Opinion
Editor, We are hearing and reading this prediction over and over again these days: “Our democracy is in peril.” President Biden knows this and has been attempting to promote many of the policies which form our democracy. But our severely divided Republican party has taken the spotlight. It is causing disruption and lack of progress in our system of government. Donald Trump’s narcissistic delight is front and center with all the news focus on him these days. And, of course, there is a large contingent of voters in his “base” who continue supporting him. This is a total distraction to our Republican legisla...
Editor, When I want to buy a new car, I want to be able to negotiate a price rather than blindly pay the asking price. That’s because I’m a smart shopper. A recent letter to the editor in the Valley Journal stated that Medicare Advantage is being cut by $307 billion and criticiz...
You may believe that Montana is debt free following actions by the legislature earlier this year to pay off state debt. It is great that we passed legislation to pay off over $100 million of state bonded debt, but there is another debt obligation rarely discussed but costing us dearly. Unfortunately...
Two autumns ago, we wrote a report and op-ed documenting the state of representation and democracy in Montana. To no Montanan’s surprise, we found our beloved Treasure State to be in poor political health, suffering in recent years from ever higher rates of uncontested elections, partisan vitriol, and ...
Editor, I’m writing this letter regarding DUIs on the reservation. I had my share of trouble in my life and quit because I’m older now and don’t look for trouble in my life. In my life I have seen many things that weren’t right. Alcohol is a drug and it is a choice of w...
It doesn’t happen suddenly. At least it didn’t for me. You live your whole life as a normal person, taking it all in. Appreciating, yet taking it for granted. But not really seeing it, or hearing them, for what they are. It is a gradual process. First you see one. Then you might hear ...
I recently introduced a good friend of mine to the original Jurassic Park movie. A film that’s won over 20 awards and is considered by some, (or at least me), to be the epitome of filmmaking, I couldn’t imagine anyone disliking such a classic. “Huh,” she said to me as the cre...
The 2023 Montana legislature began its legislative session with an unprecedented surplus, mainly due to the over-collection of state taxes from Montana taxpayers. Since this is ultimately taxpayers’ money, I - along with other conservatives in the legislature - were determined to return money to Montan...
Editor, April is Alcohol Responsibility Month. As the weather begins to get warmer, it’s a great time for Montana families to start conversations about alcohol at home to prevent underage drinking. As the father of two adult children, I know firsthand that kids grow up fast. I also know it is cri...
Editor, Montana Senator Greg Hertz is presenting a bill on Friday (SB 566) that is an unabashed attempt to electioneer the next US Senate race at the cost of Montana Libertarians and our ability to maintain ballot access. The bill changes the Senate race to a top two primary where all candidates compete a...
