Opinion
Editor, Once upon a time, Republican and Democratic politicians endeavored to present a united front to other countries during times of conflict, regardless of political differences. But Steve Daines has joined the ranks of other Republicans, including Marjorie Taylor Green, Mathew Gaetz, and Jim Jordan, in accusing President Biden of being “weak on Russia,” seeking to undermine him in this time of the worst instability the globe has witnessed in 80 years. Rather, the President is strategic, working with members of NATO and both EU and non-EU nations to mete out sanctions, isolate Russian banks, and freeze Russian assets. The decline of the value of the ruble and Russian stoc...
Editor, The U.S. has successfully spearheaded an extraordinary international response among nations to support Ukraine as it suffers unprovoked attack by Russia. Why the support? Ukraine is a democracy. It voted out its former authoritarian government and began a democratic government. The U.S. and many o...
A decade of carrying innovative education legislation resulted in my selection to the National Council of State Legislature’s International Education Study Group charged with studying the world’s highest performing education systems. For several years this group has systematically examined educat...
I’ve taken up a new hobby: painting. I don’t paint walls or houses. I keep it smaller - to canvases, coasters and such. It’s not painting like you might think. My new leisure pursuit involves no brushes or rollers. What it lacks in brushes, this technique makes up for in paint. I literal...
Picture this, you are like sitting with a group of like your friends and you start to pick up on like this pattern of saying like. But like why do we say like so much? Starting in the 1850s, the word “like” made its appearance more frequently in literature - a trend that continued steadi...
Editor, Montana has become a prime destination for out-of-state residents looking for homes in a state that has close access to pristine rivers, stunning hiking trails, and abundant wildlife. Between 2010 and 2020, Montana’s population grew 10%. Housing availability has not caught up to this rapid i...
Editor, I was happy to read all the contributions to last week’s paper in regards to building community (An Evolution in Community) and other generally quality contributions from community members. These last few decades, we have seen a massive erosion in social capital in our country. That me...
Editor, The Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act is a piece of legislation that needs immediate attention. This legislation would help secure the peace of the Blackfoot River by permanently protecting its most crucial tributaries. This bill will not only provide a protection of important ecosystems...
Editor, This is a copy of a letter sent to the City of Polson, Polson City Mayor, personnel overseeing city workers and to the Valley Journal. I am a Polson city resident and taxpayer. I don’t feed the gulls at the city lake park – I feed the feral cat colony – one of 4 city groups lo...
Editor, These are crazy times. Is there a good answer? Read on and see what you think. Just look at our own nation. Presently we are experiencing the crises of political upheaval, angry mobs and killings. We humans immediately try to figure out who to blame. Joe Biden, as president, is of course, th...
