Local Columnists

Proposition B, the proposed 760 percent increase in cigarette tax, is an example of James Madison's  "Tyranny of the Majority," with a so-called well-meaning majority ganging up on Missouri's smoking population.

In ordinary times, people of goodwill would certainly put the operation of good government ahead of whatever role they might play in their political party. But these are not ordinary times.

Poverty is a large issue in the country, but it still lacks attention in politics.

In Missouri, where public schools are strapped for cash, Proposition B, the tobacco tax increase, offers a realistic way to generate needed funds, prevent teenagers from developing smoking addictions and more.

Conflict has filled the recent headlines: Chicago teachers, NFL referees and presidential candidates have all sparked partisan debates.

With the implementation of paywalls at many newspapers — and to improve their critical-thinking skills — students must develop the ability to find information offline.

Political affiliation shouldn't be used to determine whether an individual is qualified to work at a government agency. 

Social media allows journalists to now ask the public for assistance in filling in the gaps.

At Tuesday evening's state Senate debate between Mary Still and Kurt Schaefer, Still attacked the incumbent over the stances of Republican legislators, many of which Schaefer doesn't support.

Rep. Todd Akin continues to say the wrong thing on the campaign trail.

We've come too far as a country to go back to the days when women and minorities were treated as second-class citizens.

"The Professor and the Madman" tells the story of the making of the Oxford English Dictionary and the two men who created it.

Gov. Jay Nixon is pointing at Missouri as a unique beacon of bipartisanship in his re-election campaign, but some of the state's exceptionalism isn't necessarily a good thing.

The gubernatorial and Senate debates were entertaining, but the candidates did a bad job of answering the questions.

It's important to appreciate others for the gifts he or she has been given, even if there is no money involved. 

In light of the recent anniversary of the signing of the Constitution, it's worth examining the role money and cynicism plays in our democracy today.

The First Amendment protection of freedom of speech is not absolute, and the producers of "Innocence of Muslims" have crossed that line.

Meeting individuals for the first time, you can never be sure what you’re walking into. Some people are lucky, while others struggle, but you can learn something from each person you meet.

Things might change as the Columbia Missourian marks its 104th birthday but its dedication to readers will never change.

After a successful Democratic National Convention, President Barack Obama's election prospects are a little brighter — but not in Missouri.