East coast seaports ramping up capabilities
While many eyes are on trade talks between our country and China, America’s port leaders are positioning their seaports to compete for increasing volumes of container traffic. After container shipments surged in November---primarily from pre-tariff contracts—they plunged by year end--impact of U.S. and China trade war.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
The Russians are indeed coming
In the 1960s, there was a popular movie called “The Russians are Coming, The Russians are Coming.” In the film a Soviet naval commander ran his sub aground off a Massachusetts coastal island and sent two English-speaking crewmen ashore to procure a boat with enough power to pull them free. …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Boeing's venture into hypersonic jetliners
Last spring, Boeing revealed its proposed hypersonic passenger airliner which would fly much higher and faster than the Concorde — the only previous supersonic commercial airplane.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Lampson beating odds for family-owned businesses
When one approaches the Tri-Cities, it is impossible to ignore Lampson International’s monstrous cranes in its Pasco assembly yard. Those gantries stand out like the Space Needle in Seattle and reach over 560 feet into the sky.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Much needed dose of Yogi Berra's wit and wisdom
With today’s tension and rancor, we need a dose of Yogi Berra’s wit and wisdom to put things into perspective. Let’s start with “You can observe a lot by just watching” because seeing what is happening now is very disconcerting.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Trade wars hit state's cherry growers hard
Last April, Washington wheat, apple and cherry growers hoped U.S. and China trade negotiators would resolve differences and prevent imposition of damaging tariffs on our state’s leading crops. Unfortunately, that did not happened and the costs are adding up.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Mining contaminated waters to increase copper supplies
The massive Berkeley Pit in Butte, Mont., is one of the world’s largest superfund sites and has been described as a giant sink filling with metal-laden, acidic water from over 10,000 miles of underground mine workings.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Straw pulp looks like win-win
Here’s a switch! Rather than closing another pulp and paper mill, a new one is under construction right here in Washington.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Bad labels tough to shed
The battle in Seattle over the city council’s imposition of a head tax on large companies is generating disparaging labels, which local elected leaders likely will come to regret.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Lt. Dan needs lots of helping hands
On Sunday, May 27, actor/musician Gary Sinise will again co-host the National Memorial Day Concert from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol. It will be the 29th annual concert on the 150th anniversary of Memorial Day.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
New approaches needed to fight super wildfires
With western wildfires growing in size and destroying more homes, farms and businesses, there is a need for new tools and approaches. The infernos are spreading so fast they are outstripping our ability to fight them in traditional ways.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Yogi's wisdom is worth thinking about
The late great philosopher Yogi Berra once proclaimed: “The future ain’t what it used to be.” It sure ain’t!
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Skilled trade jobs go unfilled in our robust economy
Millions of college graduates find themselves saddled with crushing debt and more than a third of them won’t be working in their chosen profession. Many will be working for low wages.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Streamlining regulations helps Americans compete
President Trump campaigned on cutting taxes, streamlining regulations and improving infrastructure. He also vowed to renegotiate our trade agreements calling the North American Free Trade Agreement “the worst deal ever made.”
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Trade war could hit Washington hard
Any trade war between the United States and China is worrisome, but if it escalated and tariffs are imposed, it will hit Washington particularly hard. Avoiding that possibility should be our primary goal.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Water pressure mounting in West as population spikes
As we deal with our population growth, we must address sufficient supplies of drinkable fresh water for residential, commercial, agriculture, fisheries and industrial needs.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
China now driving car market
In the 1950s, America’s “Big Three” automakers (General Motors, Ford and Chrysler) were the pacesetters for our industrial dominance. They had the skilled workers, financing, mass production technology, and sales networks, supply chains and customer base. In short, they had it all.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 6 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
America's leaders fly Boeing
It now looks like Boeing will add at least two more aircraft to the U.S. Air Force fleet, which flies our country’s leaders around the world.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS AGO
Cities balancing budgets with fees
Have you carefully checked your utility bills lately? Most people don’t unless they are monsters like the ones for garbage in Scranton, PA, and Los Angeles.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Washington's carbon tax differs from B.C.
