Local Columnists

A bill in the Missouri Senate would make it more difficult to prove discrimination in a lawsuit with the change of a single word.

There are hidden consequences to raising cigarette taxes and minimum wage that voters should research to make an educated decision.

Allowing individuals to hide their identity behind piles of money is creating a bad situation, which I feel we will ultimately pay for. Providing people with opportunities to demonstrate their lack of character is unappealing.

If you have ideas about how to improve the Missourian, consider joining the new Readers Board. It will meet four times in the spring.

Missouri citizens will place their vote for the Republican presidential candidate Tuesday during the primary election. The media should do a better job documenting each candidate's positions.

Pro-life presidential candidate Randall Terry is peddling a graphic commercial that must be aired because of federal law. Here's why you should turn off your TV when the ad airs.

The two-party system has its benefits, including stability and encouraging debate.

The rise of super PACs is further separating the average person from the rich, elitist politicians.

MU's budget director previewed the university's budget to about 20 faculty members last week. While the university means a great deal to Columbia, its current budget presents a grim outlook.

Before facts are investigated about the reports of Marines urinating on dead Taliban members, opinions of people who haven't been on-site where an incident happened have little value.

U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich's proposed amendment regarding the use of public funds to pay for federal election campaigns will never pass.

Parenting is a learning experience that requires discipline and the acknowledgement that you are not the sole influence on your child's life.

Columbia Missourian is beginning the merger between MyMissourian.com and ColumbiaMissourian.com, of which the family obituaries are the first of "from readers" content to make the switch to Missourian proper.

When considering the state budget, the only thing the governor and legislators agree on is their inability to compromise.

Here's what you've been writing this week at MyMissourian.com, the arm of the Missourian dedicated to community members telling their own stories.

The faith of particular candidates is a topic that comes up in nearly every election.  However, a candidate's faith should not determine whether or not that person is qualified for political office. 

Cutbacks in our military, as history has shown us, lead to regret and more money spent to regain the balance of power in combat forces.

We are never satisfied with living in the moment. Instead, we are too busy anticipating the next day ahead.

The best way to honor Martin Luther King Jr. is not just taking part in events but supporting his principles as well.