Opinion

It’s easy to get lost, whether on a winding drive home or along life’s many curves. Being a good pathfinder means knowing where you’ve been and where you’re going.

Missourians understood the stem cell amendment when it was passed, and efforts to reverse it are undemocratic.

Better use of tax dollars will fix our roads and bridges, and the politicians know it.

With all the trouble facing the American middle class, Rose Nolen has trouble finding reasons to smile.

A new book highlights the important role journalism plays in a democracy.

A national decline in selfishness has led to a lack of concern for the nation’s interests.

Could the old-fashioned resolve of America’s most resourceful TV lawyer restore honesty to modern politics? That’s a tall order, says Mary Lawrence.

There is still room for argument on the effects of global warming and secondhand smoke.

Success in Afghanistan requires more than money and troops.

Columnist recalls his growing friendship with Columbia resident George Godas, who recently offered 80 acres of land to Columbia Public Schools to build a third comprehensive high school.

Liz Heitzman, the Missourian’s immediacy editor, describes the newspaper’s new approach to delivering news — constant and immediate coverage via the Web site.

Maj. Gen. Smedley Butler railed against the practice of waging wars for profit in his book “War is a Racket.” Smedley’s lessons can be applied to the current war in Iraq, Bill Wickersham writes.

Diversity is a code word for social excellence and progress these days. The aim of the U.S.: Have as diverse a population as possible. The aim of the professions: Get great diversity. And of television programming: Diversify. And of race relations: Get diversity. And religion: Diversity is better. Of schools: We need more diversity. On and on we could go with this objective of diversity.

A proposal to change Missouri’s judicial nominee process has parties arguing over issues of partisanship and undue political influence.

Mark Musso, president and CEO of Special Olympics Missouri, thanks everyone who contributed to the success of the 2007 State Outdoor Sports Classic and encourages involvement in other Central Area activities.

The city's plan to use Worley and Ash streets to diffuse congestion creates heavier traffic and safety issues in central Columbia neighborhoods.

Children today have too much freedom and too many choices. Educators looking to improve the school system should place more emphasis on tried-and-true methods.

We’re going to try to make some sense out of the so-called credit crunch or drop in stock markets around the world.

It looks like President George W. Bush is going to leave the Iraq mess for our next president. He has opened up Pandora’s box in the Middle East and doesn’t know how to close it. His only answer is to stay the course.

At Warner Bros. 65 years ago this month, the cast and crew finished shooting what they thought was just another movie.