In Olympia, Gov. Jay Inslee is pushing lawmakers to enact a new tax on carbon gas emissions before the legislature adjourns on March 8.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
North Korean guest workers booted
It’s not good to be a North Korean guest worker these days. As part of stepped up sanctions against the rouge nation’s accelerated nuclear and ballistic missile development programs, countries around the world are expelling North Koreans.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
John Spellman, best leader for tough times
Too often, virtues and accomplishments of quiet leaders go unsung. Such is the case with John Spellman, former Washington governor and King County executive, who died Jan. 16 at the age of 91.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
China's sword policy cutting deep into recycling
Earlier this month, China launched its “national sword” policy, which bans many recyclable materials it traditionally imported. Meanwhile, its upcoming March edict imposing a lower limit on contaminants is having global reverberations.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Good manners still count in business
Our parents drilled into our heads that saying “please” and “thank you” were not only part of everyday life, but were essential to operating a successful business. They are the basic ingredients of “Good Manners.”
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Railroads implementing positive track
While the investigation continues into the deadly AMTRAK derailment near Dupont, the clock continues to tick on the implementation of Positive Track Control (PTC). The deadline is Dec. 31, 2018.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
A million wreaths across America
Christmas is an especially difficult time for anyone grieving for lost loved ones. It is especially painful for America’s military families whose son, daughter, spouse or parent was killed while serving in uniform.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Keep the holiday spirit all year long
During the holidays, our thoughts naturally turn to giving — not just giving gifts, but donating our time and money to charities, disasters and community programs.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Washington would benefit from ANWR leasing
For the last two decades, federal legislation allowing oil and gas exploration in the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has been stymied. Now, it is part of federal tax reform, which Congress is likely to approve.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Finding balance in occupational licensing
Recently, the Institute for Justice (Institute) determined state licensing barriers for lower-income workers and aspiring entrepreneurs not only hurts people trying to establish themselves in a profession, but annually drives consumer prices up by $203 billion.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Washington can't afford another 1993
Twenty-five years ago, Business took a beating in Olympia. The swing to the left in the 1992 general election was swift and potent. It drove higher costs to employers and more government regulations.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Remembering Ed Carlson, Vietnam POW
Since last Veteran’s Day, Ken Burns’ in-depth documentary on the Vietnam War has aired. It is a powerful reminder of an unpopular war in which many “baby boomers” fought and died. It also prompts memories of the brutal treatment of American POWs and 1,350 who were listed as missing in …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Rural prosperity essential to Washington
While Seattle is growing rapidly, our rural areas continue to struggle. They don’t have the corporate giants such as Amazon, Microsoft and Boeing creating jobs and economic opportunities. Farms are predominantly family-owned.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Amazon's plan reminiscent Boeing's Chicago move
Last year, Seattle Times aerospace reporter Dominic Gates wrote about the similarities and differences between Boeing’s corporate office move to Chicago and Amazon’s plan for a second headquarters.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Expanded Panama Canal among challenges for Washington ports
The $5.4 billion spent to expand the Panama Canal is paying off for East Coast and Gulf of Mexico seaports; however, it is putting more pressure on the Northwest to remain competitive.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Players taking a knee hurting NFL
On a recent Saturday afternoon in Portland, a young woman stepped onto the playing field at the beginning of the University of Montana vs. Portland State football game and started singing our national anthem. She immediately drew a blank on the words and briefly stopped, but as she started apologizing, …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
New metal collecting machine may clean up contaminated mine waters
There is a new machine being tested in Montana that could decontaminate toxic mine tailings while recovering valuable precious minerals for everyday use.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Tax policy changes must be carefully crafted and coordinated
Key tax policies emanating from the east and west coasts are like passenger trains passing one another heading in opposite directions.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
People coming together is silver lining to Hurricane Harvey
All of the things that went wrong in New Orleans with Hurricane Katrina in 2005 appear to have been corrected with Houston’s recent Hurricane Harvey. Chalk it up to a series of important lessons learned.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Taxing robots to slow down worker displacement
Last February, the European Parliament rejected a tax on robots, but took the first steps to regulate their development and deployment. The legislation also aims to establish liability for the actions of robots including self-driving vehicles.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Dan Evans would serve America well
Recently, family, friends and dignitaries gathered at Hurricane Ridge near Port Angeles to celebrate the designation of the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness at Olympic National Park honoring Washington’s distinguished three-term governor and U.S. senator.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Dan Evans would serve America well
Recently, family, friends and dignitaries gathered at Hurricane Ridge near Port Angeles to celebrate the designation of the Daniel J. Evans Wilderness at Olympic National Park honoring Washington’s distinguished three-term governor and U.S. senator.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Massive fires increasing wood prices
Massive forest fires in western parts of Canada and the U.S. are not only choking us with layers of smoke, but are cutting off lumber supplies around our country.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Race to toll likely to clip Washington drivers
In 2014, President Barrack Obama opened the door for states to collect tolls on interstate highways. This year Oregon lawmakers, much to the chagrin of Washington drivers and truckers, unilaterally took advantage of the new funding opportunity.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
LNG better for maritime and people
There is an old saying: Don’t let the perfect get in the way of the good!
