Opinion
Searching for opinion based articles? Below we'll share opinion news articles on a wide variety of topics.
Opinion: Christman recalls flood
The Great Flood of 1964 had a profound effect upon my life. In fact, in my stories of “Tales of a Misspent Youth,…
A misguided whitewash, at best
With eyes wide open, the American people watch Donald Trump and Elon Musk pillage the “American Dream” in real time. Under the guise of saving taxpayer money, the Trump-Musk Administration’s attack on our public la…
An open letter to Montana’s Congressional delegation
I represent House District 3 in the Montana House of Representatives. My district includes the western half of Glacier National Park, a large portion of the Flathead National Forest and the gateway communities alo…
Nearing halfway point
On a frigid Helena morning, somewhere south of minus 20 degrees, a bus load of residents from Ennis were dropped off at the Capitol.
They don’t know what they don’t know
Much has been written and broadcast recently regarding the impacts of the Trump administration and particularly the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) to reduce the size of the federal government workforce.
Visiting with Friends
Early one morning a lobbyist for a trade union enters my office. Yes, my elevation to the Senate includes office space, a real stretch of the language, more a cubby space I share with Senator Windy Boy of Box Elder…
A ranger speaks out
I am absolutely heartbroken and completely devastated to have lost my dream job of an education park ranger with the National Park Service at Effigy Mounds National Monument this Valentine’s Day.
Cut the budget, not the Constitution
I had the opportunity, during the second Bush administration, to engage in advising struggling democracies in a project then known as “democracy building.” It was enormously fulfilling work, and I saw real progres…
Racicot on politicizing the judicial branch
Before entering upon the duties of his or her office, a legislator “shall,” according to Article III of the Montana Constitution, solemnly swear to faithfully support, protect and defend the constitutions of Montan…
Beware the Trojan horse targeting public lands
Sometimes when I drive past the little house my wife and I bought when we first married, 30 years ago, it makes me sad. Not only because of nostalgia, but because of economics.
Bathroom bill bad for domestic violence shelters
By now, anyone paying even mild attention to the news has heard about “the bathroom bill” in the Montana Legislature. I hate that name. It’s an awful bill that will have terrible outcomes. So, let’s just call it Ho…
In defense of the green and the gray
The Trump administration’s federal workforce hiring freeze and “resignation” offer certainly sent a chill with locals who work for the Park Service and Forest Service last week.
Daines on priorities for 2025
When President Trump was sworn in as the 47th President of the United States this week, it marked a new day in America. Voters rejected Joe Biden’s policies that led to unaffordable prices, open borders and weaknes…
Montana’s nuclear future
Montana has historically played an important part in U.S. energy transitions throughout its one hundred thirty-five-year history. We have a unique opportunity to continue to play an important part in the current q…
Fern gives legislative update
Following my fourth term in the Montana House, I faced either political extinction (term limits in Montana limit the number of terms served for legislators and state office holders), or a run for a newly configured…
Fern gives legislative update
Following my fourth term in the Montana House, I faced either political extinction (term limits in Montana limit the number of terms served for legislators and state office holders), or a run for a newly configured…