By Tim Baldwin
After living in Montana for seven years and writing for the Beacon for several of those (for which I’m grateful), this will be my last column as I’m moving back to Florida. Here are some truths that have been deeply confirmed in my mind during this time.
Life is too short, and each stage of life passes a little faster than the one before. Doing what you believe is right and good and is very important even when others disagree or misunderstand. Loving and forgiving others are better than hating and begrudging. Humanity, with all its contradictions and complexities, is worth protecting. Family, friends, community, and country make life much more enjoyable. They’re all worth defending to the end.
Politics is dirty business, but our goals should be the same: promote individual liberty, protect national security and improve the general welfare. It’s hard work, and disagreements are often heavy; but that doesn’t justify mistreating fellow countrymen, especially not our neighbors. When times get bad, we need neighbors to help us, regardless of political disagreement. Work hard at keeping relationships intact.
I became acquainted and friends with many Montanans from diverse backgrounds, perspectives and preferences. They all taught me much about life and human nature. Hopefully I helped others too along the way. Thanks, Montana.
By Joe Carbonari
It is with fondness and respect that I wish Tim Baldwin the best as he returns to Florida. His thoughts are well presented and his heart is good. We have benefited from his time spent with us. We wish him well.
With his departure the Beacon will take the next few weeks filling this space with letters-in-waiting. Some relate to the Quist-Gianforte special election on May 25. It’s time to give it thought. Early voting is the trend.
I count Rob Quist as a friend. Many do. He is likable, talented, and puts on few airs. He is one of us. He knows the hardships and the joys of the people that he lives amongst. He knows us.
I also find Greg Gianforte, personally, likable. He is a businessman, and he has a businessman’s ways. He is affable, energetic, talented, and polite. These qualities work well in both the business and the political worlds. That is good if the direction is good for the general welfare.
Quist, if elected, will likely vote the Democratic line with a strong dose of his own opinion thrown in. Rob is not a raving liberal. He was raised and he lives too close to the Earth. Compassion and a helping hand? Yes, but it’s work that gets work done.
Gianforte, if elected, will likely vote the Republican line with a bit of Montana sprinkled in. Better we should keep his efforts here to continue strengthening our private sector. In Montana, Gianforte would be using his skills to our mutual benefit.