Opinion
As a nurse practitioner in Missoula, prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), I was initially surprised that so many patients came from rural areas - especially Lake County. Some had very little money, and could be late because they had hitchhiked or waited on a ride from a friend. Ours was a specialty practice, but much of the work could have been done nearer people’s homes if there had been a program in place. Then as now, rural hospitals, and some rural practices, were struggling - and rural people were struggling. The ACA, which, for Montana, included Medicaid Expansion, has made a great difference. Research has shown that this program, covering care that would have otherwise be...
Editor, What I love about where we live is our community of people. We are friends and neighbors, sometimes with varying views, but always there for each other in times of need. This election, I encourage all of us to vote for candidates that are not divisive and hateful. For candidates looking for soluti...
Editor, I have known Shirley Azzopardi for over 25 years - as a coworker, a hiking companion, and a friend. Shirley is the best choice for HD 13. She works hard, spending time after work knocking on doors and talking to people about the issues important to them. As a teacher, Shirley believes in a strong ...
Editor, “Hello, Jon!” my outgoing husband cheerily called out to Senator Tester in the concourse of the Salt Lake City Airport. The senator, obviously headed to the men’s room, turned around, grinning, and stuck out his right hand. To my surprise, what followed was a five-minute conversa...
Montanans deserve a Senator that respects all of us, not one that uses damaging punchlines that divide us. Senatorial candidate Tim Sheehy’s disrespectful comments about Native people send a dangerous message - that he is okay using negative and tired stereotypes about Montana Indians in an at...
Editor, Consider the economic woes, political turmoil, China news, Putin, car jackings, random shootings, and all manner of negative news coverage. What initiates and drives these sorts of problems? It is what I call FAG: “Fear, Anger, Greed.” This human response is severe...
Editor, This letter supports Dr. Shannon O’Brien for Montana State Superintendent of Schools. The Office of Public Instruction needs leadership that brings change that supports students and teachers in Montana’s schools. Current Superintendent Elsie Arntzen and her former Chief Deputy Susie He...
We’re in the midst of a presidential election. This column has nothing to do with politics. (I bet you’re breathing easier now, huh?) But the business of politics got me thinking - about language and communication and the words we choose to use to explain our angle on things. Fo...
Editor, When someone tells you who they are, believe them. Tim Sheehy joked about one of his experiences as, “a great way to bond with all the Indians while they’re drunk at 8 a.m.” or throwing beer cans at cultural events. He then repeated his racist remarks to other audiences ...
Editor, Woo-hoo! It’s football season in Montana! So much excitement for all the players, schools and towns of all sizes. But I have always felt a sense of dread come the fall knowing there may be another young football player who suffers a traumatic brain injury and a screwed up life from playing f...
