By Rik W. Hafer
How about some good economic news. According to the just released 2020 edition of Economic Freedom of North America, Missouri ranks as the 12th most economically free state in the country. It is an improvement over last year’s ranking, which was 16th. That’s good news because more economic freedom is associated with better economic outcomes.
Editorials
What is coming next?
By Phill Brooks
The title of this column is a question that kept popping into my head during Missouri's gubernatorial campaign. That question repeatedly was asked by fictional Pres. Jed Bartlet in the TV series West Wing of two decades ago.
We cannot allow our 1st Amendment rights to become ‘wrongs’
By Gene Policinski
When do our First Amendment rights become “wrongs?”
Well, when it comes to exercising your rights of free speech, assembly and petition in Tennessee, be careful. Setting up a up a tent for an overnight stay during a protest could land you in prison for up to six years.
On behalf of the First Amendment: ‘Dear Mr. President’
By Gene Policinski
Dear Mr. President: Congratulations on your election victory.
That’s a non-partisan congratulations. The First Amendment, with its 45 words encompassing our core freedoms of religion, speech, press, assembly and petition, doesn’t take political sides.
Election night reporting history
By Phill Brooks
There are four Missourians who helped develop the systems that provide you with accurate and prompt election night returns. To understand this column, you need to realize that the results reported on election night are neither official nor complete.
Further reflections on Gov. Mel Carnahan's death
By Phill Brooks
The recent thoughts written by others about the tragic death of Gov. Mel Carnahan two decades ago have prompted me to add some personal details. There was something about Carnahan that touched all of us who covered the statehouse during his time in the Capitol.