Opinion: The solution is choosing not to hate
America is facing the aftermath of yet another shooting. Two, in fact — one in El Paso, Texas, Saturday, and … Read more
Republicans: Immigration must be legal, measured and have requirements
What is the best solution to the immigration crisis at the border?
All Americans are immigrants or descended from immigrants. The original North Americans came across ice … Read more
Democrats: Supposed ‘crisis’ is product of past actions, racial hatred
What is the best solution to the immigration crisis at the border?
Let’s start by clearing a few things up. Firstly, there is no “immigration crisis.” Trying … Read more
Republicans: Yes, tax bill shifts income back into hands of American families — a step in the right direction
A year and a half in, has the 2017 Republican tax bill been helpful?
In December 2017, President Trump signed into law the most sweeping overhaul of the U.S. … Read more
Democrats: No, tax bill’s benefits handed to corporations have added to national debt
A year and a half in, has the 2017 Republican tax bill been helpful?
In late 2017, with much fanfare, the Republicans in Congress passed a comprehensive tax overhaul. … Read more
Witnessing progress in action in paper business
This could be a kind of farewell to my life as it was wrapped in … Read more
Opinion: What a happy ending looks like
Editor's note: This column originally published in The Observer on July 3. Almost 22 years … Read more
Opinion: Thank you for staying with us
Editor's note: This column originally published in The Observer on July 1. Many of you … Read more
Democrats: Free trade agreements — good, bad, indifferent ... you decide
What type of trade agreements are most beneficial to our local economies?
The most notable trade agreement is the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (aka NAFTA 2.0) signed on … Read more
Republicans: Bilateral trade agreements are the most beneficial for Eastern Oregon
What type of trade agreements are most beneficial to our local economies?
The short answer: Bilateral free trade agreements are the most beneficial trade agreements for Eastern … Read more
The Observer is 'our paper'
My name is Dorothy Swart Fleshman and I write Dory’s Diary for The Observer and … Read more
LETTERS: May 20, 2019
Milbert: Won’t renew subscription due to Observer’s content and increasing cost To the Editor: The … Read more
Letters to the Editor: May 13, 2019
McCracken: Motherhood is only one of unlimited options To the Editor: The Observer’s May 6 … Read more
Dems: Electoral College reveals federal government’s lack of trust
Should we keep or abolish the Electoral College?
As most everyone knows, the United States uses what political scientists call an indirect method … Read more
Reps: Electoral College reflects important constitutional principles
Should we keep or abolish the Electoral College?
Keep it. Absolutely. After long debate and consideration, the founders designed the operation of the … Read more
For sustainability, Forest Plans need to take the road least traveled
At first glance the title card might read like a worthy fight: “Two National Forests … Read more
How will climate change affect Eastern Oregon?
Gov’t attempts to combat climate change will eliminate middle class
The new carbon pricing policy that is being proposed by the current Oregon legislative session … Read more
How will climate change affect Eastern Oregon?
Climate change is here: It’s time to talk about adaptation.
Last week, I attended a meeting in Enterprise with range specialists, ranchers and Joseph Band … Read more
Changes to PERS can be made by moving forward
A career in education offers a unique opportunity to positively impact the future of our … Read more
Without local newspapers, a town is just a place
I’ve fielded quite a lot of questions recently about the future of the Baker City … Read more
Encouraging rural broadband investment is the key to bridging the digital divide
Recent advancements in technology have brought faster broadband speeds and greater capabilities for connecting to … Read more
What grows an economy? Confidence!
This is my fifth year in the Legislature. Over the past three years, we have … Read more
It's time for a change in the newsroom
It’s not often that I’ve struggled with writer’s block. I can probably write stories in … Read more
Missed opportunity if Oregon falls behind on clean energy
Two qualities that make our communities strong are personal responsibility and neighborly cooperation. We do … Read more
MY VOICE: Local newspapers worthy of saving
Imagine for a moment it is 5:30 on a Monday evening. You are just home … Read more
MY VOICE: Protecting the immunity of our community with science-backed policy
This week, a pivotal component of our state’s health is on the line – but … Read more
ON THE FENCE: Small business growth is critical to a local economy
I have had the opportunity and privilege of providing income tax preparation, tax planning and … Read more
OTF Response: White: Border wall is a phony national emergency
To the Editor: I am writing in response to the Jan. 25 On the Fence … Read more
ON THE FENCE: Admire economic growth? Why don’t you move to Bend?
Rural America is in trouble. Rural economies have been declining for the past 25 years. … Read more
ON THE FENCE: Socialism and capitalism— We need them both
When President Trump declared in his recent State of the Union speech that “America will … Read more
ON THE FENCE: Why capitalism will always beat socialism
An increasingly popular sentiment expressed in today’s political environment is that of the desirability of … Read more
On the Fence:One size does not fit all with health care
Health care in the United States is flawed; however, a universal health care system would … Read more
On the Fence: We need both: The problem is in the design
Asking whether American health care should be private or public is like asking whether a … Read more
MY VOICE: Nothing to gain, everything to lose: B2H transmission line is obsolete and devastating
The B2H transmission line is a 20th century solution in search of a modern problem … Read more
