Opinion

Kaye’s Corner: Leave no trace

MEEKER | As Earth Day arrives on April 22 along with likely increased recreational use this summer, I am reminded of the Leave No Trace principles. They support stewardship of the outdoors and remind all of us to be responsible caretakers of our environment. While many people have embodied these[Read More…]

Editor’s Column: Bridging the divide

There’s a lot of discussion underway about the rural/urban divide. It’s a real problem — politically, socially, economically, and culturally — but rare are the discussions about possible solutions. Here are a few ideas: 1) One of the best ways to understand a different culture or lifestyle is through immersion.[Read More…]

Guest Column: How I came to respect centrists

RBC | Sticks in the mud. Overly cautious. Obstacles to progress. That’s how I’ve tended to view political moderates — especially those in my own party. As a 30-something state legislator (1999-2005) deeply committed to individual liberty, limited government and personal responsibility, I often grew frustrated with moderate Republicans who[Read More…]

Loose Ends: Civility

MEEKER | Unfortunately, it appears that we are long past the age of civility. Public and private discourse alike show numerous signs foretelling the extinction of manners. Using some restraint after a heated argument, as well as resisting the urge toward slinging sarcasm are not communication skills we see very[Read More…]

Editor’s Column: Progress, not perfection

Anyone else fall into some pandemic-inspired bad habits you’re now trying to change? Whether it’s snacking all day while working from home or skipping exercise because you can’t get to the gym or digging yourself into debt with online shopping or spending entirely too many hours scrolling social media, you[Read More…]

Loose Ends: Water Rights

MEEKER | “You don’t understand. My grandfather lost his life over who owns the water from the river.” Listening to a friend’s story about her grandfather’s struggles to get enough water to his crops and cattle to survive struck a chord with me. While we no longer hear of someone[Read More…]

Editor’s Column: Inspiration

Inspiration comes in many different forms. It’s inspiring to see people conquer obstacles, rise above adversity, and find success. Expressions of justice, honesty, courage, humility, generosity, integrity, and faith can, and should, inspire us to take the necessary steps for positive change. Most of us hate change so much we[Read More…]