Opinion

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Special election could be good test of voter-turnout findings

By: |
PM

The confirmation of Ryan Zinke as secretary of the Department of the Interior has created an exceptional event in Montana: the need for a special election to determine his replacement in Congress. According to the secretary of state’s website, a special election has not been held to fill a congressional seat since at least 1912. How this special election, scheduled for May 25, will be conducted is proving to be controversial. Senate Bill 305, which would give county election officials the discretion to run the election entirely by mail, passed the state Senate only after the Republican caucus split on the question, with the Democratic members voting uniformly in favor of the bill. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Congress, Jeff Essmann, Ryan Zinke, special election

Enemy of the people confesses

By: |
DC

OK, you got me. I might as well admit it: I am an enemy of the American people. My co-conspirators in the media and I have done our best to keep up the ruse, but now that the president has exposed us, there’s no point in hiding anymore. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion

Opinion: Thanks, ‘Gaga,’ for lessons on public lands

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Boardwalk

In 1874, Edwin J. Stanley, our great- (times six) grandfather set out on a solo horseback adventure to Montana to tour the first designated national park. He wrote a book, “Rambles in Wonderland,” published in 1878 about his travels through Yellowstone National Park. His work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Montana Public Lands Day, Virginia Court, Yellowstone National Park

Arts, humanities funds on chopping block

By: |
DC

In all of the post-election chaos, it’s easy to overlook the minor casualties. Some of them may be in Montana. The Trump administration, eager to ramp up spending on the military, border control and infrastructure, all while cutting taxes and shoring up Social Security and healthcare, is desperate to find spending cuts. (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Alberta Bair Theater, Humanities Montana, Little Big Horn College, Montana Arts Council, Yellowstone Art Museum

Opinion: Friend’s vacation abruptly canceled by U.S. agency

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Couple

I just got robbed of thousands of dollars—and a friend got robbed of her self-respect—by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Last year, my Mexican friend Abigail Cuellar Gallegos visited her cousins, and me, in the United States. She went back to Mexico according to the terms of her visa. I know. I bought the ticket, and took her to the airport. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Disney World, Michael May, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Daines shows weakness in Warren debacle

By: |
DC

Steve Daines, the freshman U.S. senator from Montana who sits on the back-benchers’ back bench, got a rare taste of notoriety last week. He posted a video of his 15 seconds of fame on his Facebook page, so he must have been proud of it, but the episode showed Daines’ political weakness, not his strength. Daines was presiding over the Senate when, in concert with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, he blocked Sen. Elizabeth Warren from finishing a speech against Sen. Jeff Sessions’ confirmation as attorney general. He and McConnell convicted Warren of violating Rule 19, which says that “no Senator in debate shall, directly or indirectly, by any form of words impute to another Senator or to other Senators any conduct or motive unworthy or unbecoming a Senator.” (more…) Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, Elizabeth Warren, Jon Tester, Mitch McConnell, Steve Daines

Montana Viewpoint: A little poetic relief from Mr. Riley

By: |
JE

When I sat down to write today I became immediately depressed about the possible topics at hand, so I decided to share with you a poem by James Whitcomb Riley, a framed copy of which has graced a small room in my parents’ home and then my home for almost a century. Happy Valentine’s Day. The Passing of the Backhouse
When memory keeps me company and moves to smiles or tears,
A weather-beaten object looms up through the mist of years. Behind the house and barn it stood, a half a mile or more,
And hurrying feet a path had made straight to its swinging door. Its architecture was a type of simple classic art,
But in the tragedy of life it played a leading part;
And oft the passing traveler drove slow and heaved a sigh,
To see the modest hired girl slip out with glances shy. Continue Reading →

Filed under: Opinion, James Whitcomb Riley