Topic
Opinion
The Opinion section of Western Montana News is where ideas take center stage. Featuring editorials, columns, op-eds, and letters, this space highlights diverse perspectives on local and national issues. From in-depth analysis to passionate viewpoints, we encourage open and thoughtful discussion.
Have something to say? Share your thoughts by submitting a letter to [email protected].
Are Montana Republicans the Party of Reality TV?
Before I make my argument that Montana Republicans are the party of reality TV, we need to define what we are talking about, so here’s a definition from Wikipedia: Reality television is a genre of television programming that documents purportedly unscripted real-life situations, often starring unfamiliar people rather than professional actors. Reality television emerged as…
When Kangaroos Run Courts, A Relationship with AI Becomes Inevitable
Facing a legal system stacked against him, Travis Mateer turns to AI for help in navigating the complexities of civil law and ‘lawfare’ in Missoula.
Is Anything About Surajit Khanna’s Returning Youth Initiative Real?
The Khanna Con: Is Dr. Khanna exploiting Montana’s well-meaning do-gooders for photo-ops, while offering little real help to those he claims to serve?
Journalism Is Not A Popularity Contest
Facing criticism and opposition, Travis Mateer highlights the importance of independent journalism in uncovering the truth about homelessness in Missoula.
A Reluctant Citizen Journalist’s First Date With AI
Travis Mateer explores his first experience with AI, sharing insights and humorous reflections on a ‘date’ with ChatGPT.
It’s Clear As Mud Where The Rubber Hits The Road In Missoula
Explore the complexities of Missoula’s homeless initiatives as Travis Mateer investigates rumors of church parking lots hosting “urban car campers”.
Failure Is The Plan
Darin Gaub of Restore Liberty analyzes how political failures of the current and previous administrations are a feature, not a bug. He explains how these failures have been orchestrated through subversion of cultural and economic priorities.
Mayor Davis’ Culture of Controlled Curiosity, Brought to You by Lee Enterprises
Travis Mateer critiques media framing of Missoula Mayor Andrea Davis’ involvement in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, covering local politics, city officials, affordable housing, and media narratives for Western Montana News.
Lawfare: A Very Effective Tool Of Attack
Travis Mateer reflects on how lawfare is used in politics to attack and delegitimize opponents. He shares his personal legal battles and creative resistance with the Lego Meth Lab, highlighting the high stakes of truth-telling.
Duplicitous Republicans Reframe Platform
Montanans for Life Chair Robin Sertell criticizes the Republican Party’s new 2024 platform, accusing them of abandoning core pro-life principles and engaging in duplicitous rhetoric. Sertell calls for a return to unwavering support for the sanctity of life from conception.
Celebrating the Fall of Roe in Montana
The first annual Celebrate Life Montana event in Hamilton commemorated the Dobbs decision’s second anniversary with heartfelt speeches, activities, and community gatherings, highlighting the value of human life.
Why My Ellie Boldman Problem Is Your Ellie Boldman Problem
In his weekly op-ed, Travis Mateer offers a candid profile and his personal experiences with Montana transplant politico Senator Ellie Boldman. Explore the controversies and key events shaping her influence in Missoula’s political landscape.
Am I Broken Windows Or Am I An Opportunity?
Travis Mateer discusses the challenges of “urban crisis camping” in Missoula, sharing real experiences, interactions with law enforcement, and the impact of the Broken Windows theory.
The Capricious Nature of Speed Limits
In his latest op-ed, Roger Mitchell explores Blue Mountain Road as an unlikely bypass with scenic obstacles, speed nags, and nanny state controls, highlighting the frustrations of navigating Missoula’s backroads.
My Weapon of Mass Instruction for the Culture War
You might not consider yourself a culture warrior, but, like it or not, you’re in a culture war, and it’s being fought in all kinds of new-information ways.
What Kind of Homeless Will I Be?
I used to have a respected position in this Missoula community describing what the various sub-populations of “the homeless” were like, and the different approaches needed to address the unique challenges they presented. I wonder, what would THAT Travis think of me now?
Let Me Introduce Myself
Hello, my name is Travis Mateer, a writer and tax-activist from Missoula, Montana, who in past incarnations online has written under the pseudonyms William Skink and lizard. What am I doing here? That’s a good question, and the answer is even better. I’m here to do a weekly report UNIQUE to the audience…
Celebrate June as Pro-Life Month
“We hold that Roe and Casey must be overruled. The Constitution makes no reference to abortion, and no such right is implicitly protected by any constitutional provision, including the one on which the defenders of Roe and Casey now chiefly rely—the Due Process Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.” Justice Samuel Alito in Majority Ruling Dobbs…