In rural America, we are more self-reliant, more capable

In our highly politicized, mass-media, instant-news culture there are ongoing messages about inequality, gender disparity, unfairness, race conflicts and other social ills. People argue that more regulations or more government money or more programs will fix these issues. But those who promote such “answers” do not understand the premise that “for every government benefit, a freedom must be surrendered.”

The idea that you can, and should, take care of yourself is really at the backbone of what it means to be an American. This idea, however, is often forgotten in areas where government has been eager to step in and take on the responsibility of the individual or the community.

In rural America, we know that being able to take care of ourselves is key to survival. We understand that living away from cities means a great number of things are our responsibility. Maintaining our own wells, hauling away our own garbage, plowing roads and being prepared for emergencies like power outages and weather events is taken for granted. We know that the nearest police or ambulance is likely over an hour away, so we take steps to be prepared.

We understand that when we are out working on our farms and ranches that help might be far away, so we are more mindful about how we do things. We know we are responsible for our own health and safety, so we are not reckless. In most cases, no one is coming to save us.

We also know that community is essential to filling the needs greater than an individual can bear. We serve on volunteer fire districts, emergency medical services rosters and organize fundraisers or work parties when a member experiences a crisis.

In exchange for our heartiness, we are mostly free to live our lives as we choose without a slew of ordinances, regulations and prohibitions.

Our willingness to make our own way also creates something that is nearly impossible to replicate in “easier” situations: an independent, confident mindset carried on by our children.

On farms and ranches, we lend confidence and faith in ability to children at an early age. We ask them to take on responsibilities like caring for animals and seemingly “adult” tasks like using equipment or driving vehicles. We believe they can do it on their own because we did it on our own.

This faith in their abilities can lead kids to believe that if they want to do something, they should just do it. No permission from the outside world is needed. Just have enough try and determination and the thing can be done.

Western sports, especially rough stock, are designed this way. If you have the guts to show up and drop in the chute on a bucking horse or a bull, no one is going to tell you not to. Most other contestants will likely help you or lend you equipment. You gain entry to the rough stock world simply by showing up, by believing you can.

If we stop believing in ourselves, if we stop believing we can and that we need some outside force, money, program or person to “save” us from a situation, we will pay a heavy price. If we give up freedom for a “safer” life or an “easier” life, we will find a place where you no longer make your own decisions, they will be made for you. And our children will grow up believing that they are not capable, but dependent.

Our freedom can all too easily be surrendered in exchange for an “easy fix.” When we consider how to solve problems, let’s remember how capable ourselves and our communities really are.