This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

Two views on how people interact with the natural world:

How beetle kill yields a bounty — Denver Post Editorial

Contracts to harvest beetle-kill timber will lead to the creation of jobs — and clean-burning biomass.

Wildlife crossings: A safe passage and a sound investment — Idaho Statesman Editorial

... It's time for the state to do more. Idaho's motorists are worth the money. So are the state's big-game and watchable wildlife populations. ...

Two takes on being the same, and being different:

Should English be official? — Provo Daily Herald Editorial

... Can national cohesion be maintained in the face of the waves of dissimilar individuals coming to this country who hold fast to their own cultures? Is there an essentially "American" culture to which all citizens ought to adhere, and, if so, what does it consist of? Or is America a culture of "no culture," subject to all manner of imported loyalties? ...

Preserve Santa Fe's unique businesses — Santa Fe New Mexican Editorial

... The failure of Santa Fe Greenhouses is a reminder to everyone to support local retailers and businesses when possible. Otherwise, we lose the diversity each individual owner brings to the marketplace, and Santa Fe, sadly, becomes more like everywhere else.

Two takes on marriage equality:

Justices face historic test on equality — Des Moines Register Editorial

U.S. Supreme Court cannot ignore questions on same-sex marriage

A banner day for gay rights in the St. Louis region — St. Louis Post-Dispatch Editorial

Three opinions on the future of health care:

The health care challenge — Eugene (Ore.) Register-Guard Editorial

Many illnesses and conditions are behavior-related

Brewer's healthcare choice won't close door — Prescott (Ariz.) Daily Courier Editorial

As easy as it would be to say that Gov. Jan Brewer's Wednesday decision to reject the creation of a state-run health insurance exchange was a purely political move, she just might be correct in her assessment of the situation. ...

Federal route is sensible — Omaha World-Herald Editorial

It's often said that government closest to the people governs best. But not in every case.

Gov. Dave Heineman's decision to have the federal government operate a health insurance exchange for Nebraska is one of those cases. ...