Opinion
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 accident and force.” After almost two centuries of tyranny and failed governmental structures, our ancestors, desperate for liberty and self-determination, designed a system of constitutional government that has endured for 237 years. Each state thereafter replicated that accomplishment, including Montana, first in 1889, and then again in 1972, thereby affirmatively answerin...
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 ...
In our minds, Montana is already the greatest state in the nation. However, our state will be even greater by the end of the 2025 legislative session. At the halfway point of the session, the Senate is working harder than ever to move critical legislation across the finish line and keep Montana the Last Best...
In Montana, the following statement rings true now more than ever: “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.” Although the quote is often misattributed to Mark Twain, the adage’s creator was highlighting a perennial issue in governance out west – water rights. In 2025, exem...
In Montana, the following statement rings true now more than ever: “Whiskey is for drinking, and water is for fighting.” Although the quote is often misattributed to Mark Twain, the adage’s creator was highlighting a perennial issue in governance out west – water rights. In 2025, exem...
