Out-of-Staters, Montanans Don’t Actually Hate You

Montana is amazing. Let's get that out of the way. But lately there has been a lot of anger and hatred in our state. A lot of that has been directed at people who come from out of state. Reports of people leaving disturbing notes on cars with out-of-state plates in Helena (K2 News). There are jokes, memes, social media influencers from Montana telling people not to come here. There seems to be a lot of hate out there.

Being From Montana Is Not a "Flex"

I may be going against what's all the rage these days, but I don't hate people from out-of-state. Yes, I said it. Recently driving around town, I saw more out of state license plates than I did local plates. I saw plates from Florida, Michigan, Maine, and Illinois. I don't have any hate or anger towards them being here. My only concern was if they are good drivers, not where they are from. I am from Montana. I am not stating that as a "flex". It isn't a brag. It is just a fact that I was born here. Does that mean I can be a "gatekeeper" for who moves to our state?

Hate Is A Harsh Word Montana

My mother used to say "hate is such a harsh word". It is. I hardly ever use that word. I also like to believe that the majority of amazing people we have in Montana don't really hate the people who are coming here. I believe it is a small vocal percentage that perpetuate that feeling. I think most people just hate the "idea" of more people moving to our state, than hating the actual people themselves.

Montanan's Don't Like Being Told What To Do

I have said it many times, that people in Montana don't like being told what to do. We have an independent streak. People also don't like change. Some people fear change.  Some of my best friends have come from other states, that simple fact doesn't mean they don't contribute to our state and help make Montana a great place to live. I don't have the time or the energy to hate on people coming to Montana.

Don't Judge Until You Get To Know Them

Let's stop judging people on where they came from. There are reasons they left to relocate here, and I doubt at the top of their list is to change Montana. Get to know the people who are moving here, after all they may become your neighbor. Once you get to know them, then make your judgements.