Local Columnists

While public and private security cameras have minimal effect deterring crime, they do aid in the capture of criminals. Does this advantage outweigh our expectations to privacy?

Earth Day has evolved into little more than a “feel good” exercise in pop environmentalism, embraced largely by those with negligible scientific or agricultural experience.

The vote against background checks for gun owners proved that Congress is in favor of special interest groups rather than U.S. citizens.

The American government can not work properly under the constraints of hyper partisanship

In a time where plagiarism is easier than ever, Missourian Executive Editor Tom Warhover says the principles are easy: Don't cheat. Don't lie. 

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Mayor Bob McDavid and Councilman Karl Skala are likely to debate issues of "smart" development and infrastructure in Columbia. The Break Time vote is just the beginning.

We seem to forget the sheer number of terrorist attacks, foreign and domestic, on United States soil.

Former Cardinal player Stan Musial might have been one of the best people to play baseball, due in no small part to his unwavering integrity.

The "silver spoon" stereotype works against the character of people born into family businesses, but in reality, these workers can be just as excellent as others.

Important historical events in America between World War II and the end of the 20th century, 1979 was the most pivotal year in post-World War II America until Sept. 11, 2001.

Peter Sokolowski, an editor at large with Merriam-Webster Dictionary, was the keynote speaker at the 17th annual American Copy Editors Society national conference. And, he added a bonus of playing a couple of tunes on his trumpet.

We shouldn’t rule out the possibility that the reshaped council will, at least occasionally, live up to Columbia’s new official slogan — “What you unexpect.”

Contrary to the ranting of many in the anti-gun crowd, weapons that fire fully automatic or in bursts have been banned for decades, and none of the rifles used in either the Virginia Tech, Columbine or Newtown shootings were weapons used by the military.

The ever more common occurrence of Republican party leaders targeting the working poor is doing nothing to save the party's reputation.

Children of baby boomers are not energized about the budget and environmental debts they will inherit in the same way their parents were mobilized by the Vietnam War or first Earth Day.

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

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

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.

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