Local Columnists

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.

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.

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

When it comes to gardening, I wish I could just sleep through August. By August my garden is a bit unruly. Some areas are downright neglected, and noxious weeds and insects seem to be taking over the world.

Simplicity, brevity and short words, we are told, are the ingredients of good conversation. No doubt about it. I’m trying to learn from the teenagers the essence of this bit of wisdom. They’ve got it down pat.

From the multitudinous government bureaucracies to the minions of private (nonprofit?) agencies to the likes of talk show host Bill “I am looking out for you” O’Reilly, we are privileged to enjoy a freedom from any responsibility of making our own decisions and provided an escape clause from the consequences of our actions.

Although most of my family lives in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and at least a couple of them, including my son, used the ill-fated, collapsed bridge across the Mississippi River on a daily basis, none of them were involved in the tragic incident.