Small Town Politics or Political Eyesore

The tight bond between nationalism and Christianity is known to be a large part of America’s political reality. It is very evident when visiting small towns in the US. This month saw the opening of a new suede religious-political store, The Mountain Patriots in Abingdon Virginia. Mountain Patriots also serve as the headquarters of the Washington County Republican Party. Given the stances taken on hot-topic issues like gun control and abortion rights, the local republican party has already been protested for opening a storefront to monetize and express their beliefs. Much of the issue results from the store selling merchandise that links gun ownership and other right-wing political ideology, with religious beliefs. The increased outrage over gun violence and female reproductive rights has those opposed to the store feeling that it is a poor representation of their community. Though there are those who have protested the store, many have rallied behind it and see it as a force standing up for the Godly people of the area. An anonymous member of the community had this to say. “To me, the store is embarrassing. It shows the downward spiral of what politics do to people. It is the embodiment of a 60+-year-old redneck’s man cave. It’s a hangout spot for people to reaffirm their bigoted ideas. Idolizing the Bible on one table and a past impeached president on the next. The area has so much more to offer than those hateful ideas. Sadly, I’m sure the store will do very well.” As tensions run high across the country there is no shortage in this small town. Gas prices are rising, so is unemployment, and affordable housing is becoming more difficult to find. The frustration is not difficult to see. As the presidential election inches closer every day the Mountain patriots become a more relevant part of this local community. For better or for worse the Mountain patriots will be on the main street in full view of the public selling Trump, Guns, Pro-Life, and God.