Red Pill Festival touts need for changes in America

The license plates were from Idaho, Washington, Oregon and 11 different counties in Montana.

There were lawn chairs and shade tents with hundreds of people that came to hear the conservative speakers and visit with old friends while meeting and making new ones.

A film crew from the other side of the political spectrum came from New York City to record the event in Northwest Montana that had the slogan, "It’s A Republic If You Can Keep it.”

The Red Pill Festival in the St. Regis Community Park opened with the singing of the National Anthem followed by a prayer that received a hearty applause.

Then Master of Ceremonies, state Representative of Montana District 11 Derek Skees, welcomed everyone.

“People have said this observance was going to be full of white supremacists. Racists. Some of you said you were warmed to be very careful if you attended because of the suspected viciousness and angry chanting. A mob mentality. Militants,” Skees said. “If you love freedom. If you love America and if you love God, then you’re the ones who are here today as we talk about our great country and how, now more than ever, we need to fight to get back our educational system, Christian values back into our families and integrity into Washington D.C.

"We just had an election stolen. We are in danger,” Skees said.

Vendor booths were along the perimeter in the shade consisting of the Western Montana Liberty Coalition, PreppComm, Missoula County Republican Women, Ravalli County Republican Committee, Mineral County Republican Central Committee, Second Amendment Rights, Protect the Police and a couple of dessert booths as lunch was prepared by Whipped Up from Superior.

District 7 state Senator Bob Brown shared a story about a box of magazines he bought at a yard sale, with one that was dated May 1941 before the United States entered World War II.

“There was an article with a headline that read, ‘Last Call for the Republican Party’ so my fellow patriots, we have been down this road before. And we are not going away,” he said. “This county just celebrated the Fourth of July which means that we have been fighting for freedom for 245 years and will continue to do so. Freedom is our foundation. It should not be a battle between two parties as it is meant and it is good for everyone,” he stated.

A spectator in the crowd who asked to remain anonymous said, “When I told my friends I was coming they were worried for my safety and actually wanted me to reconsider. I wasn’t sure what to expect myself, but this is a wonderful group of people I’m finding out. I’ve even hollered a few ‘Woo Hoos myself”, she said with a grin.

A primary portion of the message from Theresa Manzella, state Senator from District 44, was for patriots to run for office to make the needed changes.

“We need to take back our schools and the educational system. Run for a school board position because this CRT (Critical Race Theory) is scary stuff that they are trying to force down our children’s throats. Know who your children’s teachers are and what they are teaching. Know your children’s principal and superintendent. Be vocal. So much is out of balance, and we allowed it to happen because we have not spoken up.

"This is our fault, but we can change it back to the values we once held sacred. When a person can be fined $10,000 for having an eagle feather but allow a baby to die that survived an abortion, things are very, very wrong,” Manzella said.

Skees then asked the crowd if they were having fun, which was met with applause. He also asked if they had heard any of the speakers say that they want violence to restore our freedoms and to bring back family values and to protect the constitution, which was met with a loud “NO!”

He then introduced the organizers of the Red Pill Festival, Randy and Kim Mitchell of St. Regis to the microphone where they thanked all who came and were still arriving at late morning.

“This was never intended to be an anti-government, name-calling event. Kim and I are staunch supporters of the constitution and family values. Our heavenly creator is who we will all answer to in the end and while we are here, we are to follow His commandments by loving one another, being honest and truthful and protect our God given freedoms that we have, which we do not feel is being done. Our moral compass needs to be recalibrated. So, it is with great pride, that Kim and I announce that I will be running in the primary for House District 14,” which was supported with cheers and applause.

Throughout the afternoon, speakers kept the audience involved, informed and entertained sharing stories and promoting goodwill and strong character.

American flags and portrayals on shirts and hats were everywhere.

Door prizes were given out and a raffle for a silver-plated bald eagle was held while music from Jordan Page was enjoyed.

The day concluded with music, worship and prayer.