Opinion
“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 party doesn’t like the political content of an issue, they cry “unconstitutional.” This takes our process of state government that was intended be a matter of adjudication and inappropriately inserts politics. An egregious example is current Montana supreme court candidate, Jerry Lynch who stated at a December fundraiser, “The judiciary is the last bastion against...
The 2023 Legislature ended almost a year ago. However, a couple weeks ago, Judge Mike Menahan issued a decision directing the Montana Secretary of State to conduct a veto override poll on SB 442 to determine if the bill will become law. I will not be supporting the veto poll override. Like many Montanans,...
Montana families deserve the financial freedom that comes from good health and a hard day’s work. It is only fair. Under Gianforte’s government the uninsured rate has increased by 127,000 Montanans of all ages. His approach to Medicaid redetermination has failed. We all will pay...
Editor, The care, kindness and professional services we all receive from Providence St. Joseph Medical Center and their Ortho/ Outpatient Rehab center, needs to be acknowledged. From the moment I walked in the door for a tendon injury, to meeting up with Cody and his team, then over to the rehab center...
Bashing China is fashionable these days. But one cool thing is that the Chinese word for “crisis” uses 2 symbols that mean “danger” and “inflection point” (or “pivot”). These symbols frame global climate change well: Ignoring it poses great danger to our kids a...
“ It is what it is.” I’ve said this phrase quite a few times - many even. So much so that now, when I hear someone else fall back on these five words, I understand their secret, sorrowful, message. It is what it is. What it means: I can’t change my current circumstan...
Since the 2023-2024 respiratory season began Oct. 1, 2023, 77 Montanans have died due to COVID, and close to 700 COVID hospitalizations have occurred. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, more commonly referred to as SARS-CoV-2, reared its proverbial ugly head in Montana four years ago, in...
For the last 14 years, I have had the honor of serving as a member of the Montana Legislature. In each session, the Legislature has passed bills which the Governor has vetoed. While many members of the Legislature find vetoes frustrating, a vote to override a veto is an opportunity for the Legislature to ...
Editor, “It's the mark of a backward society....when decisions are made for women by men.” (Melinda Gates) March is Women's History Month. There is much to celebrate. I am honoring Jeanette Rankin for her votes for peace; RBG for her dedication to progressive principles; Rosa Parks for her ...
Montana beer is a unique industry. Local breweries are dedicated customers of Montana farmers, buying locally grown raw agricultural ingredients. They brew those ingredients into a wide array of delicious, value-added, made-in-Montana products that routinely win national awards. Breweries have becom...
