I like the Russians. Not the communists, mind you. I hope every communist trips and break their necks. Given the opportunity, I would be among the first to kick them in the head when they are down. But I like the Russians. Like us they are people of the northern plains. They know what it…
Ralph Kingsbury: Shorts Again
Not so long ago I did a column that was about a series of subjects not necessarily related to one another. They were subjects I thought worthy of comment, but I also thought none of them were worthy of individual columns. It seemed to be well received, so, too this week. Here goes: I think…
Ralph Kingsbury: With Higher Ed, Don't Throw The Baby Out With The Bath Water
Remember when Bruce Gjovig won the national award from the conservative organization. A disappointing number of those who frequently write in with comments about what is wrong with higher education said you had never heard of him. I have spent a great deal of my life hearing from those from western North Dakota how the…
Ralph Kingsbury: For North Dakota's Universities, Enough Is Enough
I have had enough. I say that with great sadness about the other love of my life. Well, the other love beyond my family. As for them they stand alone and nothing else is even close. I am talking about the next two of life’s loves. My one love has always been farming. There is…
Ralph Kingsbury: Does North Dakota Need A Criminal Charge For Being Stupid?
A few weeks ago I wrote a column that contained some thoughts I had on different subjects but that weren’t long enough to be a whole column by themselves. I wrote that I would give it a try and we would see about the response from the readers. Response! There is no doubt I had…
Ralph Kingsbury: Because We Must
Recently in a comment to one of my columns a writer demanded I explain why she should have any responsibility to care about what was happening in the Ukraine. A couple of days, or so, later I had not answered her demand and she asked again with some obvious degree of arrogance why she, why…
Ralph Kingsbury: No Way To Run A Budget
Readers of this column are probably aware that I have a blog in which I provide various statistics as they relate to the northern plains. Some are business statistics or other matters of a private nature. Other statistics are various public data. That includes North Dakota revenues and that is what this column is about.…
Ralph Kingsbury: I Was Right
I was right. Well, kind of right. When in a recent column I said the times had changed I confess I expected a different reaction. I think it is accurate to say all of the readers agreed that the times had changed, but only half agreed the times had changed as I wrote they had. For…
Ralph Kingsbury: North Dakota's Government Love Fest
I wouldn’t call it a love fest. Still it has to give the Democrats in North Dakota the shivers, and it has to also be disappointing to many of the SAB readers who are critical of the state government. I mean those who call the Governor and legislature RINOs (Republican in name only). I am…
Ralph Kingsbury Column: Work Ethics Have Changed
I had to go grocery shopping today. It was nearly noon and I decided to stop at the deli section to pick up something to eat. It is something I do often and have gotten to know some of the people who work that section. Sometimes I have to watch very close because I know the employee…