Opinion
Editor, What is a demagogue? In a recent conversation the term “demagogue” came up as the other speaker was describing a person with whom he disagreed. Somehow, that just didn’t seem to fit – so I looked up the definition. Wikipedia says this: A demagogue is a power-seeking individual who uses a number of the following techniques: * Scapegoating * Fear Mongering * Lying * Emotional oratory and personal charisma * Accusing opponents of weakness and disloyalty * Promising the impossible * Violence and intimidation * Personal insults and ridicule * Vulgarity and outrageous behavior * Folksy posturing * Gross oversimplification *...
Montana’s Supreme Court has reaffirmed the state’s longstanding commitment to government transparency, rejecting efforts by lawmakers to conceal the inner workings of the legislative process. The ruling in Saslav v. Howe is a victory for open government advocates and a critical test of the state&...
Editor, What is a demagogue? In a recent conversation the term “demagogue” came up as the other speaker was describing a person with whom he disagreed. Somehow, that just didn’t seem to fit – so I looked up the definition. Wikipedia says this: A demagogue is a power-seeking indi...
To paraphrase Alexander Hamilton, “only the people can decide, by their conduct and example, whether societies of men and women are really capable or not, of establishing good government from reflection and choice, or whether they are forever destined to depend, for their political constitutions, on ac...
Editor, We face serious problems in this country, and lots of folks are pretty unhappy. Among those that governments led by both parties have failed to address adequately are rising inequality between those with and without college degrees, the increasing difficulty for Americans to make ends meet, health...
One of the most bittersweet moments in life is when you have good news and no one to call. I have lots of people to call about lots of things. But certain pieces of good news, require certain people. And, for me, those people are no longer here. I can talk to them. I can tell them my new...
Twice a year - every year - we succumb. In the spring we spring and in the fall we fall. Seriously, you couldn’t make this stuff up. Somewhere, at sometime, someone (supposedly a real person) invented the practice. It probably made sense at the time.. And time is exactly what we are talking ab...
Editor, To Senators Daines and Sheehy, and Representative Zinke: for years the Republican platform has been, “tough on Russia,” a country led by a dictator, which uses assassination of opponents, voter suppression, choking the media and free speech, and war crimes, and now our president and Co...
Editor, With us humans, fear is one of the most powerful motivating factors in how we think and act. We humans have each been ruled by the power of fear at times in our personal lives. The power of fear is presently ruling our nation by President Donald Trump. Trump and his huge base are putting ...
Editor, I am writing to express my gratitude and appreciation to our local legislators for their unwavering support and leadership in voting for HB 245. This crucial legislation has preserved Montana’s current Medicaid program, which is vital to the economic wellness of businesses and the health of ...
