FIREWORKS/EYES
For a safe day, let the pros do the fireworks shows
Children look forward to the Fourth of July every year. It seems that every street corner in Idaho has a fireworks stand. Unfortunately, there are over 9,000 fireworks-related injuries each year.
Twenty-one percent of these are eye injuries and more than half of the victims are young children or teenagers. Even sparklers, which may seem harmless, cause about a third of all fireworks injuries.
As an ophthalmologist, I see traumatic injuries that could have been prevented with safety glasses.
For a safe, fun July 4, the Idaho Society of Ophthalmology recommends attending a professional fireworks display. If you put on your own fireworks show, be sure that you and your kids wear protective eyewear. Most importantly, never let children play with fireworks, even “duds.”
JOHANNA JENSEN, M.D., President, Idaho Society of Ophthalmology, Boise
OF THE PEOPLE
Declare independence from political extremes
As we approach the 236th year of our independence, our government has gone from of the people, for the people, and by the people, to of the corporation or party, for the corporation or party, and by the corporation or party. The only way to get our country back is to vote out all extreme right and left incumbents.
This from a Democrat who has been known to vote for a Republican if he is a better candidate.
TERRY JACKSON, Boise
FREEDOM
True independence goes beyond celebrations
This week marks the 236th anniversary of the birth of our Constitutional Republic. Traditionally, this revered occasion was known as Independence Day. In more recent times, that has been replaced by the inane term “Fourth of July.” Have we thought to question how or why this change? Even more probingly, I would ask what is it that we Americans continue to celebrate on this day?
Before anyone lobs at me the “love it or leave it” cliche, I believe I love this country as much as anyone. I write only to challenge fellow citizens to stop and think and consider to what extent we truly remain independent and free. For my part, I believe we’ve largely lost what, as a nation, we once were.
For any who takes issue with that, I offer two suggestions: First, go online and research U.N. Agenda 21. Second, start tuning into Internet truth radio.
For example, there’s www.republicbroadcasting.org. Broadcasts there are live, even on Independence Day itself. Freedom-loving Americans need to think, listen and learn, and with God’s help, work together to get our nation back to true independence. On that note, the hour is late!
CAROL ASHER, Kamiah
SHARON ULLMAN
Personal vendettas cost taxpayers millions
It’s long past time for Sharon Ullman to remount her broomstick and go back to wherever she came from. Through her pseudo-righteousness and personal vendettas, she has done more damage — to say nothing of the literally millions of dollars she has cost the people of Ada County — than any other politician in the state’s history.
I offer six simple words of advice to Ullman: Get the hell out of Idaho!
PATRICIA RODRIGUEZ, Boise
SHARE THE ROAD
Registration for bikers could pay for markings
Reading about what we’re doing for bikers, marking streets and passing ordinances to protect their sharing of our roads, I have a question.
If it’s our obligation or duty to share our streets and roads designed for vehicles (with the attendant possible liability), shouldn’t registration fees for street-ridden bikes be more reflective of the cost to provide them with that share? For starters, I’d wager the $35,000 estimate to do the marking is about half right.
BOB JESSEN, Meridian
POLITICS
Obama an unfair target; Romney caters to the rich
Our political system is so broken. The day President Obama was inaugurated, the GOP had a meeting to discuss how to take him down. Sen. Mitch McConnell said their No. 1 goal was to make sure President Obama is a one-term president. How is it that the Republicans can sign an oath ... to not raise taxes, when elected officials are sworn to support the Constitution and our country?
It is not a good feeling knowing that all they care about was getting rid of President Obama.
Our country was ready to fall off the cliff when he became president. His policies saved this country! If Mitt Romney is elected president, taxes will be lowered for the rich and programs that help the poor and middle class will be eliminated or severely curtailed.
The GOP’s interest is in the elite 1 percent that pours money into their campaigns. Mitt Romney is already a puppet for those special interests. The corporations are putting unlimited amounts of money into his campaign to ensure their agendas are supported. This country is for sale due to the Citizens United ruling by the Supreme Court.
NANCY GARBANI, Caldwell
Ryan budget plan is unfair
I support the Nuns on the Bus (nunsonthebus.com) opposing the Ryan budget that would raise taxes on 18 million hard-working, low-income families while cutting taxes for millionaires and big corporations. It would push the families of 2 million children into poverty. It would kick 8 million people off food stamps and 30 million off health care. We need a fair budget that puts working families first!
MIA CROSTHWAITE, Boise
BOISE PARKS
Department has limits
My feeling is the Parks Department is headed in the right direction. Less herbicides, water, mowing. So ... wah, wah, wah!
If weeds are mowed before setting seed, no need for weeding. Timing is critical. If weeds are watered, weeds grow. Not so much water. Less herbicides.
Take a look at people’s lawns and their back 40. Nothing there to be bragging about.
Most of us do what we can, considering our capabilities. Money, time, knowledge, experience and energy.
So don’t dis Parks Department. It has limits, too.
DARLENE TOLUSE, Boise
