University Bashing in Our Resource-Rich State

The reaction by some claiming to represent Montana’s resource industries to a recent conference entitled "power shift" at the University of Montana is both sad and short-sighted. Apparently they were offended by the fact that much of the program dealt with environmental problems associated with resource development. Thus, we read opinions bearing the titles, "Universities sucking dry the industries that keep them alive?" and one bearing the threat, "Don’t be surprised if academic choices have legislative consequences." One of these opinion writers urged the students of diesel mechanics, mining, construction and "other honorable" professions at the smaller colleges of Montana to be "outraged that their peers (at Montana’s two large universities) who are being taught how to destroy the industries they are trying to get jobs in."

Guest column
By Eric Grimsrud

Full Opinion: http://www.flatheadbeacon.com/articles/article/university_bashing_in_our_resource_rich_state/27256/