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Guinness caught in Brexit border cross-fire
When the Economist Magazine reported the price of a Guinness pint could increase because of Brexit, it grabbed readers’ attention.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Polish love America but perplexed by Americans
Donald Trump’s address in Warsaw on July 6 was his best as President. His prepared remarks carried the right tone and hit the mark. It was a message the Polish people were waiting to hear from America.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Abundant natural gas is a giant step toward energy independence
In the last half century, Americans yearned for energy independence. We were tired of being held captive by foreign governments – some of which continue to be hostile toward the United States and our way of life.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Good news from Washington's boatyards
We can all use a dose of good news these days and there is some flowing from our state’s boatyards.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Searching for words that unite us
Two days before last year’s presidential election, Frank Luntz walked away from a CBS 60 Minutes focus group leaving people uncontrollably screaming at one another. He couldn’t stop it. Nobody could.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Refocusing climate debate to practical solutions
Debating whether it was wrong for President Trump to pull the United States out of the Paris climate accord negotiations is never ending. Both sides will find ample evidence to claim the accords are good or bad for America; however, the rhetoric can’t obfuscate our ongoing work to reduce greenhouse …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Forest Landowners Prove Cooperation Works
Recently, Washington state’s largest environmental, wildlife and natural resources agencies recognized 43 large forest landowners for their “exemplary efforts” to upgrade forest roads and stream crossings which improved salmon habitat and water quality.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
America needs more welders, fewer philosophers
“America needs more welders and fewer philosophers,” proclaimed Florida Sen. Marco Rubio during the 2016 presidential campaign.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Remembering Mike Lowry
There was nothing pretentious about Mike Lowry. What you saw is what you got! Lowry was one of Washington’s most colorful governors. He served one term from 1993 to 1997. He died on May 1 at age 78.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Time to ax Amtrak passenger service to Chicago
Last month, a Wall Street Journal editorial hit the nail on the head recommending Amtrak focus its limited funds on shorter more heavily traveled routes between Washington, D.C., and Boston.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Customer satisfaction is job one for successful companies
It may take United Airlines years to overcome the public relations nightmare of a doctor being dragged off an overbooked flight by Chicago police. That one incident not only sparked costly litigation, but could well impact the company’s bottom line and expansion plans.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 7 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
American millennials resurrecting whiskey
Last month while touring Ireland, our guide proudly pointed out Irish whiskey is making a strong comeback and thanked us, Americans, for our hefty contribution to their sales and shipments.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Low-cost electricity vital for clean tech industries
Since the construction of Grand Coulee and Bonneville dams, Washington has enjoyed an abundance of low cost, reliable hydropower. It has been one-key competitive advantage for energy intensive industries and now it is vital to our state burgeoning “clean tech industries.”
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Made in America
In the presidential campaign leading up to the November elections, hopefully we will hear about ways to “Make America Great Again!”
