George Ochenski

Helena

Environmental Activist and Columinist at The Daily Montanan

Articles

Will Montana's Leaders Stand Up to TACO Don?

4 days ago | counterpunch.org | George Ochenski

It hasn’t been a good week for the guy who decided he was going to be a king and spent his first four months in office ignoring the law, declaring phony “national emergencies” and issuing “royal edicts” disguised as executive orders. But things didn’t go exactly as he hoped — to put it mildly. To start, Wall Street, which has been wracked by his on again-off again tariffs, came up with a new moniker for him: TACO.
When will Montana's leaders stand up to 'TACO Don?' • Daily Montanan

1 week ago | dailymontanan.com | George Ochenski

It hasn’t been a good week for the guy who decided he was going to be a king and spent his first four months in office ignoring the law, declaring phony “national emergencies” and issuing “royal edicts” disguised as executive orders. But things didn’t go exactly as he hoped — to put it mildly. To start, Wall Street, which has been wracked by his on again-off again tariffs, came up with a new moniker for him: TACO.
Guest Opinion: It’s the call of duty for Knudsen, Gianforte

1 week ago | milescitystar.com | George Ochenski

Montana’s public officials take an oath of office when they assume their positions. This is not optional and is required by Montana’s Constitution:Article III – General Government – Section 3. Oath of office.
It's the call of duty for Knudsen, Gianforte • Daily Montanan

2 weeks ago | dailymontanan.com | George Ochenski

Montana’s public officials take an oath of office when they assume their positions. This is not optional and is required by Montana’s Constitution: Article III – General Government – Section 3. Oath of office.
The Battle for Clean Water: Regulate or Capitulate

2 weeks ago | counterpunch.org | George Ochenski

Humans can survive for a rather astounding one to three months without food and in one case, a stunning 382 days, which the Guiness Book of Records places as the longest known survivor. But without water, survival time drops to 3-7 days. Clearly, if we don’t drink water, we quickly die from dehydration. Given that the human body is 76% water, one might think as a society we would put the absolute highest priority on maintaining this most vitally necessary substance for our survival.
The battle for clean water: Regulate or capitulate

3 weeks ago | dailymontanan.com | George Ochenski

Humans can survive for a rather astounding one to three months without food and in one case, a stunning 382 days, which the Guiness Book of Records places as the longest known survivor. But without water, survival time drops to 3-7 days. Clearly, if we don’t drink water, we quickly die from dehydration. Given that the human body is 76% water, one might think as a society we would put the absolute highest priority on maintaining this most vitally necessary substance for our survival.
The battle for clean water: Regulate or capitulate

3 weeks ago | yahoo.com | George Ochenski

(Photo by Getty Images)Humans can survive for a rather astounding one to three months without food and in one case, a stunning 382 days, which the Guiness Book of Records places as the longest known survivor. But without water, survival time drops to 3-7 days. Clearly, if we don’t drink water, we quickly die from dehydration.
Guest Opinion: When ‘no’ means ‘no’: Selling public lands or taking over Canada

3 weeks ago | milescitystar.com | George Ochenski

Every kid has heard “No means no!” when they want something their parents don’t think they should have. This week that phrase got a couple high profile uses when Canada’s new Prime Minister, Mark Carney, told Donald Trump right to his face that Canada was not and never would be for sale and Montana’s Congressman Ryan Zinke forcefully said “no” to the sale of public lands in the West.
When ‘No’ Means ‘No’: Selling Public Lands or Taking Over Canada

3 weeks ago | counterpunch.org | George Ochenski

In this day and age seeing U.S. politicians keep their campaign promises — or honor their oaths of office — is becoming increasingly rare. But on “keeping public lands in public hands,” Rep. Zinke did just that. The measure in question was part of the “big, beautiful bill” touted by Trump to give yet more tax breaks to the already wealthy.
When ‘no’ means ‘no’: Selling public lands or taking over Canada

4 weeks ago | yahoo.com | George Ochenski

U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in the Oval Office at the White House on May 6, 2025 in Washington, DC. Carney, who was elected into office last week, is expected to meet with President Trump to discuss trade and the recent tariffs imposed on Canada. (Photo by Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)Every kid has heard “No means no!” when they want something their parents don’t think they should have.