Local Columnists

Columbians should be thankful for all Columbia has to offer.

Barack Obama's recent trip to Asia leaves the journalists covering affairs between the United States and the countries of that continent with increased skepticism that this administration can obtain more substantive agreements in the region than the last one could.

The deal does keep higher education more affordable, but it's still another step backward — if it even passes.

Americans should have faith in our court system and support the 9/11 terrorists trial being held in New York.

With 2009 coming to an end, the past 10 years need a name that describes the many surreal things that have happened.

Nobody said a word about my husband and me adopting a pit bull until we started telling people that I was pregnant. That’s when I realized just how easily people’s prejudices come into play, especially since pit bulls have been given a bad reputation.

Living through others makes it hard for one to function as an independent person.

We must educate ourselves and others to make the decisions that are best for society rather than allowing ourselves to be manipulated. We must take action to address the mess we face.

Sesame Street is not only a childhood staple in the U.S., but the show is popular in many countries, such as South Africa, Brazil and Germany. However, the reach of this American show is sometimes at conflict with a country's culture.

The anti-Taser coalition is split as to what to do about the weapon, and being shocked sounds better to me than being clubbed.

You have a voice. It's time to start using it and participate before you hear about a new law passed and signed by the governor.

The health care reform bill that passed the U.S. House of Representatives would not allow federal subsidies for health insurance plans that cover elective abortions.

When Columbia's newest HyVee opened this week, the real news for local Minnesota transplants was the Caribou Coffee outlet that came along with it.

There is an incredible amount to learn from our country's veterans. Historically, we have manuscripts, tapes and film, but we must also treasure our living veterans. Take the time today to thank a veteran.

Bureaucracy leads to one size fits all policies, impeading on individual freedoms.

Despite what a person has done in the past, acts of violence and murder are not the solution.

The current social commentary of people like Beck, O'Reilly and Limbaugh is similar to the late '80s, early '90s hip-hop social commentary of Public Enemy, Brand Nubian and Queen Latifah.

Because the Fort Hood gunman Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan is Muslim some people may jump quickly to conspiracy theories.  However judgments are premature because there are no facts at this time to verify any possible motive.