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Watch South Carolina closely
Washington leaders need to keep an eye on South Carolina. It is a state which is becoming a strong magnet to attract business.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Oregon's tax measure potential boom for Washington
Washington’s next economic development plan may be written by Oregon voters next November.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Lost economic opportunities from energy projects mounting
Recently, the Wall Street Journal pegged the economic value of fossil-fuel related projects which were rejected or withdrawn since 2012 at $33 billion. But the costs of lost opportunities are much higher nationally if the list includes wind, coal and other energy developments canceled prior to 2011.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Stay-at-home millennials
Today, more millennials are moving back home even though the economy is improving and wages are inching upward.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Awakening of 'Undercover Boss'
One of the highest rated television programs during Super Bowl Week last February was “Undercover Boss.” According to the Nielsen ratings, it drew 6.8 million viewers. By contrast, the Greatest Super Bowl Halftime Shows had 5.72 million.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
It's time to recognize farmers' contributions to Washington
Some say spring is the most wonderful time of the year in Washington when apple trees blossom, tulips bloom and colorful lentils carpet the fields on the Palouse.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
President Obama's big increase of new regulations
Even though President Barack Obama has less than a year remaining in office, his administration is cranking out new government regulations at record pace.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Small business passing on Obamacare tax credits
It was shocking to read that a scant number of small businesses are taking advantage of federal tax credits designed to make health insurance more affordable.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Cost of airplanes at heart of job cuts
Boeing’s new cost-reduction plan has deep ramifications for Washington because the bulk of the 4,500 job cuts are likely to land here.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 8 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Avoiding a bad trip Down Memory Lane
In 2001, Boeing shocked state and local leaders announcing it was relocating its headquarters to Chicago. Suddenly, the company with its deep roots in our Puget Sound region was housed on the shores of Lake Michigan.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 9 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Freshwater shortage looming as next world crisis
Remember the rhyme of the Ancient Mariner: "Water, water everywhere, but not a drop to drink?"
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 10 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
It's time to rethink Obamacare
Amidst all the confusion, broken promises, false starts, delays, changes and mounting costs, 2014 is the year the president and Congress must rethink the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
It's time to rethink Obamacare
Amidst all the confusion, broken promises, false starts, delays, changes and mounting costs, 2014 is the year the president and Congress must rethink the Affordable Care Act, aka Obamacare.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
We all need a fresh start in 2014
The New Year is traditionally a time for reflection and renewal. A shiny new year lies ahead, full of promise.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Keep the holiday spirit all year long
During the holidays, our thoughts naturally turn to giving - not just giving gifts but donating our time and money to charities and community programs.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
What's the plan?
This summer, the nation sweltered in a deadly heat wave.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Preserve affordable health insurance
Washington State Insurance Commissioner Mike Kreidler made national news when he quickly rejected President Obama's call for insurers to extend individual health insurance policies cancelled because of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also referred to as Obamacare.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Hire our veterans
The good news is, America is bringing its troops home from Iraq and Afghanistan. However, that presents a challenge because a large number of those troops will leave the military upon their return. That shift, along with significant cuts in military spending, means tens of thousands of veterans will be …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Congress should rebuild Obamacare
In the midst of all the turmoil, confusion and partisan infighting over the Affordable Care Act, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's words have come back to haunt us: "We have to pass the bill so you can find out what is in it."
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Will Washington be big in Boeing's jumbo jet future?
When the first passengers took off in Boeing's 747 in 1970, the aircraft was dubbed the "Queen of the Skies." Since then, the company's mammoth plant just south of Everett has been the kingpin of the world's jumbo jet production.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Lonesome Larry has lots of friends
In 1992, a single male sockeye salmon managed to swim 900 miles from the mouth of the Columbia River to Redfish Lake in Idaho's Sawtooth Mountains, the end of his migratory journey. Biologists dubbed the sole survivor, "Lonesome Larry."
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Regulatory overreach: The new normal
News stories about the government shutdown have shined a spotlight on the issue of government overreach.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Dangerous duels with Americans caught in the middle
After spending a couple of days last week in Washington, D.C., I wonder how Congress and President Obama will settle their differences without hurting the taxpayers or crippling our struggling economy.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
ESA listing could undercut WA economy
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
When national parks burn
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Railroads move America's energy safely and efficiently
For activists intent on stopping all use of fossil fuel, train safety has become their cause du jour. After all, if you can block transport of fossil fuels, you can choke off their use.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
The minimum wage debate
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Different strategy, same results
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Different strategy, same results
There's an old saying, "There's more than one way to catch a cat." It means, if you don't succeed one way, try again using a different strategy.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Is CO2 really the target?
