The admonition “don’t burn your bridges” warns against rash behavior that makes retreat impossible. Nobel economist Tom Schelling argues that to the Roman army burning bridges, or boats, was actually an effective military strategy. By making retreat impossible, the generals signaled their choice to conquer or be killed. This concentrates the minds of friends and […]
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I am writing this during Hanukkah, a minor religious holiday in the Jewish religion. Here it has become a Jewish analogue to the Christmas celebrations for they (usually) share the traditional American holiday season. In both traditions, the giving of gifts is customary, although among many Jews gift giving is for children and religious freedom […]
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Whatever your view on the Iraq war, you surely want to help our wounded warriors. Fortunately, we have many opportunities, notably, the Bozeman based Warriors and Quiet Waters (WQW), a 501 c-3 foundation. Clearly, there are compelling needs for such good deeds. Senator Tester recently held meetings with veterans at the Museum of the Rockies. […]
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It’s easy to be modest when our neighbor is Ted Turner, owner of the historic Flying D Ranch. The ranch spreads from the Gallatin to the Madison Rivers covering some 113,000 acres, and carries a variety of wildlife, including about 3,500 buffalo. For several years I told Ramona we too needed buffalo. After all, they […]
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Pilgrim Congregational Church has an exceptional music program, especially during Christmas. I write this as the brass, organ, drums and the choir practice. While Ramona rehearses, I study Pilgrim’s bulletin board and see over a dozen appeals for support. Intermountain Children’s Home, Heifer International, Habitat for Humanity, and Central Asian Institute suggest the range of […]
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People make New Year’s resolutions to change their behavior. That’s why so many fail. Stopping unhealthy habits such as smoking or overeating are commitments that require the self-deprivation of pleasure. Vowing to exercise and substitute reading for TV is a positive step to self-improvement, but hard to maintain. The lower the costs or the higher […]
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Montana ballot initiative I-154, which protects property rights and requires compensation for “regulatory takings,” is in judicial limbo. It arose from the blowback from the U.S. Supreme Court’s 2005 Kelo decision allowing cities to seize private property and turn it over to private developers. This strong reaction to Kelo should alert “progressives” to the importance […]
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Entrepreneurs are visionaries who see innovative ways to move resources to higher value. These resources include knowledge, ideals, and good intentions. Entrepreneurs make immense contributions to our wealth, health, and well-being. Noted entrepreneurs, Henry Ford and Bill Gates for example, created businesses that changed the world. The great majority of research on entrepreneurship focuses on […]
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My story starts like that of many other 24-year-old Bozeman immigrants. Last spring I was looking for a job. I wanted to stay in Bozeman, be challenged to think, have the opportunity to write, and work with interesting, thoughtful people. So I sent letters and resumes to a number of Bozeman environmental nonprofits. I approached […]
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Americans are incredibly generous. We contribute around $250 billion annually to a wide array of charitable causes. Our culture of philanthropy is an expression of the highest of American ideals; it shows our commitment to the well-being of our neighbors — and of strangers in need. Philanthropy is critically important in Montana, a small state […]
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