Our Viewpoint

I recently spent some time with a law enforcement officer from another Montana county. We had a great discussion about the state of the country and how current events are affecting law enforcement. She said that lately, residents have been bringing all sorts of gifts of appreciation. There are cookies and coffees and other gifts regularly being brought to the office.

The law enforcement officers appreciate the gifts of gratitude. With all the mumblings of the defund the police movement and blue lives matter and Black lives matter and all lives matter, it brought us back to a common theme of respect and appreciation for each other on a human level. We ended up comparing appreciation to Valentine's Day. I've always made light of the holiday, saying, "don't send me flowers on Valentine's Day. Send them to me on a random Tuesday."

We're not making light of these gestures by residents to let police officers and other first responders know we are thankful for all they do. Instead, we'd like to see a stronger everyday effort where we don't need a movement to let people know we appreciate them, or that they matter. Changing attitudes to that of everyday appreciation would surely help change the path of our nation and heal the divisiveness, bringing the country together.

In times of triumph or tragedy, we need to come together. As a community, as a state, as a nation and as human beings. Be thankful every day and appreciate those first responders, churches, law enforcement and everyday heroes who step up to lend a hand to those around them.