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Is CO2 really the target?
Environmental activists claim they want to reduce production of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. If so, they're going about it in a very strange way.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Piling a lot on BP - but who's next?
In football, players who jump on the ball carrier after he's been tackled get a 15-yard penalty for piling on. But in a courtroom, piling on can get you billions of dollars.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Piling on BP - But who's next?
In football, players who jump on the ball carrier after he's been tackled get a 15-yard penalty for piling on. But in a courtroom, piling on can get you billions of dollars.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
The magic of Wash. Business Week
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Obamacare in need of a remake
OLYMPIA - Summer is blockbuster movie season, a time when Hollywood releases its biggest productions.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Higher taxes and costs will send jobs out of state
As lawmakers scramble to fund the state budget, some legislators and interest groups are targeting tax incentives designed to attract businesses and create jobs. Meanwhile, much-needed workers' compensation reforms languish in the Legislature.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
The human spirit is our greatest asset
OLYMPIA - With a steady stream of bad news stories about maimed soldiers, the Boston Marathon bombing and the house of horrors in Cleveland, it would be natural to despair for the human condition. What defect in the human character allows us to do such things?
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Who says Congress and the President can't move quickly?
Air travelers received a bit of good news recently: A bill to put air traffic controllers back to work whisked through the House and Senate and flew into the White House for President Obama's signature.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
What happens in Seattle should stay in Seattle
There's an old saying, "What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas." Well, what happens in Seattle should stay in Seattle.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 11 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Washington state misses tourist dollars
OLYMPIA - When we moved from Montana to Olympia 35 years ago, we saw enticing television and magazine ads for our neighboring states, but none for Washington. Fast forward to 2013 and nothing has changed. It was puzzling then, but even more perplexing today, considering the money and jobs at …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Washington is missing tourist dollars
When we moved from Montana to Olympia 35 years ago, we saw enticing television and magazine ads for our neighboring states, but none for Washington. Fast forward to 2013 and nothing has changed. It was puzzling then, but even more perplexing today, considering the money and jobs at stake.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Washington slipping in best ranking
The famous baseball pitcher Satchel Paige used to say, "Don't look back - something might be gaining on you." With all due respect to Satchel, Washington should glance over its shoulder because something is gaining on us. Competing states are coming after Washington's economic powerhouse: aerospace.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
California vs. Texas
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Face off: California vs. Texas
California and Texas are like the two biggest kids on the block going toe-to-toe for bragging rights. Who's the biggest? Who's the best?
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
A commitment to our veterans
In the midst of seemingly endless partisan arguments in our nation's capital about how to reduce unemployment, Wal-Mart, America's largest retailer, announced its own plan to deal with the problem.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
Kicking the can off the cliff
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
New Year, New Regulations
Traditionally, the new year is a time for resolutions and new beginnings. Unfortunately, it is also a time when new regulations kick in.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Private donors are 'targets' of federal government
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
Redefining the Bush tax cuts
Everyone is talking about the "fiscal cliff" deadline looming on Dec. 31, when automatic tax increases and spending cuts take effect unless Congress reaches a compromise. Both political camps are in full campaign mode, blaming the other for the lack of progress.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Small change will cost billions
We're seeing a lot of news stories these days about the projected costs of the new federal health care law known as Obamacare. Employers of all sizes, from small companies to warehouse stores and restaurant chains, are warning that compliance costs will force layoffs and price hikes.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Twinkies and the new reality
The end of Hostess Brands Inc. is a lesson for us all.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
Students need solid grounding in math, science
In "the good old days," schools emphasized "reading, writing and arithmetic" taught to the tune of the hickory stick.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
American ingenuity will create jobs
Before the campaign promises of more jobs and renewed prosperity fade away, elected officials need to understand that those promises must be kept.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
What are we doing to our kids?
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
What are we doing to our kids?
The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) recently reported that, if Congress fails to avert the "fiscal cliff" by the end of December, six million jobs will disappear over the next two years, sending the unemployment rate soaring to near 12 percent.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Election is about level of government control
When you peel off the layers and get beyond the rhetoric, this year's presidential election is about government control.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Sid Snyder: A good politician, a good man
A few years after Sid Snyder retired as Washington Senate majority leader in 2002, elected leaders from both parties voted to honor by him re-naming the street leading to the state capitol in Olympia "Sid Snyder Avenue."
