EDUCATION REFORM
Luna resignation would help give a fresh start
I agree with much of your editorial of Dec. 7 regarding the “Luna Laws.” An open and transparent process for gathering input from all individuals and groups will be needed before we can move to solutions that will focus on the core issues of improving student achievement on a local basis.
I would suggest that Mr. Luna acknowledge his role in the flawed process and resign. This would allow an interim leader to emerge who could lead a refreshed process — one focused on gathering input from all interested individuals and groups in a credible and transparent manner.
An open process would also allow our elected representatives to take a fresh look at new data from many sources ... and move to new positions rather than being stuck on the politically polarizing positions that exist today. The “winners” of the Nov. 6 referendum are celebrating without vocalizing a proposal. The “losers” are attempting to have a “blue-ribbon panel appointed by the governor” to rebuild the rejected solutions.
We need our leaders to take state and national politics out of the local educational improvement process and get reform back on track.
DOUG PARK, Boise
Governor has it wrong; there’s no saving the props
Am I the only person concerned with our governor’s comments in the Statesman on Dec. 6?
According to our governor, although Propositions 1, 2 and 3 were soundly defeated in November’s election, there is still “significant support” for “various aspects” of the propositions in the community. Those propositions were in no way ambiguous. Each addressed one topic clearly, with a simple yes or no vote required. Where is the validity in our system if our elected officials can ignore facts which run contrary to their desired outcome? That is tantamount to saying, “Obama won, but Romney is really our president.”
JULIE GRASS, Kuna
NEWTOWN
Gun laws not the answer
So sorry about Newtown. It’s not about gun control, folks. It’s about when are we going to take responsibility for the mentally ill in our country? Therein lies the problem.
BARBARA L. CARTER, Boise
Gun safety code needed
With deep regret and sorrow I see another mass murder of innocent people in school.
It is time for this country to stop addressing guns and start addressing the real problem, people. We need a 50-state comprehensive gun safety code; a far-reaching gun training program; and the issuing of gun safety licenses for collectors, home defense, concealed carry, hunting, target shooting or any combination of the above.
Gun bans do not work and may at worst lead to civil disobedience. Sam Elliot is reputed to have said: “You think criminals will obey gun laws? You are some kind of stupid!” Let’s get real.
ROBERT A. TAYLOR, Boise
Weapons are easy to get
Something to ponder: We went to war with Iraq because we thought they had weapons of mass destruction. We can go to the nearest gun store and buy as many weapons of mass destruction as we want.
BOB FRITSCH, Boise
GOVERNMENT
Good-guy approach not working for U.S.
What is the responsibility of the United Nations? The solutions for conflicts in our world belong with the United Nations, not the United States. That is why it exists. As long as we interfere as the good guys, the burden for a solution, good or bad, falls on our country.
We seem to create more enemies than friends with this approach, and what help we give is never enough and usually never ends up where it was intended.
We have major problems in our own country that need solving and we seem too involved in other nations’ problems, when our own nation’s problems seem to be put on the back burner. This debt occurred because of two wars, one we shouldn’t have been in, and greed from our own industry. With the imbalance of wealth in this country (310+ billionaires = a thousand million each), we, as a country, are heading for trouble we don’t need.
JIM BYRNE, Boise
TRUE-BLUE CITIZEN
Inspiring letter promotes America’s greatness
Thank you, David Carmack. At last I have found a true-blue American citizen. You have restored my faith in how great a country the USA is. My only hope and desire is wishing all Americans will follow the path you have taken. Your letter to the editor (Dec. 11) should be printed and sent to all newspapers. I found it inspiring, especially your closing statements (respecting everyone’s right to make their own choice, etc.). I am a registered Republican; however, I don't ever vote for the party, unless I have been convinced my vote is for the candidate who will serve our great country and get us back on the road to economic recovery.
P.S: I voted for Obama.
JOHN FALCONE, Boise
DEATH TAX
Estate taxes are unfair, sick and disgusting
Repeal the death tax: What is the purpose of the law? Most would agree that a legitimate purpose is to protect us from those who would steal our property. If someone does steal our property, we call the police; they investigate, and hopefully find it, return it, and punish the offender.
Why do we have a death tax? Why do we allow the law to be perverted to deprive us of our private property? Having a death tax is bad enough, but the changes about to be implemented will make it almost impossible to pass along small businesses, family farms and ranches. Why should the heirs have to purchase a small business from the IRS? The IRS never owned it. This is a sick and disgusting tax that should be forever abolished.
The people who passed it were inspired by Marxist class envy, although I note that Russia and China have repealed their inheritance taxes. Why do we inhibit intergenerational wealth transfer, but feel no compunction about intergenerational debt transfer?
JACK WOOD, Star
SOCIAL PROGRAMS
Social Security, Medicare are not bargaining chips
Like many of my family members and neighbors, I’m concerned with how Congress is handling Social Security, especially in these sequestration negotiations.
Congress hasn’t approved a budget for SSA since 2010. Since then, hiring of workers and salaries have been frozen. And now, for the second time, SSA office hours have been shortened. SSA, as an agency, cannot meet the demands of the American public when they are not given the resources to do so.
Why are members of Congress even discussing budget restrictions on SSA in this sequestration mess anyway? Social Security has its own revenue stream from hard-earned wages and has nothing to do with the deficit. Why is Congress even considering to hold Social Security hostage in these negotiations when millions of aged, disabled and survivors rely on it for benefits that have been bought and paid for by working Americans?
Please contact your representatives and tell them to take their hands off Social Security and Medicare.
JAMES STEWART, Meridian
FIXING AMERICA
Politicians, corporations can be part of solution
Want to fix America?
1. Put all politicians on Social Security.
2. All public servants to pay for their own insurance, health and retirement. The same as the majority workforce.
3. Outlaw lobbying; it’s lawyers’ description for bribery. Anyone involved is guilty of a crime.
4. Aiding in a criminal act by any person, regardless of station in life, political or private, to be shown no leniency, as anyone aiding illegal aliens.
5. Any business moving outside of the United States be subject to import taxes sufficient to discourage same.
6. Any company provided entitlements, permits, water rights, etc., to establish a business “as Micron,” then moving business to China should also pay heavy import tax.
7. Stop all foreign giveaways, as in the wheat giveaway to Russia.
8. Any special interest groups like the so-called Friends of Animals have to show knowledge and proof of legitimacy of intent.
9. Laws passed and taxed to provide funds as for Social Security, Medicare, Pitman Robertson’s, etc., should be protected from any political excuse. All such misuse should be considered criminal and prosecuted.
DELMAR L. PHILLIPS, Emmett
