our democratic system is dependent on the active participation of all citizens. It is dangerous ground to set up our lives by surrounding ourselves with only those who agree with us. It is our civic responsibility to participate. We can all participate by seeking, not avoiding the opinions of others, being open to listening, rather than arguing, and understanding differing opinions and beliefs. Rather than avoiding people with whom you don’t agree, seek them out and ask them to tell you more. Our democracy depends on it. This approach is the first step in repairing the divisions in our nation. And remember it all starts by listening.

Christine Miles is the author of the critically acclaimed and award-winning book, What Is It Costing You Not To Listen. Additional information about her may be obtained at https:// equipt-people.com/get-thebook/

vj

letters

See the light

Editor,

This is our present three-party political system: Democratic, Republican, and what I term Trumpism.

Trumpism was formed by Donald Trump’s presidency. It is ruled by fear, anger, and self-centeredness. Let’s call it FAS. These human tendencies are personal choices each of us humans are familiar with, deal with, and live with daily.

Individuals and groups can get lured into these mental choices for FAS which begin to rule their lives.

This has been Donald Trump’s life choice. As president, he brought FAS right out into the open. This attracted many individuals and groups to bring these FAS attitudes and behaviors out into the open.

FAS has formed this dangerous third party in our system of government. We are no longer just a democracy. We now have this dangerous form of autocracy in leadership positions in our government.

FAS need not be permanent in any individual or group. We are presently hearing from people who have moved from the FAS way of living their lives to choosing more acceptable human thinking and behavior.

Let us pray that more individuals will ‘see the light’ and be healed of FAS.

Bob McClellan Missoula

Irrigators have options

Editor, Last week in an advertisement you were told that contact numbers and details for filling an objection to the CSKT compact to the Montana Water Court will be given soon. You have a little over four months to do this. This is your first and last chance. Contact the website www.saveyourwaterrights.org, and fill out the form and submit it. You will be contacted with information then. Have your land descriptions ready, as well if your land is a former Tribal allotment, and the nearest reservoir or canal you receive irrigation water from. You can also fill an objection for your wells. Call 745- 3381, 745-4451, or 745-4250, evenings are best.

Tim Orr St. Ignatius

Now Hiring!

Apply on line or ask for an application! Positions available: Line cooks, Expo’s, Dishwashers Join the team

Polson Lake Monsters among top finishers at state championships

Story and photos by Taylor Davison Valley Journal

MISSOULA — Six Polson swimmers of the Lake Monster swim team competed at the Montana Long Course State Championships in Missoula last weekend, with events including butterfly, backstroke, freestyle, individual medley, and breaststroke.

In the 11 and over sessions, team captain Gus Hertz and Olivia Cottet each competed in six events.

Hertz brought in a second place in the 50 fly with a time of 29.60. He scored sixth in the 50 back with a time of 32.61, fifth in the 50 free with a time of 27.16, sixth in the 200 free with a time of 2:16.26, and sixth in the 100 free with a time of 1:00.93.

Cottet landed a fifth place in the 100 fly with a time of 1:31.84. In the 50 back, she scored 11th with a time of 42.04, 11th in the 200 IM with a time of 3:26.13, 11th in the 50 free with a time of 36.65, 10th in the 100 back with a time of 1:29.67, and 8th in the 50 fly with a time of 38.01.

In the ten and under sessions, Macy Montgomery took sixth in the 50 fly with a time of 53.85, 18th from the 50 back with a time of 50.00, 17th in the 100 back with a time of 2:01.16, and was disqualified from the 200 IM.

Briggs Delaney brought in a third place in the 100 free with a time of 1:37.31, third in the 50 free with a time of 43.90, fourth in the 100 back with a time of 1:54.65, fourth in the 50 back with a time of 52.95, and was disqualified from the 50 fly.

Hailey Cottet scored first place in the 50 breast with a time of 1:02.86, first place in the 50 fly with a time of 53.73, second in the 100 free with a time of 1:44.96, second in the 100 back with a time of 1:51.87, third place in the 50 back with a time of 53.34, and fourth place in the 50 free with a time of 46.88.

Annie Kleinmeyer brought in a second place in the 50 free with a time of 46.75, a second in the 50 fly with a time of 55.03, a fourth place in the 100 back with a time of 1:57.15, fourth place in the 50 back with a time of 53.87, fifth in the 100 free with a time of 1:50.28, and sixth in the 50 breast with a time of 1:11.22.

Warm ups

Hailey Cottet Annie Kleinmeyer

Briggs Delaney

Polson USA Softball wins 14U State Championship

News and Photos from Bob Gunderson

ANACONDA — The Polson Lady Pirates went above and beyond at the State Championship games in Anaconda July 15-17.

The Lady Pirates took down Frenchtown Fury with a score of 10 to 2, the Billings 406 Flyers 4 to 2, and the Kalispell Emeralds 3 to 2.

In an undefeated game, the Lady Pirates took out the Missoula Riot 6 to 4. Then, in the final Championship game, they took down the Missoula Riot again with a 6 to 5 win.

