Throughout my life as a Democrat, I’ve enjoyed many Republican friends. Arguments, agreements, policy disagreements around the campfire, etc. But those I see now who call themselves Republicans have no relation to my Republican friends. Those who support Trump are not Republicans, they’re Trumpsters. They’re not loyal to our constitution and country, but just to […]

Weakening ESA would hurt Montana’s landscapes All three members of Montana’s Congressional delegation are supporting changes that would weaken the Endangered Species Act. The changes would eliminate requirements for re-consultation between some federal agencies when new information becomes available. This would hinder landscape level protections which are integral for protecting species such as the Canada […]

In your Jan. 23 article “Gianforte says he’ll work with Biden, lays out clashes,” our governor took strong exception to President Biden’s Executive Order re. COVID-19 protections in federal buildings and on federal lands. Even a quick reading of this article would suggest that Gov. Gianforte either didn’t bother to read the executive order, and […]

For private landowners in Montana, please consider these facts in opposition to House Bill 138 which would allow trapping on private land without written permission of the landowner. It would be quite easy for a trapper to claim they had “spoken to someone” as a claim they got permission, with no real proof the property […]

The election is over but the angry, hateful rhetoric continues. While I was appalled by the actions, attitudes and behavior of our leaders in Washington, in the end, our democracy was defended and saved for future generations. Our leaders in Congress must now find ways to work together and set aside partisanship to solve the […]

BILLINGS GAZETTE EDITORIAL BOARD “Now is the time to stand united, move forward together and have a peaceful transition of power. Pushing partisan driven articles of impeachment through Congress …will further divide our country.” — Sen. Steve Daines. Senator Daines: Let’s talk about what happened Jan. 6. No, we’re not over it. Despite your stated desire […]

Ignorance thrives when there is a lack of knowledge, learning, or information. Many people confess of being “voluntarily ignorant” in choosing their elected officials. Without unbiased information, voters often fall prey to those that simply make assertions based on what they think the electorate wants to hear. During the last four years, we have seen […]

A recent letter in the Chronicle stated that the “Left” caused the U.S. Capitol Insurrection, and that the “Left” wants to defund police, take away everyone’s guns, and have open borders. Of course, that is not accurate, but I was not surprised to read it. I personally receive my news from many reliable sources so […]

Being pro-gun means being pro-responsibility — we must oppose House Bill 102. Like so many Montanans, I grew up with a rifle in one hand and a shotgun in the other. I converted my love of shooting into a 25-year career in the firearms industry. I helped build an iconic international gun company. I sold millions […]

Despite the claims of Sen. Steve Daines, logging and timber sales in Montana continue to lose money and cost taxpayer dollars, all while working against Montana’s lucrative and booming wilderness-based tourism and outdoor recreation economy. We need to protect the Endangered Species Act, not weaken it to “cut red tape” for more unnecessary timber sales. […]