REP. RAUL LABRADOR

Farris’ allegations, and coverage, were pathetic

The front-page headline, “Farris: Labrador missing too many votes,” is the worst piece of liberal journalism you have published this year. It is not so important that Labrador missed votes for rational reasons; what is important is how he voted on the votes he made. Mr. Farris is a nobody in the political arena and that will not change after this election. This will be the second time Mr. Farris has cast a vote in a national election, so for him to throw stones at Congressman Labrador is a bit pathetic, and for the Statesman to put it on the front page is even more pathetic.

If you want to write about someone not doing their job, why don’t you write about President Obama? With his campaign fundraisers and golf games, it’s a wonder he has any time to run this country, but I never hear any criticism about his job performance. You give this story top front-page billing, yet you announce that it is Constitution Day on page A4 under a banner, “Gov. Butch Otter to read proclamation on Constitution Day.” If it wasn’t for my wife liking your crossword puzzle, I would cancel our subscription.

BOB NEUGEBAUER, Meridian

A courageous conservative

I appreciate the dedication and commitment of Mr. Raul Labrador as our congressman. He is a true leader who works hard on our behalf. He is willing to stand up and fight for our values here in Idaho. I think he is very brave. It takes courage to be one of the most conservative members of Congress. We need to rally around him now and in November!

I do not agree with the socialist philosophies that are so rampant today. It is our job as citizens to elect good people with character and integrity. Mr. Labrador represents us well! Will you join me in supporting this good man?

LEIANN SNYDER, Nampa

A vote against Patriot Act

Raul Labrador missed three votes on Sept. 19, not 27, and is there for ones like this:

“House blocks renewal of Patriot Act. Some of these tea party guys aren’t insane after all,” tweeted liberal Armon Dadgar, a resident of Kirkland, Wash.

Rep. Ron Paul of Texas and newcomer Rep. Raul Labrador of Idaho were among eight in the tea party caucus to vote against extending certain surveillance measures contained in the Patriot Act, joining with 18 other Republicans and most House Democrats to prevent their reauthorization — at least for now. Liberal Democratic lawmakers, in particular, have long derided parts of the Patriot Act as sacrificing civil liberties.

DENNIS LEONARD, Kuna

Campaigning for change

I heard someone call into a radio show and jump on Congressman Labrador for campaigning nationally for Mitt Romney. I voted for Congressman Labrador because I want change in Washington, D.C. If that means traveling the country to fight for a Mitt Romney victory in November, I am all for it! Great job, Raul!

SHANA JASZKOWIAK, Eagle

47 PERCENT

Romney remarks insulting

A friend was wounded in Vietnam and has PTSD so he has been unable to keep a regular job. Five years ago he contracted Parkinson’s disease, possibly from exposure to Agent Orange. The Veterans Administration considers him totally disabled, partly from Agent Orange exposure. Disability compensation is his only income. He pays no income tax. According to Mitt Romney, he is a freeloader who is only looking for what he can get from the government.

My mother passed away two years ago. She worked as a homemaker, a part-time housekeeper, and a cafeteria worker.

She was active in her church and her community and voted in every election for 70 years. Her retirement income was Social Security and a small pension, making her another Romney moocher.

My late mother-in-law lost her first husband in World War II, leaving her with an infant daughter. Her second husband died suddenly, leaving her to raise three young sons on a factory worker’s salary. Her only retirement income was Social Security and a VA benefit. That made her part of Romney’s 47 percent who see themselves as victims. Mitt Romney has insulted my family and my friend. He does not deserve to be president.

BARRY CUNFER, Boise

Voting the paycheck

I am confused. Apparently, I am one of the lazy, money-grabbing, unworthy 47 percent of the people in the U.S. that get free federal handouts. After teaching for more than 40 years, I’m on Social Security and President Obama is really paying me to vote for him. He sure has a lot of power since he controls my pocketbook, my thinking and my vote.

However, I live on quite a bit less than $100,000 per year, but I pay about 15 percent federal income tax and I don’t have a daytime job, which puts me in the Romney club. Also, I have a savings account, but in a credit union in this country. Does this mean I have to vote Republican?

After a great deal of thought, I decided that Romney doesn’t pay me enough, so I guess I’ll vote for the radical, socialistic, Muslim guy born in a cave in Kenya. In order to vote, now I need to get my birth certificate, since I was born in Lethbridge, Alberta. I wonder if those people knew then that I did not want to run for president of the United States and gave me the correct one?

DENNIS G. FALK, Boise

DRUG ENFORCEMENT

‘Snitch’ program places young people at risk

American children, teens and young adults are under attack! DEA agents are using record numbers of convicted drug dealers called “snitches” to broaden the incarceration net and thereby justifying the billions spent every year by U.S. federal, state and local law enforcement officials. Your children are at great risk by these thousands of convicted drug dealers in your neighborhood (under the blessing of law enforcement).

Wake up, parents and concerned citizens, the very government you love is fighting against your children. Don’t believe me? Look for yourselves. Please read Professor Alexandra Natapof’s book, “Snitching,” and the erosion of the American justice system.

Your child or grandchild might be the next victim of an innocent offer by some of the most addicting drugs the world has ever known. Do your homework, people. Your children’s lives are at stake.

I’m completely down with legitimate law enforcement, but the lines have become incredibly skewed and nobody seems to know what is really going on anymore. Wake up for your kids’ sake.

BRIAN CROSSLAND, Boise

RAILROAD

Spruce up the trestle

I was stopped at the light of Vista and Rose Hill looking at the entrance to the City of Trees. What we see is a rusted railroad trestle. I think the city leaders should contact Union Pacific and see if it could be painted or maybe a mural that welcomes all of us to Boise.

ROB BECKER, Boise