Opinion

We have gotten to the point where we are willing to blame someone else for every wrongdoing an individual commits.

I was raised with guns, and I can pass any kind of background check the feds require, as can my fellow law-abiding citizens. Who cannot pass are the ones I do not want to have guns.

Lt. Gov. Peter Kinder and legislators are trumping up a baseless allegation that the state Department of Revenue is compiling a secret gun database to share with the federal government.

Hard-working families deserve strengthened Medicaid and expanded health care coverage, and there are many good business reasons to do this.

Tax Freedom Day can be viewed from geographical, chronological and/or categorical perspectives. And whether you consider the observance aggravating, liberating or both, remember you earned it.

The Associated Press Stylebook now bans the term as a label. It's actions that count. Not everyone is pleased with the change.

Rep. Paul Ryan toying with Social Security and Medicare in budget negotiations is concerning for seniors.

Republicans need to back away from the black helicopters, er, drones, and focus on real problems, like health care, education, roads and, oh, yea, jobs.

Overall, the outcome suggests that the reality of Columbia comes pretty close to the stereotype. That is, we really are an island of progressive blue in a sea of reactionary red.

Medicaid expansion in Missouri would significantly boost local economies and is the most affordable healthcare alternative for Missourians.

Insurance companies must now publicly justify every rate increase of 10 percent or more, which has led to a sharp decline in double-digit rate hikes. Starting in 2014, insurers will have to justify every proposed rate increase, even if it’s a 1 percent bump.

Changing one's opinion is fine, but if it's only to compromise values in favor of political expedience it is contemptible.

Like the three blogs I read about Columbia, my appreciation and love for my other hometowns seem to be missing something very important — the people.

There is overwhelming evidence of Ryan Ferguson's innocence; he has been mistreated by Missouri's legal system.

For every $1 spent on women’s health services, approximately $5 is saved.

Instead of focusing on women's health issues, lawmakers should focus on the economy, job creation, highway infrastructure, maintaining prisons and making state parks run well.

The tug-a-war among the states and the national government slows policy-making and can result in interstate inequities, but, if the issue of same-sex marriage is any indication, it often contributes to our nation's resilience.

Families struggle with three main issues when it comes to children with autism — receiving the diagnosis, handling the perceptions of others, and deciding on a course of treatment.

The bill establishes a requirement for evaluating teachers and administrators on the basis of students' academic growth.

Columbia's decision-makers and professionals need to seek a positive, qualitative difference in the lives of all of our residents — not just a few.