We’re all tired of the noise. The shouting matches on social media, the endless national debates that go nowhere and the horrifying reality that a man like Charlie Kirk can be killed for simply speaking his mind.
The killing of a young voice like his in Utah last week is not a distant headline; it’s a stark and tragic reminder of the consequences when public discourse devolves into hatred. It’s a wake-up call that we’ve let things go too far.
We’ve become a nation of keyboard warriors, content to post opinions online and then block or unfollow anyone who disagrees. We’ve lost the ability to simply talk to one another, to listen, to disagree without spewing hatred. We have to reclaim our voice — not just online, but where it matters most: in our own community.
This isn’t about politics. It’s about the kind of community we want to live in. Every decision made by our city council, school board, and county commissioners — about our parks, our property taxes, and our children’s education — has a direct, undeniable impact on our lives. Yet, too often, these critical choices are made in silence, by a handful of people while the rest of us are busy with life.
That’s a mistake we can’t afford to keep making. Our voice is our most powerful tool. It’s how we hold power accountable. It’s how we inject new ideas and perspectives into old problems. And it’s how we ensure that the future of our town is shaped by the people who actually live here — not just a select few.
This isn’t a spectator sport. It’s our collective responsibility. The time for waiting for someone else to act is over. The future of our community is in our hands.
So, here’s what you need to do:
• Show up. Go to a city council or school board meeting. Your presence alone sends a powerful message that you are paying attention. You are important and you can show it by showing yourself.
• Speak up. Share your questions and ideas. Your voice has power, and our leaders need to hear it. Demand that your voice be part of a conversation, not just a comment logged for the archives.
• Step up. Get off the bench! Step out of your comfort zone and volunteer for a local board or committee. These are the places where real decisions are made, and your expertise is needed. You are welcome to the table.
The work starts now.
Out of honor for Charlie Kirk and the generations before who spoke up, and out of love for our own families and our country, let’s start the conversation and build a community we can all be proud of.
Kisa Davison is a candidate for mayor of Kalispell.