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Striking it rich in North Dakota
In 1951, if farmer Henry Bakken had told you there was oil under his prairie land in Williston, N.D., you'd have thought he was a few bricks short of a load.As it turns out, he was right.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Want to make your voice heard? Vote!
Elections are always important, but the stakes are particularly high this year with our economy stuck in neutral and threatening to slip into reverse.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Outsourcing may be the unintended consequence of Obamacare
When the so-called Affordable Care Act was signed into law, President Obama promised that health care would be affordable and repeatedly assured Americans that if they liked their health plan and their doctor, they could keep them.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
The U.S. Senate could solve a taxation nightmare
Have you ever traveled to another state for your job, perhaps to attend a business meeting or a conference? Most people have. But few people realize that they may owe income taxes in that other state.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Federal Health Care Law: a string of broken promises
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Federal health care law: A string of broken promises
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Federal Health Care Law: a string of broken promises
President Obama's national health care law was passed with lofty promises but no details. Few lawmakers read the 2,000+ page bill before voting on it, but supporters promised it would expand access to health care, cut health care costs and - most importantly - allow people to keep their coverage …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Complying with regulations has become 'Mission Impossible'
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Giving fish a ride helps ensure electricity
Some activists believe there is no such thing as a good dam, that we should destroy all dams to restore fish runs, no questions asked.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Giving fish a ride helps ensure safe passage, electricity
Some activists believe there is no such thing as a good dam, that we should destroy all dams to restore fish runs, no questions asked.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Safe roads important to our quality of life
Any realtor will tell you people looking to buy a home want good schools and safe neighborhoods.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Critical info lacking for new Ecology regulations
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Critical information lacking for new ecology regulations
When the Environmental Protection Agency was formed in 1970, our environmental problems were easy to see: factories belched black smoke, leaded gasoline fouled our air and water and rivers were so polluted they actually caught fire.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Let the power roll on the mighty Columbia!
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Snake River dams should remain in place
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Italy's policies lead to economic ruin
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Export-Import Bank fuels trade, jobs
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Oregon county looking to a sales tax to bail it out
Oregonians loathe a sales tax about as much as Washingtonians detest an income tax. Knowing that, why would Curry County commissioners put a 3 percent sales tax on the ballot later this year?
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Insurance exchange: paying more for less
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 12 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
Volunteers show an example for everyone
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO
Export-import bank fuels trade and job growth
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Rising gas prices threatens economy
OLYMPIA - What's that old saying? "One step forward, two steps back."
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Rising gas prices threaten our economic recovery
What's that old saying? "One step forward, two steps back."
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Buying American products creates American jobs
As Congress and state legislatures struggle with the sluggish economy, high unemployment and growing deficits, it may seem that a solution is out of reach.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 1 MONTH AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Hasn't changed since 1992 - it's still the economy
In 1992, Bill Clinton's campaign slogan was, "It's the economy, stupid." In 1993, Washington employers modified the slogan to, "It's the economy, don't kill it," and emblazoned it across a huge banner draped from AWB's building near the state's Capitol Campus, where it could be seen by elected officials driving …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Washington should provide choices for low-income students
Washington is one of only 10 states that effectively prohibit low-income parents from choosing where their children go to school.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 2 MONTHS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Finding stories of hope shine all around us
With a bad economy, political bickering in our nation's capital and daily news coverage of raucous protests here at home, it may seem harder to get into the Christmas spirit this year.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Lessons from Canada
Just about the time the Congressional "Super Committee" declared failure, our national debt clock rolled past $15 trillion. Even as the discussions, co-chaired by Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., ground to a halt and Congress left the Capitol for Thanksgiving, the debt clock kept ticking.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: The reality of world competition for America's factory owners
In today's dog-eat-dog world, change is constant and accelerating. Other countries are stealing our factories and jobs and are hungry for more. That is the new reality.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: Our state health care exchange should preserve choice
Even as the new health care law heads for the U.S. Supreme Court where it faces an uncertain future, Washington state is moving forward with its $23 million effort to design and implement a health care exchange.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 3 MONTHS AGO
GUEST EDITORIAL: While we argue and delay, China just surges ahead
President Obama says he will delay until 2013 a decision about the $13 billion Keystone pipeline, which would carry Canadian oil to Gulf coast refineries.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Americans can learn from Poland's past
People don't appreciate what they have until they lose it. For example, if your water line breaks and you go without showers for a couple of days, you have a whole new appreciation for the water company.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
When Alaska prospers, the Puget Sound prospers
The 1896 Yukon gold rush triggered a boom for Seattle as prospectors flocked to ships bound for Alaska. In 1968, ARCO found black gold - oil - on the state's North Slope around Prudhoe Bay, triggering a boom for Tacoma's port where equipment was loaded onto ships and barges bound …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Deadbeat Illinois serves as a warning
The dictionary defines "deadbeat" as someone who deliberately avoids paying their bills. It's an unflattering label, but for Illinois, it's now their unofficial new nickname: the Deadbeat State.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Deadbeat Illinois serves as a warning
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 4 MONTHS AGO
Nearing the tipping point on minimum wage
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Are we nearing the tipping point on minimum wage?
