Opinion

The ‘scrubbing bubbles’ of democracy

If you are of a certain age, you’ll remember the “scrubbing bubbles” TV commercial, with the bubble-shaped scrub brushes that worked magic on nasty bathroom grime. If you don’t remember it, here’s the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oh0OdgjOdDk. (Gotta love YouTube.) Also, if you are of a certain age, you remember being thoroughly[Read More…]

A place at the table

MEEKER | Finding a “place at the table” in participating in Colorado’s legislative process was all important at the beginning of our conversations about finding solutions to statewide issues. Eventually how that place was occupied became even more important. Each representative’s actions became the essential components to ensuring that the[Read More…]

Loose Ends: Hospitality

MEEKER | Ever find yourself stranded on the highway late at night and more than one person stops to lend a hand? Stuck without a ride to go to an appointment in the neighboring community? Suddenly someone remembers that they just happened to be going your way. These are what[Read More…]

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…]