By John Fuller The dirty little secret of federal tax policy since the passing of the 16th Amendment is that Democrats constantly seek to raise taxes on the wealthier classes to satisfy their constituents and the Republicans let them since Democrats let Republicans expand tax deductions to satisfy Republican constituents. This is exactly why the […]

In the 1920s the 18th amendment went into effect. This amendment made the manufacture, sale and distribution of alcohol illegal in the United States. Immediately following this the manufacture, sale, transportation and use of alcohol increased exponentially – along with gang violence. The war on alcohol failed and in the 1933s the 21st amendment repealed […]

How do the union bashers explain the success of the unionized German auto industry? The workers average more than $67 an hour in wages and benefits. In 2010, the American autoworker averaged less than $34 an hour in wages and benefits. Is it possible that the unions are responsible for Germany being the most financially […]

Following District Judge Jeffrey Sherlock’s ruling last week that American Tradition Partnership must disclose its financial records, Attorney General Steve Bullock, who is also the governor elect, said this is “the beginning of the end of ATP’s lawless activities in the state of Montana.” That may be premature, but the judge’s decision is certainly a […]

Winter snow continues to pile up in the mountains and fortunately we even have snow on the valley floor. If you are planning on heading out to enjoy winter in the backcountry make sure to check weather and snow conditions before you go. Although general information is available on the radio, television or in print, […]

I had myself a cry upon the news of the Newtown slaughter. So many, so evil, so immoral. So shocking, it was two whole hours before the political blood-dancing started. I was especially struck by a comment made on Face The Nation, when Sen. Charles Schumer (D-NY) said he felt America might be at a […]

One of the questions I’ve learned to ask clients is “What’s next?” As in, what are you thinking about for next year? (Much less the year after that) It isn’t that what you’re doing today or what you’re launching next month is irrelevant, but it is important that you are already thinking about what you’ll […]

I would like to thank my many neighbors and friends for supporting the proposed Snow Frog Bed and Breakfast and Double Tap Tasting Room on West Second Street. After two years of planning, hundreds of hours spent developing business models that provided both public good and needed investment to the corridor, I am sorry to […]

The movie “Lincoln” opened in theaters across the country and has rekindled America’s interest in our 16th president. In these current difficult times we need to remember and learn from Abraham Lincoln. He changed our understanding of the meaning of the words “the United States of America,” and rearranged our view of both our government […]

People may still be digesting those fantastic Thanksgiving turkey and ham feasts that were customarily served with mashed potatoes, sweet yams and pumpkin pie. Yet it is time to ready ourselves for more food, family and friendship. Winter solstice is an easy time of year to be grateful for the joys of life and give […]

As I was up early to write (as I start most every morning), the reading that primes my writing time started with a piece by @Umairh Haque, who writes for the Harvard Business Journal. It referred to a question Steve Jobs asked John Sculley (at the time, President of Pepsico) when trying to recruit him […]

Last week, a popular bill that would expand access for hunters and anglers and had previously enjoyed bipartisan support was blocked in the U.S. Senate for reasons no one quite understands. For now, duck stamps are being blamed. Yes, duck stamps. The Sportsmen’s Act, whose lead sponsor is Montana Sen. Jon Tester, appeared to have […]

By John Fuller “Good government is like good sausage. It may taste good, but you don’t want to know what went into it.” This old adage about what it takes to make a representative government work has more than a little truth to it. The blockbuster movie “Lincoln” describes in detail the unholy alliances that […]

One of the first jobs I held was a heavy equipment operator after joining the Operating Engineers Union in 1957. I was soon informed by my fellow workers that as a union member, my first loyalty was to the union, not my employer. I was told to slow my productively down to that of my […]

To the skier on Big Mountain: I have considered your situation and your stated frustration with “having” to ski by the Statue of the Man on federal property (Dec. 5 Beacon: “Whitefish Jesus Statue Challenge Salvaged by Local Atheist”). That fleeting moment, for you aren’t forced to stop, must be hell! But if you do […]