Letters to the Editor

Editor,  There has been enough written, much of it in the national press, about Montana’s new restrictions on voting. These laws have been taken to court and will be decided there. Meanwhile, we might reflect on how critical the right to vote is to our democracy and our lives. Our form of government requires the participation of all its citizens. If we are not actively involved, those with more power or money (be they corporate or members of the government) will step into the breach. They can become strong enough to change the rules and do what they want, regardless of the will of the people.  Montana has seen this before in the days of the Copper Kings. These wealt...

Editor, “Majority rule” is such a simple understandable message. There must have been convoluted arguments in attempting to create a “supermajority” dividing line. First, there is the problem of defending why there should even be a “supermajority.” Next comes the gar...

Editor,  The big three: greed, fear and anger. It appears these three personal human responses are what is driving our political system.   Here is a breakdown: the first two responses, greed and fear, apply to our elected Republican congressional folks. The last two responses, fear and anger,...

Editor,  I wish to thank the Board of Regents for voting unanimously to challenge HB102 in court following Wednesday’s listening session.   Two constitutional issues are at stake. The Montana Constitution gives the Board of Regents sole authority to manage the Montana University system,...

Editor,  The Treasure State. The Last Best Place. These monikers ring true partly because of the pristine waters in Montana’s lakes and rivers. Recently the legislature passed, and the governor signed, a bill that decreases regulations on nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants allowed to be disc...