Reader Opinions

Dowsing or "water witching" is effective because what moves the sticks or pendulum is not some mysterious energy but very fine muscle movements within our bodies.

Rep. Paul Ryan is headed in the right direction in his proposal for Catholic churches to start paying property taxes, but his proposal could go further.

There was no uproar when President Obama said the United States had 57 states.

Rep. Todd Akin has lost all credibility.

Photography has clout and can change the social environment very quickly to one that is inspiring, hopeful and creative in a positive, productive way.

Social Security benefits are not just for retirees. Many people depend on it after an injury and spouses and children depend on the program after the death of a wife or husband.

Columbia residents live with too much "bad and ugly," and the "good" in Columbia needs to emerge.

Missouri needs a senator who is able to work with others who do not share the same perspectives.

In Asheville, N.C., last year's GoTopless event will degrade culture, women and Columbia.

Florence Friedrichs of Pilot Grove thinks the millions of dollars spent on this year's election campaign is wasteful and leads to misinformation.

The Putting Kids First initiative on the November ballot must be passed.

The Wyatts thank family, friends and community members for the support they gave following the death of their son, Spc. Sterling Wyatt.

Timothy Trout, president of Missouri Professionals Mutual, says that eliminating the malpractice awards cap has to potential to have a detrimental impact on the state's health care.

In 2006 and 2008 voters gave the Republican Party some tough love because too many Republican politicians had strayed too far away from their own principles. Has the lesson been learned?

As a candidate for the Columbia Third Ward Republican Committeeman, John Davis urges all good and true Republicans to vote for him.

As an ordained minister of Evangelical Lutheran Church, Martin J. Rafanan believes the Missouri Constitution has been doing an excellent job of preserving religious liberties and does not need amending.

Teachers need to be sensitive to religious beliefs, but they cannot be made responsible for presenting lessons that are free from religious contradictions

John Davis, Republican candidate for Columbia's Third Ward committeeman, is willing to devote his time and energy to advancing Republican issues and candidates.