EDUCATION AND WAGES
Workers pay price for education woes
In a recent Statesman were two articles that require a second look. On page one, we learn that Gov. Butch Otter is forming a group to suggest modifications to our education system “which could lead to changes without lawmakers.”
It could just as easily be said that Idaho’s education has already been “without lawmakers,” since their record shows no concern for improving education. The legislative anti-tax posturing is destroying any chance of maintaining adequate funding for implementing education reform to improve the poor system which currently exists.
At the same time, our revered elected officials have been disgustingly submissive to lobbyists and their special interests. These groups continue to reap rewards while the average state resident does without many benefits which other states enjoy.
On page four, another article states that Idaho’s overall earnings are last in the nation.
While the articles were separated in the paper, they really should have been joined together.
In that way, it would have been readily apparent what the legislators are actually accomplishing: Destruction of the state education system so no one will be able to read. If people are not literate, they won’t know just how bad things are in Idaho.
BEN SIMPSON, Boise
Last in wages; last in education
Regarding the article in the Statesman about “Idaho workers’ overall earnings last in the nation.” I would like to ask a question: How is that right to work for less law working? We also rank close to last in education spending.
We have plenty of money for law enforcement and corrections, though.
One of Idaho’s priorities is to lock everyone up for smoking a joint or writing a bad check. As long as this state keeps voting for anyone and everything with an R behind its name (trained monkey, anyone?), we will continue to have these disastrous consequences. These results are a huge embarrassment and I am ashamed for the state I was born and raised in.
PAT KENDALL, Boise
It’s no wonder why children leave
Idaho workers overall earnings last in the nation. It’s hard watching people move out of state to provide for their family.
It hits home. Our children and grandchildren moved to North Dakota to make a living, not just surviving. Medical insurance for the first time that people lack in Idaho.
Wake up. Idaho wages worse than all America. We trusted that you had our best interest in hand. You pat yourself and each other on the back for a job we should be happy about? You’re happy because your future is bright! Your future nest egg is beyond the limits of reality while people on Social Security should bow to you for $537 a month to survive on.
This is your legacy. Home fires being quenched with the tears of insecurity and fearfulness and hunger. Wages that people in other states laugh at. Good job guys.
You’re expecting another raise? Bring Idaho back to desirable wages in America. Enjoy your new year while our children leave for other states. “Mississippi or bust” to prosper, Gov. Otter. Domestic abuse, families broken because of financial stress, good people fighting and children in bed without dinner.
Scrooge is alive in Idaho. “Louisiana or bust.”
CHIP MILLER, Nampa
SEN. MIKE CRAPO
Senator can be a positive force
After his DUI arrest, Sen. Crapo did the politically correct thing by fessing up and taking responsibility. Good for him.
Now the good senator must do the next best thing, the morally correct thing and get behind an effort to require interlock ignition systems for all first-time DUI offenders in Idaho. Our Legislature convenes this month and he has the perfect opportunity to influence his Republican friends to introduce and pass this legislation in Idaho. It’s the right thing to do.
VIVIAN KLEIN, Boise
A possible cause
If ever there could be a Congress to cause a man, even Mike Crapo, to have a drink, it would be this one.
ALICE HIBBARD, Boise
GOP follies
U.S. senator convicted of solicitation in an airport men’s room. State senator found drunk and convicted of DUI. Later accused of sexual misconduct. State representative says he does not have to pay federal or state taxes. Later is found to have stolen trees from public land.
U.S. senator downs vodka and is arrested for a DUI.
Are you still proud to be a Republican from Idaho?
JOHN RHODE, Meridian
CONGRESS
Building up the case for term limits
Insanity at best, stupidity at worst. Congress is incompetent. Are we fed up yet? No budget for almost four years, our national debt is unthinkable, 50 percent pay no income tax, social programs rule us, no energy policy and everything is at “the last hour.”
If we keep doing what we have always done, we will always get what we always have gotten.
Show all of them the door. Impose term limits. Serve your country and fellow citizens then go home and do what you did for a living. Keep the folks that have just been elected but impose a two-term limit. Wake up, are we sleepwalking? What is the problem? What is your solution?
BOB HOLUP, Mountain Home
Throw ’em out
It is time to declare both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives bankrupt, cancel their pensions, retirement health programs, seize their campaign contributions, and establish a commission to explore outsourcing the whole operation. Including the president and all his staff.
FRITZ DIXON, Meridian
They’re losers
One word for this failure of a Congress, Democrats and Republicans alike: losers!
MICHAEL C. SMITH, Boise
