Columnists - The Journal

Political forces compound climate-change difficulties

The climate emergency featured prominently in Earth Day messages this year, underscored by the recent publication of the third and final section of the massive climate assessment by the Inte...

DATE: May 6, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

County commissioners unite to oppose collective bargaining

Montezuma and La Plata counties share a border, some telecommunications and health services, and a regional economy centered on our beautiful landscapes such as the La Plata Mountains and Me...

DATE: May 2, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Nothing Left to Fear

Across the land, a disease of man, powered by corporate hands, is driving up the prices of once-forgotten sand. They’re grabbing up homes, that they've never seen, and piecing together equit...

DATE: May 1, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Invest in independent meat processing for fair market

As a rancher, I know how much hard work, time and dedication go into raising livestock. I know that these challenges only continue when you try to process your beef, poultry or hogs for meat...

DATE: Apr 27, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Tax credits mean better health for families

The connection between public health and tax returns may not be obvious at first. In 2021, through the passage of the American Rescue Plan, the Biden administration expanded the Child Tax Cr...

DATE: Apr 6, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Rural Colorado needs more livestock support

Many Coloradans will recall November 2020 when just over half of voters approved the reintroduction of gray wolves west of the Continental Divide. While many who voted in favor of this topic...

DATE: Apr 6, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

All the action at the Ag Expo

The Montezuma County Fairgrounds will be the center of local activities beginning the end of this week with the annual Four States Agricultural Exposition. Agricultural equipment and service...

DATE: Mar 23, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Protect Medicare: Fight plan to code high, treat low

Medicare was enacted in 1965 after a fierce fight with doctors and the health industry. The same fears of socialized medicine and rationed care were shouted in 1965 as they are today. Fifty...

DATE: Mar 16, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Amache concentration camp commencement: Honoring internee Marion Konishi

In protest of racism in 1955, Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Alabama, city bus. Twelve years earlier, Marion Konishi gave a speech. Who was Marion Konishi and why is...

DATE: Mar 12, 2022 | CATEGORY: Gulliford's Travels

Imagine a great river, flowing free through Glen Canyon

Some environmental groups and water honchos have sponsored a “Rewilding of Glen Canyon” contest, with the winner getting $4,000 “and counting.” The contest’s goal is to reconnect the Colorad...

DATE: Feb 16, 2022 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

The challenging task of changing place names on public lands

Last month, the Department of the Interior asked for nominations for a new Advisory Committee on Reconciliation in Place Names. The goal is to replace derogatory names on millions of acres a...

DATE: Feb 14, 2022 | CATEGORY: Gulliford's Travels

School board did not give superintendent a chance to succeed

In evaluating superintendent Risha VanderWey, the Montezuma-Cortez School District RE-1 Board of Education acted like a kangaroo court, ignoring due process and coming to a predetermined con...

DATE: Feb 9, 2022 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns