"What if politics was the act of paying attention to which of your neighbors were under attack and figuring out how to make them feel less alone? What if it was about identifying the parts of your life where you’re most vulnerable and asking for help?" Keep going, Garrett ... I think many, many of us need constant reminders of this.
There's a good reason to feel that way right now. Politicians like Regier have worked really hard to make the Flathead feel that way for a while now. I get how connecting with others who are feeling hopeless and alone and starting to ask "so what can we do?" feels like too little, but it matters a ton (even if that's just a few folks).
Oof, Garrett. I had to pause a few times because this piece made me cry (in a good way). Thank you for writing this. I have a lot of stories in my head about the mountain west because of my time in Colorado, and it is healing to read things that counter those narratives. Queer people everywhere deserve joy and community, and knowing what queer and trans organizers are doing for each other in Missoula makes it easier to continue facing the ongoing violence against us across the country.
Thank you Reed (and you're welcome for the tears? is that the right way to put it, lol?). You know, multiple things can be true at once. I know that there will be some trans Montanans who are able to stay because they experience these kind of moments of love and support, and others who have to leave because of the (also very real) hostility.
Thank you, I found this a really moving piece. Moved both by knowing about the coming together in the park, and by your writing about it and highlighting the importance of community.
Since I left Whitefish to to go college in Missoula I have been torn between Whitefish and Missoula. I I do miss Caras Park, the river and the unconditional acceptance of Missoula. I had to return to the Mountain and the lakes.
Thank you for your writing. And thank your sister for me!
As a transman and the parent of a transkid, I am so full of gratitude for a) your writing here (wow! great stuff to find this morning), and b) your sister (high five!), but also for c) the residents of Montana who are brave, proud, loving, and ready to celebrate joy. This is how we win.
Oh, and Garrett? Your words are exactly the kind of thing that can heal the divide we are currently facing. More of this, please.
Jun 11, 2023·edited Jun 11, 2023Liked by Garrett Bucks
Thanks for this, Garrett. I felt this weekend in Missoula an ocean away. I quoted the excerpt Nia mentioned here in my latest. If you have a minute to read it, let me know what you think!
Had to unsubscribe after you included the word communism (meaning believing in the liberation of the working class, it's really easy to read the 50 page Principles of Communism by Engles to learn what it is before you use the word) next to the words groomer, baby killer, and thug. It's not dehumanizing to know theory and be able to use it to change our society into one that values people who collect a paycheck.
If you want to fight for change you NEED to understand historical materialism and dialectics. I thought the bar was on the floor when I expected left leaning folks to understand the word communism but I guess I was wrong. Honestly embarrassing.
Hey Cas- Thanks for the critique. You're correct, I don't consider the term communist to be a slur and while my intent was to list common taunts that are made by conservative politicians against the left, the way I listed that word out in the same way as clear slurs gave the wrong impression about my own personal beliefs.
I don’t have much faith in Politics because I am not able to be a politician, preferring logic and science, but I really love and work towards helping folks and giving to those close to me. The strength to be in a position to give is not the money your article mentions, it’s the strength to hold a mindset that eventually truly benefits those around you.
"What if politics was the act of paying attention to which of your neighbors were under attack and figuring out how to make them feel less alone? What if it was about identifying the parts of your life where you’re most vulnerable and asking for help?" Keep going, Garrett ... I think many, many of us need constant reminders of this.
Agreed. People have reached out to me here who are afraid and hopeless.
There's a good reason to feel that way right now. Politicians like Regier have worked really hard to make the Flathead feel that way for a while now. I get how connecting with others who are feeling hopeless and alone and starting to ask "so what can we do?" feels like too little, but it matters a ton (even if that's just a few folks).
You are the best Garrett at showing those of us who want to save the world tat we can make a difference with little acts of kindness. So empowering.
Yeah, I felt this one deep in my soul too.
Oof, Garrett. I had to pause a few times because this piece made me cry (in a good way). Thank you for writing this. I have a lot of stories in my head about the mountain west because of my time in Colorado, and it is healing to read things that counter those narratives. Queer people everywhere deserve joy and community, and knowing what queer and trans organizers are doing for each other in Missoula makes it easier to continue facing the ongoing violence against us across the country.
Thank you Reed (and you're welcome for the tears? is that the right way to put it, lol?). You know, multiple things can be true at once. I know that there will be some trans Montanans who are able to stay because they experience these kind of moments of love and support, and others who have to leave because of the (also very real) hostility.
I am totally feeling the "multiple things can be true at once."
Thank you, I found this a really moving piece. Moved both by knowing about the coming together in the park, and by your writing about it and highlighting the importance of community.
Thanks so much, Kaspa
Since I left Whitefish to to go college in Missoula I have been torn between Whitefish and Missoula. I I do miss Caras Park, the river and the unconditional acceptance of Missoula. I had to return to the Mountain and the lakes.
Thank you for your writing. And thank your sister for me!
Waving at you from across Whitefish?
Small world..maybe we are even neighbors!
Waving back to wherever in the fish you live!
Look at this Connections actively being made in a hostile political environment!
🥰
As a transman and the parent of a transkid, I am so full of gratitude for a) your writing here (wow! great stuff to find this morning), and b) your sister (high five!), but also for c) the residents of Montana who are brave, proud, loving, and ready to celebrate joy. This is how we win.
Oh, and Garrett? Your words are exactly the kind of thing that can heal the divide we are currently facing. More of this, please.
Oh thank you so much, Robin. Sending love and gratitude right back to you and your kid!
Thanks for this, Garrett. I felt this weekend in Missoula an ocean away. I quoted the excerpt Nia mentioned here in my latest. If you have a minute to read it, let me know what you think!
https://blueworld.substack.com/p/musical-verano-pt-3
Sorry it took me so long to read the essay (summer inbox struggles) but I really enjoyed it, Matt!
Muchas gracias, caballero!
Thank you for your work _/\_
Thanks Satya!
this is very beautiful, thank you.
❤️❤️
Had to unsubscribe after you included the word communism (meaning believing in the liberation of the working class, it's really easy to read the 50 page Principles of Communism by Engles to learn what it is before you use the word) next to the words groomer, baby killer, and thug. It's not dehumanizing to know theory and be able to use it to change our society into one that values people who collect a paycheck.
If you want to fight for change you NEED to understand historical materialism and dialectics. I thought the bar was on the floor when I expected left leaning folks to understand the word communism but I guess I was wrong. Honestly embarrassing.
Hey Cas- Thanks for the critique. You're correct, I don't consider the term communist to be a slur and while my intent was to list common taunts that are made by conservative politicians against the left, the way I listed that word out in the same way as clear slurs gave the wrong impression about my own personal beliefs.
Thank you for this 💖
Thanks Hannah!
I don’t have much faith in Politics because I am not able to be a politician, preferring logic and science, but I really love and work towards helping folks and giving to those close to me. The strength to be in a position to give is not the money your article mentions, it’s the strength to hold a mindset that eventually truly benefits those around you.