Why would flood-stricken Pakistanis risk their lives for a few goats? The question came up recently when a news story came on a waiting-room TV about the disaster taking place halfway across the world. It reminded me that the role…
Arguments in governor’s race worthy, but flawed
Reports of Minnesota gubernatorial candidates’ pitches to a Chamber of Commerce-organized debate remind me of the old joke about the meek parson who frustrates his wife because he responds ‘yes, yes, you are right’ to any parishioner with a complaint.…
Present malaise is not just part of a cycle
I am sure that Barack Obama won’t use the phrase, but our country suffers from a malaise right now. According to the most common definition, two quarters of declining GDP, we have not been in a recession for a year.…
Man vs. nature: Someone loses
A proposed flood diversion channel in the Red River Valley that could cost $1 billion or more would reduce periodic flood damage in Moorhead and Fargo but might increase it in less-populous areas downstream. It also may harm the environment.…