comment on earlier posting: love this little town.
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8/30/2016
GOLDENDALE is loved by a very select, elite, and religious group. I withhold using labels to describe the mentality of Goldendale, but can describe the hostile treatment I have experience from the first day 13 years ago when I purchased property there and continues to this day. From this hostile treatment I can only surmise that others have experienced the same treatment and while the locals describe this town as slow, easy, laid back, and quiet they fail to mention the prejudice here than can only be compared to the Confederate South. By the way the Confederate Flag was displayed this summer (2016) during the parade to celebrate the County Fair. This is a nice area especially during the summer and there are recreational activities that suit young and old. Actually if you are the correct political, religious, and race you will be accepted into the community. However, fall outside these requirements for acceptance they will shun you. That has been noted in the comments placed by an earlier posting "I love this little town" which basically states if you don't measure up expect to be shunned. I would not recommend Goldendale as a place to move if you are different, in their opinion. If you or your family has not lived here for 100 years or more you would not be considered a local. I have been told to my face that I am an "outsider", and can only assume by this statement unworthy to become a resident here. And so far they have made that perfectly clear from their actions of prejudice. So is Goldendale a place you would like to live? Yes only if you fulfill their requirements mentioned above. Once they form an opinion of you you cease to exist and they make all efforts within their powers to make life miserable until you leave. This attitude is supported by the religious faction and enforced by city and county government which is, by and large,the main factor is maintaining these standards.
If you are "liberal" in any way Eastern Oregon and Washingtion state may not be such a good place for you. There are some good qualities about Goldendale, but not enough to make me want to live here. I regret I bought the property I did.
I posted a previous comment which was not posted, for obvious reasons, and speculate this will follow suite. I have a degree of fear when I visit my property when I manage to go there to make repairs and maintain the place. It seems a soon as the neighbors are aware of my presence some public official appears with allegations supported by accusations and innuendo supplied by a nearby the neighbor with strong ties to the local government. In closing let me reintegrate: keep in mind that if you consider Goldendale as a place to come live be aware of you might face. If you are willing to alter your lifestyle and "who you truly are" then you might be accepted.
Goldendale has it's problems like any American town, but the issues I mention here are below the tip of the iceberg. Beware!
Thank you for allowing me to express my opinion and experiences of Goldendale. I do have supporting documentation for the treatment I have experience however, it will probably be discounted as conveniently insignificant and inconclusive.
steve | Goldendale, WA