What Pocatello, Idaho wants from their American leaders Special

Politicians proclaim they know what Americans want. But do they? Digital Journal decided to traverse the country in the spring of the recession of 2010 to explore what Americans find significant and what it is they want.

Pocatello, Idaho nestles in a valley surrounded by majestic mountains on all sides. As one approaches the city, the initial view is not a stunning landscape but the smoke that pours from a factory from the outside of town in a Chernobyl-like manner, although without the terrible consequences nuclear waste would produce. The haze, however, hides nature's best features from travelers who might hope to see the winning side of the city on an initial encounter and instead meet with the back side underskirts instead. A few miles down the road, and closer to the central part of town, the haze lifts, the mountains come into sparkling view; and the visit, which initially might appear bleak, turns out to be quite pleasant, as the breath-taking landscape shifts and moves elegantly as if to say, "You went through the trouble of getting here, now here's my better side."

Carol Forsloff

This beautiful landscape is the better side of Pocatello's offerings in terms of natural beauty, reflecting the hope and the quality that people of the town cherish.

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In journeys through America's landscape, which includes this Western town, convenience stores become the waystations where rests, refreshments and a few good directions can be had. Those who work in these small places are also the repositories of information about the surrounding areas. "What's significant about Pocatella and what do the people want in this town? What would you want from your President Obama and the political leadership" brought animated answers. "What's significant is the college here," a young sales clerk proclaimed. He went on to say, "The college needs more money, and the students are worried here about whether or not they will have the right classes or there will be enough money for certain subjects they need for graduation. Resident are also interested in jobs. The problem here is jobs." He couldn't give his name because of company policy but indicated how important it is for ordinary people to have an opportunity to offer their concerns at a time when many people believe politicians just don't care. The significance of Pocatello and what should folks remember? "It's named after an Indian chief, which makes it a historical place. And it's a University town, the home of the Idaho State University, and folks are proud of their University here." The Indian Chief, Pocatella, gave settlers permission to cross through the territories occupied by the Shoshone tribe, as folks made their way to settle in the new lands. Just a few miles from Pocatello, the Hudson Bay trading company set up shop as one of the principal entities involved in the exchange of goods among the settlers as well as with various Native American tribes. While politicians talk about what Americans want, the folks in this town in Idaho are waiting for some answers to the problems they face these days. Jobs come first, according to folks found on the byways through town, and support for education is critical. And they hope that their leaders will listen rather than just assume they know what people want these days but listen to the voices of the heartland instead.