Quality of life is an increasingly important factor when firms and families locate. The character of the natural and built environment of a community is important. We have a wonderful natural environment and are above average on the latter. Ed McMahon of the Conservation Fund recently spoke to a packed (SRO) auditorium at the Museum […]
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All my friends in Bozeman get the Patagonia catalogue and I love their products. For when it comes to design, quality, and satisfaction guaranteed, Patagonia sets the standard. Patagonia displays a strong environmental commitment. Since 1985, it has donated 10 percent of annual profits (or 1 percent of sales, whichever is greater) to hundreds of […]
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Since 9/11 there has been an understandable resurgence in support for government. While there are good security reasons for this, there is also a huge potential for damage. Both the steel tariff and the farm bill are excellent examples of the dangers and injustice inherent to activist government. Nearly all environmentalists, conservatives, and libertarians are […]
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The sorry Enron saga reminds us of an important, persistent truth. Unless those at the top are relentlessly vigilant and honorable, large organizations will find compelling reasons to lie, hide facts, and violate ethical standards. When the stakes are high there is a temptation toward dishonesty and irresponsibility. In the process, innocent people are hurt, […]
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Forestry, one of Montana’s traditional industries faces rough times. With continued demands for environmental quality and rejection of the negative consequences of resource extraction, what is the future of our state’s timber economy and the communities which rely upon it? Unfortunately for this industry, the future ain’t what it was. Here are six reasons why. […]
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Fundamentalists are people who believe they are God’s chosen people with a monopoly on Truth. Fundamentalism has attracted millions of adherents for centuries. Relying on revelations from God, it elevates, it comforts, and it offers meaning and direction to those lost when uncertainty and ambiguity reign. However, lives are lost when fundamentalists seek the coercive […]
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There were more people in our church on September 16 than last Christmas or Easter. And Billy, my old logger buddy, and his wife Pam, were sickened by events and saddened by assaults on American Muslims. The outpouring of sympathy and constructive reactions represent America at its best. We believe that America is the world’s […]
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Dear Mr. Gibson: Welcome back to Montana and to your new position as the state’s Chief Business Officer. I offer congratulations – and condolences. The congratulations have strong foundations. You were selected from hundreds of candidates and have a wonderful opportunity to realize your personal goals while helping others achieve theirs. While U.S. Army Ranger […]
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For a generation Republican Party leaders have been alienating a constituency they long took for granted. Characterized as “Range Rover Republicans”, they are well educated, well-off folks who care about wilderness and wildlife habitat. These people are deserting the Republican Party in droves. Since neither of the Bush presidents seem to understand the causes of […]
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On June 24, Bozeman, my hometown, was declared an All-American “Top Ten” city. Mayor Youngman proudly announced that the award was due to our “unusually effective ways of working together to solve problems”. I feel proud to be part of a community that works together to solve problems. However, I now wonder if we truly […]
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