In Soviet Russia, profits earn you!

    I was surprised and encouraged today, when I saw an advertisement on a campus bulletin board promoting the Communist Party of Montana. Not because I sympathize with Communist ideals, my personal views are actually quite the opposite. I feel like Soviet Russia and Mao’s Chinese “revolution” were example enough of the folly of Communism. I was merely impressed that there was political activity on what I had gathered to be a fairly apathetic campus. I may not agree with their ideas, but I respect the fact that they are taking a stance that lies outside of the mainstream opinion, and are attempting to institute change by organizing a movement. In this respect, we have much in common. 

  So much of the political discourse in this day and age is centered on the never ending bickering between the tribes of Red and Blue. It appears as if they believe all Americans somehow fit into either the Republican or Democratic Party. I have been frustrated by this false dichotomy for many years, a feeling I’m sure the Communists can sympathize with. Around 40% of Americans consider themselves “Independent”, whereas around 33% consider themselves Democrats, and 22% Republican. This leaves a large percentage of our population feeling disenfranchised by occlusion, myself included. We are rarely given a chance to vote for candidates that represent our minority beliefs, and this is by design. The two major parties have worked long and hard to ensure there can be no other points of view entered into the national debate. This is a sad state of affairs, and is the reason I was glad to see a challenge to the status quo in the form of a Communist flyer. I can’t say that I hope they succeed though, as I have other hopes for the future of politics. I wish them the best of luck in avoiding being entered into a terrorist database for conspiring against system, as this seems all too common with our Big Brother always watching.  I’ve read many reports of protesters being given this treatment throughout our country, most recently at the G20 in Pittsburgh. Fight The Power!

Introduction

Aaron Briggs

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Hello there, my name is Aaron. I arrived in Butte two months ago, as a transfer to the Technical Communications program. I still don't know that many people here, so feel free to introduce yourself on my facebook! I traveled here from a land in the Far East, known to intrepid travelers as the state of Connecticut. In my home state we have warm sunny coastlines and trees that produce colorful foliage. I'm not implying that the scenery in Montana isn't beautiful as well, it just takes some getting used to. There is also some contrast in the social sphere, being that Connecticut is situated directly between the cultural meccas of New York and Boston. One need only to travel an hour or two to visit one of these sprawling urban metropolises. The powers that be have decided that some of these factors give me a unique outsider perspective on life in Butte, and I am inclined to agree.

I have noticed an interesting thing about the constitution of Butte residents during my short time here. Some people will wear shorts regardless of the temperature. This is insanity. Maybe it will take me some to acclimate myself to the weather, but until then I am going to keep my jacket and gloves on. I thoroughly enjoyed the last bit of sunshine we had at the start of the semester, but I am afraid it was merely a prelude to a prolonged state of Arctic-like conditions.

Weather aside, the state of Montana is not without it's charms. The locally brewed libations have impressed me greatly. I have sampled excellent beers from several different breweries, each with it's own appeal. A favorite of mine comes from the Bayern brewery in Missoula. They have an Oktoberfest beer that rivals any other I've tasted. Brewed in the same style as the classic Bavarian Dark Marzen, using a process that has changed little from it's initial brewing in 1810. The 6% alcohol content helps to ensure a euphoric Oktoberfest experience.

These are but a few of my first impressions of life in Big Sky Country. You can expect more commentary as I continue to experience life as an Oredigger. I will be attending events on campus and in the community as much as possible in order to get the "full experience". If anyone has any interesting ideas that would enable me to see the "real Butte", feel free to make a suggestion. Befriend me on facebook to get in contact with me!