Helena's Hal Harper shares Five Things He's Learned about America
View the next in our new series of messages, ideas, and inspiration – shared directly from Americans we admire.
Five Things I’ve Learned began with the aim of learning directly from people we long admired. Now, as we get ready for our upcoming Fall Class Series, we’re continuing to collect and share written pieces, short videos, and other bursts of ideas and inspiration from people whose ideas and experiences give shape to the issues at the heart of our upcoming national election.
Today, from Helena, Montana, former member of the Montana House of Representatives Hal Harper shares Five Things He’s Learned About America.
Hal served in the Montana House of Representatives from 1972 until 2000 – until the state’s term-limit rule required that he not run again. Later, among other posts, he served as Chief Policy Advisor and Legislative Liaison to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer.
It was a great, great pleasure to talk with Hal and discover all he’s learned. If we could, we’d appoint him as the Montana’s Official State Ambassador! He’s ardent lover of wilderness and animals; he’s particularly passionate about saving – and about encouraging young people to get involved to save – our country’s last remaining wild places.
“Hi, I’m Hal Harper. I’m a 75-year-old, former 50-year carpenter, who ran for the legislature when I was in my early 20s. Served as a republican for a couple years. Served as a democrat for a number of years after that – and worked with people from three parties to try to help prepare the state of Montana for a future we knew was coming.”
Five Things I’ve Learned about America
Every one of us is lucky to have this shot at human existence - especially we Americans. We need to regain a child’s wonder at it all.
“You get this chance in life – maybe you think you get a second chance or a third chance. Make the most of it..”
Let's honor our flag for what it actually stands for.
“When I was traveling one of the happiest sights I ever saw would be the American flag at a U.S. embassy. I delighted in that flag…”
The NFL changed football kickoff rules to lessen head injuries. Could we American voters do the same to lessen political head-blows?
“How do we restore sanity to the legislative process? How do we restore sanity to the American public? Because if the American public won’t lead in this world, who’s going to lead?“
We must act now – and encourage our young people to act now – to save Montana’s and America’s wild areas.
“Wild areas are what’s left of God’s sanctuary. These are the areas that connect human beings to the natural earth.”
My father and mother's fundamental belief becomes truer and clearer every year - What else can save this planet?
“My father was a preacher. He was a Protestant Preacher….”
ABOUT HAL
Hal Harper served in the Montana House of Representatives from 1972 until 2000, until the state’s term-limit rule required that he not run again. He was first elected to the House as a Republican. In 1976, was elected again as a Democrat.
In 1985 and 1989, Hal served as majority leader of the Montana House, and in 1991 he was elected unanimously as the Montana House Speaker. After leaving the House, he served in subsequent years as Chief Policy Advisor and Legislative Liaison to Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer; Chair of Montana Public Safety Officers Standards and Training; and as a member of the state’s Judicial Nomination Commission.
Hal is a former collegiate pole-vault champion. He’s also worked as a heavy highway air track drill operator, traveled extensively in India and Nepal, and journeyed the entire length of South America with just a backpack. He’s an ardent lover of wilderness, wild places, and animals, and has been married to Janet Matteucci of Great Falls, Montana for forty years.
MORE ABOUT FIVE THINGS I’VE LEARNED ABOUT AMERICA
Five Things I’ve Learned about America presents live, personal conversations with leading thinkers, organizers, and advocates for our democracy. In tandem, we’re soliciting and sharing written pieces, short videos, and other bursts of ideas and inspiration from people whose ideas and experiences are equally inspiring and instructive.
If you’ve just recently discovered us, please check out recent reflections about America from people we admire including including Tony Alcaraz, Yvette Benavides, Matthew Chamberlin, David Martin Davies, Sarah Fay, Lilly Gonzalez, Francisco Guajardo, Tina Hedin, Marya Hornbacher, Megan Matson, Jeannine Ouellette, Cristina Tzintzún Ramirez, Greg Sandow, Brooke Warner, Oliver Wasow, and Jamie Whalen.
And check out our free conversation series presented in partnership with Resolute Square, featuring 90-minute sessions with Americans we admire including Alan Light, Jennifer Mercieca, Beto O'Rourke, Trygve Olson, and Stuart Stevens.