The inevitable has happened.  Montana Gov. Steve Bullock’s effort to become the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee has ended.  Notwithstanding his valid effort to advance the concept that national politics and governing could benefit from a Democratic centrist who proved he could work with Republicans and Independents to advance the public good, Bullock’s campaign did not … [Read more...] about Evan Barrett: Gov. Steve Bullock should be in U.S. Senate

There was once a colorful character named Bat O’Callahan who lived near my hometown of Trout Creek, Montana. He and his wife Jessie worked on the Silver Creek Ranch in Riley, Oregon, in the 1950s. Jessie was the ranch cook, and one day a fight broke out in the dining hall among the young buckaroos (which is what cowboys are called in that part of America) and weapons were … [Read more...] about Montana Viewpoint: False bravado places nation’s safety, leadership at risk

It’s time to sit by the fire and settle in for another cold winter. This time of year, I like to pull out a copy of Stoves and Hardware Reporter: A Weekly Record and Review of the Trade and review the latest hardware products. One can also learn about developments in heating technology. Why yes, I do possess a rather refined collection of quality literature. Thank you for … [Read more...] about Harmon’s Histories: Gifts for that hard-to-please, has-everything someone

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.  Despite the wild inaccuracies of the story we Americans tell about the origins of this day, it is to me still a day to dive deeply into gratitude for all that I have. I am grateful for the amazing people I encounter every day. I am grateful to have access to local, healthy food. And I am grateful for the natural world that sustains … [Read more...] about Sustainable Missoula: Address waste issues to build a sustainable future

SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, a young couple huddled on a train, whispering words of love to one another. Priska was pregnant for the fourth time. Her previous pregnancies had ended in miscarriage. They were about to be separated and did not know what the future would hold. “Stay positive,” Tibor told her. “Think only of beautiful things!” Then the train lurched to a stop. The … [Read more...] about On Thanksgiving, gratitude for ‘beautiful things’ and a call to action