Opinion
Sorted by date Results 1 - 25 of 1600
Canceled drilling leases hurts us
While media focus was on Joe Biden's decree putting a tiny plot of land within the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge off limits to oil and gas exploration, reporters ignored the... — Updated 9/28/2023
Carbon emission permits are a tax
As the cost of the state's climate law continues to increase gas prices, members of the Inslee Administration are upset when the cost of the CO2 allowances are referred to as a "tax... — Updated 9/28/2023
Fake news isn't the problem
Our problem is not that there is too much “fake news.” Our problem is that too many people believe it. Fortunately, there is an “antidope” — epistemology , the theory of knowledge or “how we know what we know.... — Updated 9/28/2023
First-world mindset shows
The phrase “first-world problems” has become a punch line – a throwaway statement because it is uttered by people with plenty of gadgets, a reliable food supply and a secure r... — Updated 9/21/2023
Beef Cattle Mythbuster
It’s been a pretty nice season to go to the fairs around the region—in most cases not too hot and not too cool. Always nice to be able to connect with both our adult and youth... — Updated 9/21/2023
WA state scores low on freedom index
Pullman Washington-based Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories recently published its 2023 Index of Freedom report. The report ranks all 50 states based on government efficiency, regu... — Updated 9/14/2023
Do you really feel safer?
Over the past few years, our state has witnessed a steady rise in several types of crime. This has caused serious harm in many communities on both sides of the state, and many... — Updated 9/14/2023
Service to America avoids student debt
With students returning to college campuses, it is time to consider other ways for them to pay for tuition, books and living expenses. Too often, they resort to borrowing. Now,... — Updated 9/14/2023
Workers deserve right to work
As you shop for back-to-school supplies for your kids, consider this: The clerks, shelf stockers, truck drivers and factory workers who make that possible can all be legally forced... — Updated 9/7/2023
'Gag order' issued on gas rates
For several months, drivers and businesses have had to endure the sharp increase in fuel prices since the state’s cap-and-trade program – or “cap-and-tax,” as I like to... — Updated 9/7/2023
Gas prices to climb higher
The state held its special auction for CO2 allowances two weeks ago. When the results were announced, they indicated higher gas prices may be coming. As part of the state’s new... — Updated 8/31/2023
UW cashing in on foreign students
Apparently, the Pac-12 wasn’t the only thing that University of Washington left behind for more money. As the state senator for a legislative district that includes two four-year... — Updated 8/31/2023
Staff member departing role with newspaper
If you’re like me, you find life often leading you from one thing to the next. Sometimes it takes years, sometimes just months. You often get to a place in your life think “how... — Updated 8/31/2023
Evacuating the Gray Fire
On Friday afternoon, Aug. 18, spirits were high. I’d just finished up work for the day, and I was planning to grill up some brats and baked beans for an enjoyable BBQ summer... — Updated 8/24/2023
Managing cows in drought conditions
Note: This is Part 2 of a 2-part Beef Cattle Mythbuster series. Now back to the discussion of nutrients. Those of you that have heard me give presentations on forage quality and... — Updated 8/24/2023
Legislature tying our hands
Imagine for a moment there was a small brush fire creeping towards your house and you call 911 only to be told the fire department was not allowed to put out your fire. While this... — Updated 8/16/2023
Managing cows in drought conditions
Note: This is Part 1 of 2 in this Beef Cattle Mythbuster series. Check out next week’s paper for Part 2. Hi everyone, I hope your summer is going well. A couple of months ago, we... — Updated 8/16/2023
Kudos for Mine site cleanup
Today, good works are often brushed aside or ignored – especially, if done by one of the world’s largest mining companies. However, Rio Tinto deserves kudos for its... — Updated 8/10/2023
Pennies at the pump really add up
It’s been a tough week around the farm with equipment failures that have delayed harvest a few days. I’ll get back on track. But while repairs are underway, I can’t help but... — Updated 8/10/2023
Pupils moving to private schools
New data reported by the State Board of Education reveals that private school enrollment in Washington state has jumped by 25 percent in three years. In 2019-20, total K-12 private... — Updated 8/3/2023
Is it a lie or an 'ad lib'
There’s no question the governor misled the people last year when claiming his cap-and-tax scheme would add “pennies” to the cost of gas once it took full effect in 2023.... — Updated 8/3/2023
Identity overrides data
By virtually all key metrics, Washington’s environmental policies are failing. And yet, when was the last time politicians, environmental activists or the media expressed concern about policy failures? Speeches and news stories... — Updated 7/27/2023
Idahoans support dams on Snake
Hydropower is an important source of reliable and clean energy for everyone in the. However, with the recent debate surrounding the Snake River dams concentrated on the benefits... — Updated 7/27/2023
Local elections matter
“It’s not an election year.” A common remark used conversationally in both a serious and satirical matter, including, admittedly, by yours truly. Why was the Pioneer Days... — Updated 7/20/2023
Cherry crop sweetens farm economy
The good news is this state’s cherry crop looks good—a marked improvement over 2022. It is sweetening our farm economy especially for cherry growers who have struggled over the... — Updated 7/20/2023