This column was prompted by the question: “Doesn’t today’s economic distress demolish the case for capitalism and free markets?” Some, who inquired gleefully, anticipated my discomfort; others were genuinely curious and concerned. All were confused about the complex causes of our economic chaos. I hope this helps clarify their thinking, but first a disclaimer: I’m […]
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FREE has created a program for an ecumenical group of religious leaders. Most have advanced degrees and teach in seminaries or divinity schools. Some are in charge of publications; others involved with formulating and articulating their organization’s public policy positions. All are influential in the public environmental debate. These leaders all agree that environmental stewardship […]
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The conflict over listing or delisting wolves places the Endangered Species Act (ESA) back in the news. By their nature, nearly all environmental issues are contentious and problematic, ESA decisions especially so. Scientifically complex questions and classifications, unequally distributed costs and benefits, and heavy emotional baggage are ingredients for error, sanctimony, and acrimony. I find […]
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The best predictor of switching to a bike for commuting around town is no doubt a DUI. The next best is probably a high PPG, or price per gallon. Naturally, as gas hit and then surpassed $4.00 this summer, the number of bikes on Bozeman streets appeared to increase substantially. This reflects a national trend. […]
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I’m convinced that I have discovered a new social law. It seems to have the validity of Newton’s Laws. Here it is: rising energy prices cause IQs and body temperatures to converge. Convergence is most rapid in the political arena, especially in a presidential election year. For thirty years our politicians have blathered on about […]
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The Bozeman area is an excellent site to study entrepreneurship. Right Now Technology and Zoot exemplify commercial entrepreneurial success. Their founders envision new products and develop markets for them. They are among the few who succeed; competition relentlessly filters dreams with reality checks. Social entrepreneurs identify a purpose not served by the commercial sector. Local […]
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I’ve just finished “Mountains Beyond Mountains” the selection for One Book-One Bozeman, a worthy effort to promote community and literacy through a common book reading. A schedule of events can be found on the web. The book tells the story of Dr. Paul Farmer, a Harvard trained physician and anthropologist. Dr. Farmer’s calling is to […]
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Archaeology interprets past cultures and economies by studying material remains and environmental data. Long associated with analyses of classical civilizations such as Greek and Roman, it is also applicable to more modern times. For example, in 2001 the University of Arizona Press published Rubbish: The Archaeology of Garbage, an analysis of contemporary America’s disposal culture. […]
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In a previous column I asked, “What should we do about ecologically valuable areas that are also rich in energy resources? At current prices, these areas act like huge electromagnets, attracting evermore attention.” Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front for example, contains oil and gas deposits. It is also excellent grizzly habitat, a place where they can […]
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Last week I had the good fortune to witness and share two contrasting experiences reflecting Montana’s past. One, a hallmark of our region, is easy to appreciate. The other has been neglected, but it may have a more lively future. First, consider the easy one, a roping clinic. Our neighbor, Scott Foster, recently built a […]
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