Columns
See the latest columns from CDA Press!
Rude motorists can drive newcomers crazy
Editor’s note: The Press rarely publishes anonymous letters to the editor, but is making an exception today because driving in Idaho is a featured topic.
Public defenders preserve liberty
This is one of those “don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone” things. One of the many and — literally — vital blessings we Americans have is a public defender. Do we stop at taking this fundamental element of a …
Much more than the music is the experience
The first concert I ever attended was Jefferson Airplane in 1968 at Kennedy Pavilion in Spokane. It was festival seating so we were right up front and it’s still a vivid memory of music and a shared experience.
Tax 'reform' proposals a gut-punch to middle class
The legislation winding its way through the House and Senate, known as “Tax Reform,” is not tax reform. It represents a gift for the richest 1 percent, and a massive tax cut for corporations. Three in 10 working fa…
Scientists issue their own global warning
They call it America’s Pledge. A growing group of states, cities, businesses and organizations both public and private, worried and angry at the president’s refusal to allow the U.S. to join international climate c…
The polar vortex may hamper holiday travel
Our first measurable snowfall arrived during our “full moon” cycle that began in early November. Many locations in the lower elevations reported about 6 inches of the white stuff. At Cliff’s station, he measured 8.…
Two words to live by (and save your $$$)
First, thanks and apologies to my regular readers for bearing with the repetition of the subject contained in today’s column. The information bears repeating. And repeating. And maybe repeating.
'Assault weapon' term is insidious
As a Forensic Firearms Examiner with more than 32 years experience, I am often asked, what is an “assault weapon?” Especially in light of such tragic recent events as Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas, the si…
Local GOP a reflection of Kootenai County voters
‘The Kootenai County Republican Party needs to be a big tent party’ say the critics. They claim that our Republican party is not diverse enough but then THEY go on to say that others on the central committee don’t …
Three reasons to end capital punishment
We can all agree that society needs to protect itself by having reasonable and sometimes severe penalties for offenses from parking tickets to aggravated capit…
Here's why Charlie Brown didn't get elected
With only 8 percent turnout, Tuesday’s local elections didn’t exactly go out with a bang. That’s too bad; city government has much more impact on voters’ daily lives than such a paltry showing suggests. Yes, some r…
Trump-bashing works only for Dems and lame ducks
Idaho Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch recently sent a letter urging the White House to give its support for a bipartisan effort to extend “critical” lifeline funding in future disaster aid.
Esprit de corps an inspiring sight
“In the last days of November 1950, twelve-thousand men of the First Marine Division, along with a few thousand Army soldiers, found themselves trapped high in the mountains of North Korea, near a reservoir called …
Here's why you need to vote today
Today is election day. While local elections draw far fewer voters than national races, it makes little sense. Local officials have more immediate, and it could be argued, greater impact on daily life compared with…
The big weather change is here
Our big weather change arrived on schedule last week as rain and snow moved across our region. Our first measurable snowfall for the season happened last Friday, Nov. 3. As of early Sunday afternoon, Cliff has meas…