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Rick’s renegade run belches culture warrior

One subject of criticism often levied at Rick Becker, a Bismarck plastic surgeon and businessman turned contrarian legislator, is the gonzo heel turn he took in his approach after the election of former President Donald Trump. That particular election year was historic for a number of reasons, but the most surprising one was how a faded reality TV star was able to make himself a singularity for the world’s attentions. Whether it was positive or negative, derision or adulation, dismay or delight, he soaked it all up and pulled off what may be the greatest political upset in ...

American democracy is on the ropes

American democracy is suffering from the symptoms of terminal illness. To have a “government of the people, for the people” it is necessary that the people are willing to govern.  Through the decades, we have expanded the definition of “the people” to include millions of people who lack the interest to assume their roles as governors. For various reasons, we are able to muster only two-thirds of the voters in presidential elections and even fewer in the off-year races. One third of the population has bailed out — surrendered their responsibilities as governors of their ...

The ‘Independence’ of Cara Mund

If you aren’t interested or entrenched in the realm of politics, the next few weeks are probably going to be rather annoying. When I was in the coffee shop recently, the radio was blasting a Hoeven ad. When I glanced down at my phone while I waited in line, the articles were often interrupted by campaign blurbs for the celebrated but staunchly independent House candidate Cara Mund. If nothing else these candidates know their target demographics. With election day fast approaching, Mund and the incumbent Rep. Kelly Armstrong of Dickinson met in the Anishinaabe Theater at the Memorial ...

State officials oppose term limits measure

North Dakotans will vote on a measure this fall to limit the governor and state legislators to two four-year terms. While some of us support term limits, others oppose. However, we unanimously agree that voters should reject this ill-conceived measure. Its overly restrictive design will result in worse not better leadership in our state’s most important policy making body, the people’s legislature. The biggest problem with the measure is it robs voters of the right to elect legislators they continue to support. North Dakota has a part-time citizen legislature. These members meet ...

Social media may be fun but facts require newspapers

I love social media. They keep me in touch with dozens of friends, whom I might otherwise have contact with just every few years, or every few decades. They let me share articles that I think bring greater understanding of a subject, usually with a comment of my own, and enjoy similar sharing by others. They let me share my own writing, reaching a wider audience than I did when I worked for newspapers, and be part of national, even international, conversations. I hate social media. They have become the default sources of information for most Americans, and major sources of ...

Working together for a better Minot

Dear Minot: Ninety days into my term as mayor...I’ve drank plenty of coffee, made many new friends, met more and more of my neighbors, and listened. And I’m still getting used to the title of “Mayor.” To me, I’m just Tom. I’ve implemented a couple of changes to our City Council meetings. First, I’ve encouraged more of a conversational “working together” climate, for the good of Minot. Does it have some bugs to work out? Yes, but for me it’s a step in the right direction. Secondly, and this is one I am proud of, is the Pledge of Allegiance. Having members ...