THANK YOU ...
... for stopping to help our stranded group
This is a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the two men in the maroon SUV who turned around on Idaho 21 on Jan. 20 in order to try to track down our husbands. We were two moms, two kids and two dogs stranded by the side of the road when we realized that the snow was too deep to snowshoe into the Rocky Ridge yurt before dark. Our husbands were up the road waiting for the plow to open up the Whoop-em-up parking lot. (Three other cars passed us by).
Thanks for delaying your own push to get to a different yurt that night. You were my heroes that night.
SHELLEY ZIMMER, Boise
ON THE ROAD
Don’t tailgate, and stay off your cellphone
Heads up, people. Is common sense devoid in our society anymore? If you and I are waiting at a red light, I do not wish for the front of your vehicle to be kissing the rear of my vehicle. Why? Because if you are then hit, guess what happens next. You most probably will then be dealing with two insurance agencies. And you, and I, might then have a certain neurological injury. Sounds great, doesn’t it? BTW, the chic of blabbing on cell phones while driving ended when it started. A law banning this behavior can’t come soon enough.
MICHAEL DUNCAN, Nampa
Exercise some patience
Being new to the Boise area, I have been fortunate to experience kind, helpful and friendly Idahoans — until recently.
As I attempted to find a business on State Street, I learned that State Street is also a separate street from Idaho 44, which can be confusing to someone new. I had finally gotten directions to take Idaho 44 toward Star and turn right onto Edgewood. The turn lane there veers right — and being unsure whether the lane remained its own lane or merged with oncoming traffic, I paused to make sure I wasn’t going to cut someone off. My Oregon plates should have been an obvious indicator of unfamiliarity to the male driver behind me (you know who you are) who laid on his horn — further confounding my efforts. Really? Was that necessary?
Needless to say, the boy in the passenger seat will undoubtedly grow up to emulate his impatient role model.
If a vehicle is from another state, please allow it some grace — and room — for the driver to learn his or her way around. It will ensure that the Boise area stays a nice, friendly and considerate place for everyone.
TAMARA MAHN, Star
THE PRESIDENCY
The ‘empty suit’ is already on the job
Anthony Boatman in his letter to the editor on Jan. 26, indicated that the current candidates running are like the old saying, “The emperor has no clothes.” Well, Mr. Boatman, I believe the current part-time occupier of the White House would fit into that saying as well. We could add additional sayings such as, “He is an empty suit,” or he is the “Great Pretender.” These sayings are old and used many times and can have bipartisan application, not just to one party.
Free speech is precious. Do not let this slip away from us.
Enjoy the freedoms of this great country and be grateful to be an American.
The political process is complex, and it is difficult to understand where all politicians come from and where they are taking us.
Keep up the good work, “Tony,” your comments are entertaining.
KARL OLSON, Meridian
GOVERNMENT
No manmade systemcan ever be perfect
A response to Mark VanSkiver (letters, Jan. 24). Many people combine the teachings of Jesus with government and its responsibilities. Jesus intended to influence the individual hearts of mankind. If this happens (in a republic or democracy), government changes. Being truthful, no manmade government will be perfect nor will it continue forever (the United States included).
Today, leaders rarely follow the Constitution. People are not educated about the Federalist Papers and all that the Founding Fathers thought and said. Our Founding Fathers wouldn’t even recognize this government as the one they started.
In response to Mark:
1. Biblically under the authority of God, the government has the power of the sword to punish evildoers. (In my opinion, our present government’s capital punishment is unjust in that money, race and notoriety play into the result.)
2) Millions, not thousands die. Most of the world has little health care. It’s neither a right nor a privilege (via the Constitution or biblically). It’s either a ministry or a service provided by a business.
3) People kill people. Weapons are but a tool.
4) Government isn’t there to follow Jesus. It needs to enforce the law, and there are terrible ramifications for the children of illegal aliens who don’t.
DANIEL MALLOY, Boise
