My Turn
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MY TURN: North Idaho College is proof voting works
There will always be a need to safeguard the gemstone of our community.
The story of science can have two sides
In Wednesday's edition of the Coeur d'Alene Press I read several letters written by various individuals, and the My Turn written by John Ritterbach, all in response to the weekly column written by Cliff Harris that…
Harris and friends strike again
Ah, the ramblings of our local weatherman Cliff Harris. He was at it again in the July 29 edition of the Coeur d'Alene Press with his rant about "Where does carbon dioxide really come from?" This time our local wea…
Outsiders run GOP central committee
I am writing in response to the front page article in the Cd'A Press on Wednesday, July 24. I am an elected precinctman who was in opposition to Bjorn Handeen's resolution at the Kootenai County Republican Central …
Ours is a nation in peril
You cannot control the economics of a country until you first make the populous sick and poor. This has always been the avenue of Despotic Regimes and is the same today. It is no accident that this nation continues…
Event Center needed, wanted by community
To Duane Hagadone and his newspaper staff:
Sainthood: A closer look
On July 11, 2013, Sholeh Patrick wrote a column in The Press titled A Saint for Almost Everyone. As a Catholic, I would like to clarify a few things. The article suggested a superstitious attitude of Catholics in r…
Idaho women face workplace prejudice
The equality revolution in the workplace, ignited 50 years ago with the publication of Betty Friedan's best-seller, "The Feminine Mystique," and punctuated by President John F. Kennedy's signature on the potentiall…
Public schools have stranglehold on children's future
Over the last 50 years, those who teach and manage education have diminished education rigor, dress codes, and accountability. During the same time, teacher salary, off time, and job security have been grossly expl…
Here's why education problems persist
The recent Press editorial series on education offers some provocative grist for debate. Better late than never.
In defense of TFA
Full disclosure: I had never heard of Teach for America (TFA) before some of my college friends applied for the program. Two years later I've shared some of the triumphs and trials of my friends as they adjust to t…
Difference between marriage, matrimony
I, for one, am pleased with the Supreme Count's decision in the DOMA case, allowing same-sex civil marriages to have federal recognition. I know there are some in my Roman Catholic Church who are not pleased - I wo…
Here's why Idaho isn't fiscally paralyzed
Each year about this time I'm reminded once again how wise the framers of the Idaho Constitution were, and how lucky we are to live in a state where people understand the value of stability.
Sweet summer stirs up generational contrasts
Over this last, past sultry Fourth of July weekend I had the opportunity to speak to a number of "Millennials" - visiting friends of my college-aged sons.
Election process could use some reform
Earlier this year I attended a lecture at the Coeur d'Alene Library conducted by constitutional scholar Dr. David Adler and sponsored by the Coeur d'Alene Press. Dr. Adler's presentation focused on the escalating u…
Decisions on patients must involve the patients
Health care reform is focused on getting better access and better care to those who need it. But one provision is positioned to do just the opposite. Created under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PP…