Climate change should be a bridge, rather than a wedge issue
I’m heartened that the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act was introduced in both the House and Senate during the last session, the first bipartisan climate bill in nearly a decade.
Letters
Restaurants and global warming: Changing energy-consumption practices will be a very big job
This issue is going to require political will from the entire community. Exactly how that might dovetail with American capitalism in 2019 is an open question.
Common ground: Time for bipartisan action on climate change
It’s time to put aside our party affiliations and act together as Americans to assure a better future.
Congress should approve funding to restore and maintain our national parks
Unfortunately, increased visitation, aging facilities and inconsistent federal funding have taken a toll. Right now, national parks in Minnesota need $17.8 million for infrastructure repairs.
To address climate change, consider carbon fee and dividend
This involves putting a steadily rising fee on oil, coal and natural gas and returning all of the money to the American people in a monthly dividend check.
2040 Plan overlooks our environment
Increasing housing density without corresponding due attention to green space, parklands and the needs of wildlife and plants creates an unhealthy environment for people and all living things.
Tax isn’t the way to reduce the misuse of opioids
Such a tax could limit medications and increase health-care costs for the thousands of people across Minnesota with legitimate pain management needs.
Flier’s attack on Dean Phillips as ‘heartless’ is false
Erik Paulsen attacks again, falsely, might I add. Recently I received a flier telling me that Dean Phillips is “heartless” because when he was “in charge,” 12,000 nurses went on strike when their health insurance was threatened. That is false. Here are the actual facts: The ad is a reference to Phillips’ time on the board […]
U.S.: from The Great Experiment to The Great Embarrassment
We live in a world so advanced in technology, but a world that will apparently always be ruled by those who can shout the loudest and longest.
Minnesotans must speak up to protect the state’s natural resources
How much are we willing to sacrifice in terms of long-term, irreparable environmental destruction, for short-term economic gain?
Copper mining would destroy the pristine BWCA
Mining will undo all the hard work our government has done to protect this wilderness since it was first referred to as the Superior Roadless Primitive Area (SRPA) in 1938.
Incumbents should denounce distorted and false ads against their opponents
Why do current representatives stay silent when others produce and publicize scurrilous, factually distorted or completely wrong TV ads against their opponents?
Opioids: Solving the problem should not fall fully on taxpayers’ backs
We need to reform the license fees now when it comes to opioid dispensing.
A tax on opioid meds is not the way to combat the epidemic
There is certainly an immediate need for a legislative solution, but the tax considered by the Legislature is irrational.
It’s time to pass sensible gun laws
My heart sank the day I learned my 5-year-old went through her first active shooter drill in her preschool. Why is this the new normal in our society?
‘Jeannie’ plot line retains its relevance
I saw in the news the other day that Bill Daily, one of the actors from the television series “I Dream of Jeannie,” had died at age 91.
We must keep federal protections for wolves
The DNR’s own 2012 survey showed that 79 percent of Minnesotans do not want wolves hunted or trapped. Our senators desperately need to be reminded of this.
Global warming doesn’t need to be a partisan issue
There are ways to fight climate change, such as a revenue-neutral carbon fee and dividend program, that draw upon our common values.
Political debates should be free and open to the public
An exclusive, private debate perpetuates the notion that civic engagement is only for the well-connected and wealthy.
Put patients first; don’t restrict Title X
Title X is the only federal program exclusively dedicated to providing low-income and adolescent patients with access to essential family planning and preventive health services and information.