It has been a couple weeks since the three of you decided to invade our home, our privacy and our lives. I suspect that you think that we deserved it somehow, or that maybe one of our “kids” did. At this point I don’t think it matters, what does matter is that all three of […]

By John Fuller Montana is in the top five! The top five of those states that have the strongest labor unions, that is. Labor unions have extraordinary influence on governmental and economic policies in the Treasure State. (Full disclosure: this writer spent 42 years as a member of the National Education Association and local teachers’ […]

Over the years I’ve been accused of being overly optimistic in what I’ve written in this space – in fact, descriptions have included “delusional” and “naïve.” The accusations have some merit. But I embrace the criticism with some pride if the alternative is telling readers they should lock themselves in their homes and give up […]

I am sadly reserving judgment about whether to continue membership in the National Rifle Association. I own about 20 guns, and have taken elk, antelope, whitetail, mule deer and many game birds. If all the gophers gunned down by me were placed end-to-end they would probably extend from Whitefish to somewhere east of Billings. As […]

What’s coming sooner than you think? Retirement. Don’t run away, 20 and 30-somethings. Even if you’re 22 and three years into your new business, these issues should be on your mind unless you want to do more or less exactly what you’re doing now for the next 30-40 years. We’re talking about the difference between […]

The Whitefish farmer, who earned his political stripes by accompanying busloads of seniors across the Canadian border in search of cheaper medicine, is now termed out from serving as one of the most popular governors in Montana history. Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer was never elected to office prior to serving as governor. But Schweitzer did […]

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 […]