Montana Jones

Representing the west

Dad:

It's that whole attitude of thinking people need to be told what to do.

Me:

Now that's an east coast idea if I ever heard one. Wouldn't fly in Montana. The western myth is too strong here. People move here for the independence and freedom. You don't find many people in western states that tolerate being told what to do. You know, that is probably what is wrong with the country right now. When is the last time we had a president from a western state?

Dad:

Bush is from Texas.

Me:

That may be his address, but he does not embody the western myth. Both of the Bushes got their money and their status from the east coast.

Dad:

Reagan was from California.

Me:

Does California count as western?

Dad:

I'm not sure it does. At least it doesn't fit very well with the western myth that we have been talking about.

Me:

Carter was from the south. Where did Ford come from?

Dad:

Midwest. Illinois or Michigan. One of those.

Me:

And what about Nixon?

Dad:

California.

Me:

Makes sense. Have we ever had a president from a western state?

Dad:

Well, LBJ was another Texican.

Me:

Kennedy was east coast.

Dad:

I think Truman and Roosevelt were midwest. You may have to go all the way back to Teddy Roosevelt to find a president that embodied the western myth.

Me:

Yeah, he lived up to it. I think that is the root of all the troubles this country is having. Belief in personal independence and strength and freedom are missing from our government. I think the world would be a better place if a Montanan were to become president.

Dad:

Schweitzer might decide to run someday.

Me:

Hmmm. Well, a western president would still be an improvement.

Labels: conversation, dad, history, politics, president, western myth

Posted by: Montana Jones / 8:13 AM