It Means What It Says

September 29, 2019

Leaders are often advised to be straightforward. “Say what you mean, and mean what you say.” The quote is often attributed to General George Patton, or sometimes to President Harry Truman. There is no evidence either of them ever said it, but they both certainly believed it. And both would be appalled when Congress passes […]

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Not For Sale – At Any Price

September 20, 2019

I recently had a fascinating discussion about economics with a nephew, which was perhaps more enlightening for me than for him. He just became a teenager, so it is understandable that he hasn’t given a lot of thought to various economic systems, especially those with names that begin with macro, micro, pseudo, or quasi. But […]

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What Will They Promise California?

September 13, 2019

The ballot initiative regarding the National Popular Vote Compact is officially on the 2020 ballot, so the campaign begins, both sides preparing to spend a small fortune to convince voters to change – or not change – the Electoral College. Colorado’s initiative process provides citizens the power to veto acts of the legislature, and there […]

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Wolves and the Politics of Sound Science

September 6, 2019

The Union of Concerned Scientists, a powerful environmental industry group, says the Interior Department is conducting a “siege on science.” The Sierra Club calls it a “war on science,” accusing various officials of putting politics ahead of sound science in environmental management. American Scientist magazine, not surprisingly, insists that “Science should be the basis of […]

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Little Minds Finally Defeat Hobgoblins

August 30, 2019

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s famous essay on self-reliance is often quoted to explain away inconsistent policies, or inconsistent law enforcement. “A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds,” Emerson wrote. “With consistency, a great soul has simply nothing to do.” Today’s politicians have plenty to do. Advocates of the Emerson view follow his advice – […]

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The World is Our Oyster

August 23, 2019

Consensus on natural resources issues is elusive, often because the real agenda is not agreed upon. For me, there have been a number of “ah-ha moments,” a realization that there are hidden agendas in play. Many of those moments have come during debates about endangered species, because so often the most obvious solution is not […]

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Let’s Decide How to Decide

August 16, 2019

An internationally respected geologist named John Clema recently published an article headlined with the simple truth that “Past, present and future progress requires mining.” That statement should not be controversial, since most people must surely be aware of the presence in their lives of metal and energy. Yet in their zeal to stop an industry […]

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Another Billion Dollars Should Do It

August 16, 2019

Folks who worry about the loss of threatened and endangered species should be relieved to know that Congress is finally considering an entirely new approach – creating a new federal fund, and a new committee. A bipartisan group led by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) have re-introduced a languishing bill called the […]

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Perhaps They’ll Listen Now

August 2, 2019

Don McLean ended “Vincent,” his classic tribute to Van Gogh, with the famous line, “They would not listen, they’re not listening still – perhaps they never will.” The song was about the post-impressionist painter, but that line has been used in many political debates. It crosses my mind while hearing arguments against moving the Bureau […]

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An Idea Whose Time Has Come

July 23, 2019

Gustave Aimard famously wrote that “There is something more powerful than the brute force of bayonets: it is the idea whose time has come.” It could well be said of this week’s announcement that the Interior Department will, at long last, move the headquarters of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to Grand Junction. The […]

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