Thanks to Chris Hill for his informative letter about the MAGA belief system. The letter helps clarify why Trump and his MAGA followers are so intensely critical of what they call mainstream media. Since the information they get from the MAGA media universe are routinely discredited by fact-based news sources, the MAGA believers have good reason to attack anything like real

journalism.

It is harder to believe that Trump is committed to our Constitution, if you are aware that he tried to violate the peaceful transfer of power which is spelled out in our Constitution.

It is harder to believe that the 2020 election was “rigged” against Trump, if you are aware his claims have been repeatedly and conclusively debunked.

It is harder to believe that Trump supports balanced budgets, if you are aware he ran the deficit up to record levels with a tax cut in 2019, that mostly benefitted his billionaire friends.

It is harder to blame Biden for problems at the border, if you are aware that Republican leadership is blocking a strong immigration reform bill with bipartisan support.

It is harder to believe that climate change is a hoax promoted by America’s enemies, when the evidence is overwhelming that human induced climate change is accelerating.

It is bad enough that MAGA supporters spread misinformation about these issues and more.

Even worse are the personal attacks and contempt for people who disagree with them. They are sowing distrust and fear for the essential institutions of our society. Mr. Hill’s false description of what democrats and liberals believe makes them out to be vile monsters, not just friends and neighbors with their own valid opinions.

In Montana we pride ourselves on being good neighbors and friendly to others, not only to those with red hats.

I encourage all MAGA sympathizers to actively seek news and opinion from a wide variety of sources. I think you will find that America is not the dark and dangerous place you think it is.

Doug Ferrell, Trout Creek