COURTESY PHOTO

Front Row: Keke Tenas, Olivia Jore, Samantha Rensvold, Jelayna Tenas, Maddy Turner Back Row: Coach Dave Rensvold, Sierra Perez, Emma Smith, Nevaeh Perez, Coach Juan Perez, Coach Lyle Smith, Izzy Fyant, Lizzy Cunningham, Jaliyah Pierre, Coach Jim Jore

Now is the time to schedule your student or student athlete for their annual SUMMER IS THE TIME TO PLAN AHEADSummer is the time to plan ahead well child check so they're ready for next school year. These comprehensive Now is the time to schedule your student or student athlete for their annual visits give your child's provider the opportunity to examine their overall well child check so they’re ready for next school year. These comprehensive health and well-being. If your student athlete also completes a sports visits give your child’s provider the opportunity to examine their overall physical during their well child check, St. Luke will donate $25 to their health and well-being. If your student athlete also completes a sports school's athletic booster club this fall! physical during their well child check, St. Luke will donate $25 to their school’s athletic booster club this fall!

Schedule today with your child's Family Practice Doctor Schedule today with your child’s family practice doctor.

The Heart of Healthcare in the Mission Valley

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Professional outfitter speaks at Co-op Brewery

By Taylor Davison Valley Journal

RONAN — A special speaker is among this month’s events at the Ronan Cooperative Brewery. On July 21 expert outfitter Smoke Elser paid a visit to share his experiences in the Montana wilderness.

Originally from Ohio, Elser moved to Montana in 1955 to work for the Forest Service in Helena, acting as a lookout on Hogback Lookout. After two years of that, Elser met a man named Tom Edwards of the Whitetail Ranch and went to go work for him as a packer and a cook for summer and hunting trips. After seven years, Elser left to establish his own business.

Elser outfitted in the Bob Marshall for 55 years, both summer and fall. Additionally, he acted as an instructor in packing, horsemanship and minimum impact camping for over 50 years, was a founding member in 1974 and past president of Back Country Horsemen of Missoula and is a past president of the Montana Outfitter and Guides Association and Professional Wilderness Guide’s Association.

Elser claims he’s been mostly retired in the last three to five years. He has about 75 head of horses and mules in the Rattlesnake and still has a barn full of equipment he says he’s just a bit too old to use these days. Instead, he now serves on the advisory Council of Elders for MWA and is currently active on the USFS Region I Pack Train Board.

“I love the business,” Elser said of his years of outfitting. “My wife joined me; she even ran pack trips on her own.” An active family, their daughter also worked for them for a few years as a packer. Each year, their hired workers ran excursions typically lasting eight to ten days with up to as many as 36 guests.

“We’ve had in senators and representatives to people who sold shoes and were gas station attendants, the whole realm of all kinds of people,” he commented. “You meet a lot of people, and our main goal was to interpret the country to our guests. We wanted to make sure they left here with an understanding of wilderness and an understanding of horses and mules, and an understanding of the backcountry. Many of our guests then supported wilderness issues all the way through. Still do.”

Involved in the Wilderness Act of 1974, the Lincoln Scapegoat in 1972, and The Great Bear in 1986, which all came together to become part of the Bob Marshall, Elser said what’s now called the Bob Marshall Complex is about a million and a half acres with around 1,600 trails. Elser has never stopped his involvement in issues he feels are important for the wilderness. Even now he’s involved in the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act, introduced by Senator Jon Tester to add nearly 80,000 acres to wilderness areas and add safeguards for the four crucial tributaries of the Blackfoot River.

During his presentation at the Co-op, Elser shared some of his experiences packing trips, from helping to move a cabin with only chains and logs, to helping one client carry two heavy, mysterious footlockers to a high peak in 1969. Those containers ended up holding a television set, several batteries, and several tent poles he used to form an antenna. To Elser’s surprise, the traveler actually managed to get it set up to catch enough signal for them to witness the moon landing.

In these backcountry trips, Elser said people take away an appreciation of the land. “I think that’s what they take away most of all. And they want to be able to share that with future generations.”

TAYLOR DAVISON / VALLEY JOURNAL According to Elser, the family outfitting business never had to advertise. The draw of the backcountry and word of mouth was enough.

Over the River and Through the Woods opens

News and Photo from Port Polson Players

POLSON — The character Nick (played by Kai McDonald) is surrounded by his loving grandparents (clockwise from left) Ron Martin-Dent, Neal Lewing, Karen Lewing and Ann Peacock) who try every trick in the book to prevent their grandson from moving away from the family in Joe DiPietro’s brilliant comedy, Over the River and Through the Woods. This delightful Port Polson Players production, in association with the Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, is the second in their 47th Summer Theatre lineup. Over The River and Through the Woods plays two weeks, July 28 through Aug. 7 at Polson’s beautiful Theatre on the Lake. The curtain goes up Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m., with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Call 406-883-9212 or go to portpolsonplayers. com for tickets and reservations.