Columnists - The Journal

Seeking mental health care a strength, not weakness

For most of us, going to the doctor is a regular part of life. We get annual checkups and do our best to follow the doctor’s recommendations. If an issue is found, we see a specialist: For h...

DATE: Jan 11, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Pickleballers, the unhoused both face NIMBYism

We have two prominent examples of NIMBYism in Durango. I have pondered the similarities between pickleball and the plight of the homeless here in our town. They both share a similar reaction...

DATE: Jan 6, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Have you seen the stars? Artemis, future, hope

Artemis 1 splashed down off the coast of Baja California on Dec. 11 after a 42-day mission described as a resounding success. That triggered a raft of emotions left over from the various ver...

DATE: Jan 5, 2023 | CATEGORY: Guest Columns

‘Pelé’s magic doesn’t fit in a trophy room’

The simplest way to capture the achievements of Edson Arantes do Nascimento, Brazil’s unparalleled Pelé, is to tally the numbers. In two decades, he scored 1,283 goals (although the exact nu...

DATE: Jan 3, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Former bookseller Joyce Meskis a ‘First Amendment hero’

The passing of Joyce Meskis, former owner of the Tattered Cover Book Store, on Dec. 22, provides the opportunity to celebrate her numerous and substantial accomplishments in improving the li...

DATE: Jan 2, 2023 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Need integrated health care focused on brain disorders

As a result of my two guest columns in The Durango Herald and The Journal about my experiences with Alzheimer’s, I’ve received a multitude of pats on the back, hugs and messages of support f...

DATE: Dec 30, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

New bills address math scores, lead, water literacy and more

As I head into my final two years as your House District 59 representative, I eagerly anticipate the work ahead. Colorado law permits every legislator to present five bills in a committee ea...

DATE: Dec 28, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Lower suicide rates? Look at immigrants

First-generation immigrants from Latin America report some of the lowest levels of suicide in the nation, and this despite living with constant anxiety due to compromised legal statuses, wor...

DATE: Dec 25, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Make sure students earn credits to graduate

I have attended more than 35 graduation ceremonies and each one is special. Play along with me and imagine Graduation Day 2023. We are at Panther Stadium, overflowing with proud parents, fam...

DATE: Dec 21, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Team hopping, paid players, no loyalty. Should CU play?

In September the great sports writer Ivan Maisel addressed the new paradigm in college sports. “Pull up a chair, sports fans. The past century’s paradigm – in which student-athletes compete ...

DATE: Dec 19, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

More wildlife lovers need to fund conservation

There’s a new initiative in Wyoming that’s changing the face of wildlife conservation funding, and it’s already seen huge success in its first year. It’s based on the state’s startling mount...

DATE: Dec 19, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion

Late Sen. Isgar would welcome clean energy on his land

I am shocked and disappointed to see a recent social media comment stating my brother, the late state Sen. Jim Isgar, must be rolling in his grave because of Primergy Solar’s proposal to bui...

DATE: Dec 14, 2022 | CATEGORY: Opinion