As a new bride I was asked forty years ago to help to save a portion of the original family homestead--which I did. My DH is 5th generation of the first homesteading family in this part of the state. We married in 1982 and I am still an outcast in the family--I am respectful of differing opinions, which is an ideology that non of my husband's family see the need for--I am not a democrat. But, the woman who saved the family spread wasn't either! Because I had the financial ability to help save the homestead I am considered repugnant. Without asking they "borrow" whatever they want from our place and don't return it. I suppose that's because I am such a "capitalist pig". Most of them work in schools, or government jobs. The women in my family have cleaned houses, done hair, worked for care, and my DD is the one who made it big in the design field. She only works 10 hours a day six days a week. No government retirement for her--so, she is "not one of us"! I have never once mentioned money to these people. The money I did have came from hard working hands of women--but, not women working for the state. Not women with a university degree--so, they don't count--not "real Montanans"! Let's face the facts: to be considered a "real Montanan" in today's world you have to be working in a union position and a dedicated socialist.
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