Opinion
Montanans have always been serious about governing themselves in the way they see fit. While we have a representative government—i.e. one in which we elect officials to represent, lead and act on our behalf in governing—Montanans have never ceded complete control over our lives, liberty and property to the political branches of the State government. We citizens retain the final say. To that end, the first two sections of Article II of our Constitution make clear that: All political power is vested in and derived from the people. All government of right originates with the people, is founded upon their will only, and is instituted solely for the good of t...
Editor, Currently our democracy is lost unless we stand up against the tyranny of the Biden administration and the progressive Left. The dictatorial Left under the Biden administration has removed many of our freedoms and are attacking others. We hear day to day from the Left, how if President Trump wins ...
Editor, Is Biden too old? Try asking this: “Is Trump too young?” Daily, Trump demonstrates that he has not developed the maturity to have impulse control, empathy, concern for the welfare of others, an ability to analyze evidence … and more. He misbehaves much like a selfish five-year-o...
It takes a lot to surprise me anymore when it comes to politics or government. But suing to block funding for special needs kids to get an education that works for them? That’s a new low. In case you missed the news in January, a lawsuit has been filed seeking to overturn the 2023 Legislature&...
We are in the ‘amore’ season of the year. Love. Kisses. Hearts. Roses. Romantic cards. Candles. Champagne. A box of chocolates. On February 14 we celebrate Valentine’s Day. Or, better put, some of us do. For many years, the day had personal significance to me because I ...
As a practicing lawyer, I am often reluctant to criticize decisions made by a court. However, last week, the Montana Supreme Court rendered a decision involving legislative rules which is absolutely stunning. One of the basic principles of our system of government is the separation of powers. Under ...
On Feb. 8 (and in this newspaper issue), senator (and lawyer) Steve Fitzpatrick (R-SD 10) published a guest view in the Independent Record chastising the Montana Supreme Court for a “stunning” decision. The Senator’s litany of complaints included that the Court violated the separation of po...
Editor, Three considerations: (A) In our nation, black or white, rich or poor, liberal or conservative, male or female, young or old, our experiences have generally formed a trust in our two-party democratic system of government. However, many Republicans are presently baffled and bewildered by current...
Editor, I received my letter from DHRD Elder Services Program May 4, 2023. Long awaited with great anticipation almost a feeling of excitement opening up the letter. Finally after working 47 years of my life I will finally be recognized by my Tribe and its Council for all my hard work and dedication to my...
Editor, This letter is being addressed to the Tribal Council and the Tribal Health management. Once again failure within the Tribal Health Department in the same program that failed to bring me to my scheduled surgery back in January 2024. Upon calling their program in December 2023, letting t...
