THANK YOU
... for helping those in need
First, I would like to express my appreciation to all the organizations and individuals whose efforts make life a little better for those most vulnerable in these trying times. These are too many to name in one letter, but top of my list would be Interfaith Sanctuary and Idaho Foodbank. A bed and a meal can mean an awful lot for those who lack the means to have either, especially in the cold of winter. Compassion is the cornerstone of goodwill. A little caring goes a long way. Help someone in need today and tomorrow you will be glad you did.
Second, in the spirit of festive peace, I would like to encourage everyone to embrace, rather than reject, the diversity that is America. Celebration of life and family is a universal concept, and we are all part of the human family.
DOUG VAN CUREN, president,Humanists of Idaho, Boise
... for help during hurricane
During Hurricane Sandy, our village was without power for seven days and seven cold nights. Repair crews from our local utility were occupied elsewhere. Finally, a line of trucks from Northline Utilities, staffed by workers from Buffalo, Idaho and Montana, worked its way down our street and restored our power.
I want to thank all those who left home and families to help us in our hour of need. Our prayers and best wishes are with them.
FRANCIS J. O’REILLY, Ardsley, N.Y.
... to supporters and opponents
I would like to thank all of you who helped in my recent campaign for re-election to the Idaho House of Representatives. I also wish to thank those of you who opened your doors to me as I walked through District 16 this year. Your insights have been very helpful to my preparations for the next legislative session. Finally, I wish to thank my opponents, Lee-Mark Ruff and Jeffrey Laing, for the positive and civil tone of the campaign. I invite all of you in District 16 to contact me with your thoughts on the issues.
GRANT BURGOYNE, Representative, District 16-A, Boise
TOO OLD?
A salute to our teachers
A few days ago, my 5-year-old grandson asked me if I’ve always been old. I gave him a smile — then he said, “Grandpa, did you know, if you get too old you’ll die?” “Is that how it works?” I asked. “Yep,” he said and off he went to play. A few minutes later he was back with another question. “Grandpa, when does old start?” “Well,” I said, “we get older everyday.” “But when did you get real old?” “I don’t know,” I said. “Would Grandma know?” “She might,” I answered and off he went again. He just started school and I wanted to take a moment to salute those who work with this age group, and I wanted to do it before I got “too old.” Kindergarten is the first step in these young people’s education. Their curiosity is saying they are eager to learn so you’ll need to be the best of the best. Teach ‘em well. Teach ‘em how to share and work together and maybe someday we’ll have people in Washington who will work for the people. If you can do this, and I believe you can, I’ll hold this salute until I get “too old.”
ROY LUNSFORD, Kuna
THANKSGIVING MYTH
Children hear the wrong message
Which story of Thanksgiving were children taught in Idaho schools this year? Was it the myth about it being because the Indians brought food to the starving Plymouth colonists and taught them what native crops were good? Or was it the truth that so many in Plymouth and other early English colonies died because they tried to establish a socialist way of life, where everyone got the same amount of food no matter how much or how little they worked? In 1623 William Bradford abolished the old system and established a free market where all could fully benefit from their labor. Famine and death left Plymouth and the colony thrived. Like socialism throughout history, its believers never learn it can’t work. The previous decade, Jamestown experienced the same situation, starvation and famine (440 of 500 died in 1609) until dumping the communal way for a free market in 1613-14.
The facts are in the colonists’ journals and records. The myth has been used to promote a lie for over 200 years.
Did your children get the myth or the truth? I think it’s long past time to demand the myth not be taught in any grade.
GREGG ESHELMAN, Weiser
DROWNED FAMILY
Don’t risk life to save a pet
The story on the front page about the family dying while trying to rescue their pet is a familiar one. After almost 24 years spent in the Coast Guard on the West Coast, this is the usual result of someone going into the surf to “rescue” their dog. The rescuers drown and the dog swims back to the beach.
Never go into the ocean, especially when the conditions are as bad as they were on that day, to try and rescue your dog. It’s not worth losing your life.
DANIEL BENNETT, BMCS, USCG (Ret.), Caldwell
