The tax plans cometh: Romney vs. Santorum

Taxes always rank as major costs and big concerns for entrepreneurs, businesses and investors. But that’s even more so the case now given imposed, scheduled and proposed tax increases under President Barack Obama. There’s the possibility of even more tax hikes not too far down the road given the four-plus-year unprecedented explosion in federal spending […]

When it comes to energy, preaching to the choir offers a needed reminder

Given the prominent participation of natural gas exploration and production companies at the annual Energy Forum & Expo in Grand Junction, the speakers who deliver presentations there are a lot like ministers preaching to the choir. It’s easy to convince someone of something in which they already firmly believe. Nonetheless, presentations at the event always […]

Thou shale not drill!

If you say it with a little drawl, it kind of works, doesn’t it? Now I don’t know how the folks at the top of the Department of the Interior will feel about a biblical reference, but if there are tablets with rules on them in D.C., I can assure you this is one of […]

Federal budget projections: higher spending and taxes

Where is federal government spending headed? It seems like everyone wants to know, though for different reasons. Some mistakenly believe that big government is somehow good for the economy — or at least good for their efforts to get re-elected. Others, with a better understanding of how the economy actually works, remain concerned federal spending […]

Timely tips offered to bring needed relief to a taxing burden

Long hours and hard work comes with owning a small business. Few entrepreneurs would have it any other way. It’s the price they pay to live their American dreams.  But not everyone welcomes overtime and extra effort to get the job done. The IRS, National Taxpayer Advocate Nina Olson reported to Congress recently, is suffering […]

Small business left out of presidential remarks

So, what happened to small business? In his State of the Union address, President Barack Obama offered no direct, substantive remarks about small business. That, of course, is a striking omission given the central role entrepreneurial firms play in terms of innovation, economic growth and job creation. However, the president did touch on some issues […]

Hell hath no fury like a politician scorned

Yes, I had to weigh in on the controversy swirling around Laura Bradford. For the record, we’ve covered Bradford as both an entrepreneur and state representative over the years. We will continue to do so, no matter the party, or lack thereof, to which she chooses to belong. It’s just that the coverage she receives […]

Private sector still resilient, but troubled outlook persists

American entrepreneurs, investors, businesses and workers are a hearty, resilient bunch. Despite government derailing the economy — and keeping it derailed for more than four years now — the private sector nonetheless continues to push ahead. Assorted political supporters of and media apologists for big government activism assert that government has saved the private market […]