I have been to a world’s fair, the Grand Canyon and a rodeo. But until the last week, I had never seen a same-sex wedding or attended a book signing at which I was one of the signers. (more…) Continue Reading →
Bride weds bride; new book appears
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Opinion
Recent Posts
Montana Viewpoint: Getting used to ‘settled science’
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Fires, floods and hurricanes are now something it seems we might have to get used to because of global warming. Some are skeptical that global warming exists, but when I bought a few hundred pounds of orchard grass seed to plant last year, I asked the dealer if I should buy the drought-resistant variety, and she said that that was probably a good idea. I live in the wettest part of Montana. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, Catholic Church, Climate change, Copernicus, Galileo
Wildfires, the smoking gun of Western climate change?
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As cooler temperatures and precipitation finally bring a hint of relief to smoke-weary Montanans, the unusual nature of summer 2017 is coming into focus and the influence of climate change is impossible to ignore. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, Climate change, Montana Climate Assessment, wildfires
Opinion: MLB long overdue on taking care of retirees
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Billings native Gary Neibauer is less important than the T-206 Honus Wagner baseball card. Neibauer, who was profiled in the Billings Gazette five years ago, was a pitcher for the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies who threw one scoreless inning in the 1969 National League Championship Series. Nearly 50 years later, he has two metal prostheses in his hips and suffers from Type 2 diabetes. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, Douglas J. Gladstone, Gary Neibauer, Major League Baseball, National Baseball Hall of Fame
Half-baked tax plan won’t help
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David Herbst makes a heartfelt plea in a recent opinion piece for reforming the tax code. Unfortunately, sincerity is no substitute for accuracy. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, Americans for Prosperity, David Herbst, Koch brothers
Opinion: The national debt ceiling crisis, again
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I wonder if Montana’s congressional delegation knows the difference between spending money and paying bills. Once again – for the second time in a decade – Congress flirts with defaulting on the nation’s debt by failing to raise the federal debt ceiling. Granted, the can was kicked three months down the road when, last week, it was attached to the Harvey hurricane relief package. Don’t rest easy, though; some legislators still want you to believe that defaulting on the debt will reduce government spending. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, Debt ceiling, Greg Gianforte, Steve Daines, U.S. Congress. Jon Tester
Montana, painted by the numbers
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The land of my past, the South Texas coast, is inundated by high water. The land of my future, where my daughter and grandson live near Missoula, is choked by smoke. Maybe I’d better focus on what’s right here, right now. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, bullying, gambling, suicide, Taxes
Montana Viewpoint: Why not statues for neglected history?
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Given the furor over the presence of memorials to Confederate soldiers, it looks like there isn’t a statue in America safe from being torn down. It’s a tough question; there are some well-known historical figures who, along with the good that they did, also did something to affront a great many people. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, Buffalo Soldiers, Confederate statues, Crispus Attucks, Harriet Tubman
To 10-year-old, Carla was a charmer
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Hurricanes are an awful display of nature’s power to crush our feeble claim on this planet. To a 10-year-old boy living near the Texas coast, they also can be a delightful adventure. (more…) Continue Reading →
Filed under: Opinion, Hurricane Carla, Hurricane Harvey, Texas, Victoria
Opinion: All state firefighters need work-comp coverage
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This Labor Day, I join many Montanans in thanking our hardworking firefighters, law enforcement and other emergency responders who fight this summer’s exceptionally intense, destructive wildfires. One way to express gratitude is to make sure Montana laws protect those who protect us. (more…) Continue Reading →
