Columns

Yesterday the TV was playing in the background and I thought I heard Homer Simpson say one of what I thought was the most prolific quotes of all time. “Why can’t all hills go down?” This gave me cause to pause. Homer certainly has a point. Why do hills have to go up? Doesn’t that just make things harder? I smile writing this. Why can’t all hills go down is the question, and a good one at that. And here is the truth. (Are you ready, Homer?) All hills do go down. On both sides. Every day. 24/7. All hills go down. It just depends on your perspective on the matter. Or, perhaps better put, where you are coming from - or going to. If you are a...

Uncovering one of Montana’s most underutilized—and misunderstood—citizen rights Did you know that you have a constitutional Right to Know? The Right to Know appears alongside your right to Freedom of Speech, Right to Bear Arms and Right of Suffrage in the Montana Constitution, and i...

After last year’s deep winter, this season has come as a shock, and many of us are wondering “Where is the snow?” Skiing injuries have been prevalent, and with the lack of powderhound tourism, small mountains have been struggling.  While wetter snows have come to save the spring sea...

Liberty – Equality – Democracy: America and Americans are defined by their dedication to these founding principles--ideas that were fostered by the Enlightenment philosophers of the late 17th - 18th centuries, the Age of Reason, and enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and Constitution.&n...

During my second tour to Iraq as a U.S. Marine, my unit was tasked to help secure the Syrian border. We had received intel that Iran was sending weapons into Syria to smuggle across the border for use against American troops. At the same time, refugees from all over the country were flooding the border to es...

As of the writing of this guest editorial, there has been a 30 percent decrease in FAFSA submissions by students and their parents across the United States compared to last year. In Montana, the decline is also substantial at 25 percent. What is FAFSA and why is it important? FAFSA stands for Free Applica...

In 2022, the people of Montana elected Republican supermajorities to both chambers of the Montana Legislature. Even though the people of Montana elected large majorities of Republicans, the Republicans elected to the Legislature did not always act like conservatives. Instead, many Republicans participated in...

When was the last time someone was kind to you? Or you were kind to someone else? What were the ripple effects of those moments? A few days ago, a colleague offered to help me meet a deadline since he had extra time and I was busy. It made me feel appreciated and supported, and eager to aid him in return....

We have known for decades that air pollution harms health. As a nation, we have prioritized cleaning up the air to protect the public. Sulfur dioxide levels in Billings were once unhealthy and Missoula’s air has ranked among some of the worst in the nation. With regulations, those responsible for the p...

“This is unconstitutional” has become a frequently used phrase intended to subvert the logic and rational understanding of the Montana Constitution. When improperly applied, it perverts the intended checks and balances of our three-branch state government system. If a person, group, or political ...