Michael Starmer

Before the election some people were out doing everything they could to support President Trump’s campaign by planning, attending and volunteering for anything they could. Our times call for us to go out in pairs or groups due to the dangers posed against our values and our way of life. It is also not easy to balance work, kids, home life, church, after school sports coaching and then add civic duties to our list of demands. Before internet and mass entertainment venues people used to do all those things. Now as we have every comfort at out fingertips, we hesitate to get involved. Many use the excuse of being too busy, but daily internet usage is 4 hours minimum! Many use the excuse that Jesus wouldn’t be involved in politics, when He actually was doing exactly that as well as confronting religious leaders. Many say they don’t know enough, but they sure have opinions on how things affect them. Many say they have no skill, but they seem to be managing some sort of life. I can attest that no skill or education is necessary when we have many things like cooking, planning parades, setting up, manning booths, and more, going on!

           This summer, as many of us were in pairs or groups in our own red districts, one man stood alone in risky territory. His name is Michael Starmer. Day after day, hot or cold, dry or wet he would stand along Reserve in Missoula while he was stalked by illegals parking in the lots behind him intimidating him as best they could. He set up his own signs, brought his own chairs and sustenance.  He had his own materials and would wave and engage public dialog with the willing. I had passed by often to see him take abuse and support from Missoula’s loving residents. (Much like peaceful protests in the summer of love.) He stood alone most of the time when many of us were too scared to go out in pairs or groups or some sat behind computer screens. He was willing, and that is what bravery and faith takes. Just being WILLING. His name is familiar to some, his wife Barb ran for office against Zach Rasch, i.e. Zoey Zephyr, even though she knew she probably would not win at least she tried, and there is honor in that. His history is worth knowing. A dedicated supporter of God, order and peace in our communities. He started a group called the Western Montana Liberty Coalition in 2021, but the toll it took on his personal life became too much. It takes all hands on deck to make the work light and easy, but when a person has to dedicate 24 hours 7 days a week, some things have to be let go. He has not stopped his work, though, and when he returns to Montana, he will begin the next chapter in his journey. He recommends the focus be put on our Judicial system and campaigning for more conservative people. However, one thing people need to understand is we must vote in all elections and know WHO we should support. That’s why calling your local committee or precinct captains to find out who is running is an important step to take. You can also opt in for emails which may be more convenient for some, but the best thing is to get involved with the committee no matter how little. When I did stop and talk with Michael, he was already in conversation with an opponent, and he was holding very respectfully to his beliefs and values. I have to say, so was the lady until the subject of God came up. She did not see eye to eye. We all have a part we can fill if we are willing, because if we don’t, I can guarantee you that down the road we will regret not trying.

          Do not buy into the laziness and disregard for civic duties. That has been what got us into this situation. Democrats are more often willing to be our leaders, and we have been way too willing to let them. If you have complaints about those who are in office, then run for office. If you have complaints about those in the committees, then join the committee. If you have complaints about the state of our country, then get involved and be leaders in your community. This sit by and watch it all burn is why we are now scrambling and clawing our way just to survive. We let the democrats take everything because we were too lazy, too busy or believed Jesus would not want us in politics. God ordained 3 things: Church, family and government, so to say He would not want us in it is pretty much a lie we tell ourselves to excuse our apathy. The Lake County Republican committee is made up mostly of unpaid volunteers who could no longer sit by and do nothing. We have a great leader who just won the district seat he ran for, so now he will be moving on to that position. There is now a need for leaders to step up in many areas. To keep our county strong, it takes work and effort. It doesn’t just happen. In the committee, we don’t all agree on everything, we do a lot of commiserating, but we also do accomplish getting out and running ads or billboards, door to door, articles to the newspaper, rallies, parades, events, festivals, supporting campaigns, board positions and so much more. I encourage you to come attend 4 meetings. Don’t say ‘no’ until you at least come see what it is all about. Make friends, get to know neighbors, see who is on our side, learn, and at the very least you will find you do fit in and have a place to contribute. No matter how little you think it is – we need it! Come out to meet your committee members and sit in on a couple meetings.

         It’s easy to sit on the outside and criticize those who are doing something.  It’s hard to get involved and try to be part of the solution. The bible says the harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. Why is that? Because no one wants to do the work it takes. Remember the story of ‘The little red hen’ that wanted to bake bread but needed to plant the wheat, grow the wheat, collect the wheat, threshing it then milling and baking it? No one wanted to help do any of it but once the bread was made everyone sure wanted to eat it. Well, that can teach us all exactly what we should do. We all need to be in the game doing what we can no matter how small so that when the rewards come, we all have the right to enjoy them. It’s a new year. Let it be a new you and make the resolution to join the Lake County Republican Committee.