Opinion

Guest Opinion

As a young teenage schoolboy, George Washington copied out 110 “Rules of Civility and Decent Behavior.” Many of these had to do with simple manners. “Cleanse not your teeth with the tablecloth, napkin, fork or knife,” reads Rule 100. Good advice at any time.

But the first rule the future president wrote down and followed for the rest of his life was especially notable: “Every action done in company, ought to be with some sign of respect to those that are present.” There are times when I find myself wishing that all of us would adopt the civil behavior of that particular teenager.

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Support ag literacy on your tax form

The state of Montana has a voluntary tax checkoff designation for Agricultural Literacy. These funds have the potential to provide materials and agricultural curriculum to teachers and schools across the state providing adequate knowledge of agriculture for students.

On your 2019 Montana tax return, choose the voluntary check-off program to support ag literacy in Montana schools. These funds have the potential to provide materials and agricultural curriculum to teachers and schools across the state.

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Guest Opinions

For decades Montana has been the envy of hunters who pursue elk. Our state has healthy elk herds because of our incredible habitat on public and private lands. We enjoy the longest season in the West – with a six-week archery season and a five-week rifle season. No other state comes even close.

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Your View

Writer opposes New Way Forward Act

Dear Editor,

I am not, nor have I ever been, a registered Republican. Statistically, I have supported Republican-backed issues more often than Democrat issues. I have, however, voted for Democratic candidates.

I have just read the New Way Forward Act now being considered by our lawmakers. I beg you to do likewise. I cannot imagine this act being passed into law, but never mind that.

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Trump’s trade reality

Economists at the American Farm Bureau estimated the Trans-Pacific Partnership would have provided American producers over $4 billion annually in increased sales, but Trump withdrew the U.S. from the agreement. The 11 remaining countries formed a new TPP without the United States. This allowed Canada and Australia to sell wheat and beef to Japan on more favorable terms than the United States. Trump had lost markets for U.S. producers and desperately needed to negotiate an agreement with Japan to fill the hole he had created.