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Withdrawing new EPA rule is a good start
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 5 MONTHS AGO
Obama Administration turns to the private sector
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Boeing's prospects are bright ... for now
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 6 MONTHS AGO
Uncertainty over new taxes keeps cash on the sidelines
At the same time President Obama and Congress were locked in combat over raising the nation's debt ceiling, leaders of state manufacturing associations from across America were meeting right here in Washington.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Uncertainty keeps cash on the sidelines
GUEST EDITORIAL
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Americans should get their heads out of the clouds
Americans live in an idealistic world where, no matter what happens, we'll still be able to go home at night and switch on the lights or pull into a filling station and gas up the family SUV.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Will it take another 'Sputnik moment' to rejuvenate America's space program?
Lost in the news over the economic crisis in Europe and the debt ceiling debate in the United States was the unceremonious end of NASA's space shuttle program.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
Broken promises carry unwelcome consequences
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
No perfect solution to our energy needs
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 7 MONTHS AGO
No perfect solution to energy needs
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Taxpayers should cut up Uncle Sam's credit cards
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Today in History for July 14th
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Taxpayers should cut up Uncle Sam's credit cards
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Lawmakers should tread carefully on state health exchange
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Now is the time when it's good to have neighbors with gas
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Fixing the federal health reform law
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Under siege from the unchecked bureaucracy
Partisan wrangling in Congress over the federal deficit and government spending has created gridlock. Not much else is getting done. Into that void have stepped federal bureaucrats who are circumventing Congress to implement sweeping policy changes.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Under siege from the unchecked federal bureaucracy
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 8 MONTHS AGO
Jobs for college grads growing at a snail's pace
Just as thousands of college graduates are walking across the stage to receive their diplomas, the U.S. Department of Labor announced frail May jobs figures.
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
Today in History for June 16th
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 9 MONTHS AGO
National Health Care battle moving to the states
One of the major provisions in the federal health reform law calls on states to establish health insurance exchanges by 2014. These exchanges were envisioned as virtual "open air markets," managed by new state agencies, where consumers could compare insurance offerings and choose the best health coverage at the best …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Health care battle moving to the states
One of the major provisions in the federal health reform law calls on states to establish health insurance exchanges by 2014. These exchanges were envisioned as virtual "open air markets," managed by new state agencies, where consumers could compare insurance offerings and choose the best health coverage at the best …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
The average consumer's gas test
As the price of gas passes $4 on its way to $5 a gallon, the finger-pointing in Washington, D.C. has reached a frenzy as politicians rush to place blame. "Wall Street profiteers!" "Speculators!" "Big Oil!"
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 10 MONTHS AGO
Congress helps small business out
Just over a year ago when President Obama, then-U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and Majority Leader Sen. Harry Reid, D-Nev., rammed Obamacare through Congress, no one really knew what was in the 2,700 pages of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 (PPACA). But small business soon …
COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD | UPDATED 13 YEARS, 11 MONTHS AGO
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