EDUCATION

Process ignores wishes of voters

We are approaching a familiar crossroad in the ongoing journey toward educating Idaho's children.

I noticed, with extreme disgust, that the Idaho School Boards Association has introduced seven individual bills this session designed to further demoralize, demean and regulate the professional teachers of Idaho. I am angered that the ISBA has resurrected the components of the failed Proposition 1 and are trying to convince the citizens once more of their supreme importance.

Barely four months ago, the intelligent citizens of this state made clear their dissatisfaction with these laws and resoundingly defeated them. The audacity to bring them again, while a task force has been trying to formulate some real change, makes one wonder who is complicit in this outrage.

I have been to several "listening" hearings, but I have to wonder who is really "hearing" what is being said. I would ask any legislator to put themselves in each teacher's shoes, preparing each day to go to your chosen passion with the knowledge that you are alone, overwhelmed, dejected, disrespected and demoralized. I am appalled at the constant scrutiny and attacks that the teaching profession must weather. What have we really done to "encourage" teachers lately?

MICHAEL HRANAC, Boise

Insult to voters

Three whole months after the voters of Idaho soundly rejected Propositions 1, 2 and 3, the DeMordaunt/Goedde gang is out to save the poor voters of Idaho.

Clearly, we did not know what we were voting for and missed the memo on how it was supposed to turn out. The failure of Students Come First was due to the overpowering liberal bias that is backed by the teachers union and is the result of left-leaning Idaho politics.

Thankfully, there are men like DeMordaunt and Goedde to protect us from our own ignorance and do what is best for the voters when a majority of voters err. Just wipe one shade of lipstick off the pig and replace it with another to see if the voters of Idaho will finally take it to the dance.

I am happy that people like these two, who vehemently oppose government interference in the will of the people, are there to tell the voting public of Idaho that we are too dumb to make our own decisions. But what do I know? I'm just an ignorant hick from the sticks of Council. I'll wait until Mr. DeMordaunt and Goedde tell me what I should think ...

CLAY HATFIELD, Boise

Pols not listening

Government - why we vote?

The House voted unanimously recently in favor of the legislation that aims to put back money that was lost when voters repealed the 2011 Students Come First laws last fall. Rejection of those laws translated to a midyear funding cut to schools at a time when districts were counting on that money to make ends meet this year.

Government is going to send all of us to the poor house. Most are already there. Government just loves to spend money we don't have. Idaho employees want more money, too; if they are not happy, move out. There are a lot of folks that would love to have the job; they might even work for a little less. Greed - that is what it is all about. Idaho, keep spending and you can go bankrupt like some cities in California. When are we going to get the streetcar, Mr. Mayor?

One more thing, the House needs to ground Air Force One - $180,000 per hour on borrowed money. They could pay off one mortgage every hour.

KEN MCDEVITT, Boise

AYN RAND

GOP unaware of Rand's beliefs

Ayn Rand, the radical Russian-American philosopher, is in the news again. Rand has been a favorite of the more extreme elements of the GOP for her rabid embrace of unbridled, laissez faire capitalism and her negativity towards anything involving the "collective" (the federal government in this case). Such Republican luminaries as Clarence Thomas, Rand Paul and Paul Ryan, among others, are devotees of Rand's philosophy.

Recently, in Idaho, Sen. John Goedde, R-Coeur d'Alene, apparently a true believer, suggested (tongue-in-cheek) that Rand should be required reading for Idaho's high school graduates.

Unfortunately, these Republicans either ignore or don't know the scope of Rand's beliefs.

She hated Reagan's Republicanism (too liberal). She also supported abortion rights, practiced open marriage and was hostile to all religions, particularly Christianity. Rand even attacked Jesus because he gave his life for all humankind.

Rand's key moral virtue was selfishness, the very antithesis of Christianity. And, ironically, if alive today, she would have blasted the tea party types for being hypocrites for not accepting her philosophy in full. So how do extreme right-wing politicians reconcile Rand's repugnant beliefs with traditional American political thought and Judeo-Christian values? They don't, because they can't. What a surprise.

RICHARD HARRISON, Boise

LANGLEY GULCH FLAG

New flag coming

Idaho Power has received several inquiries about the American flag at our Langley Gulch Power Plant, including letters to the editor in the Idaho Statesman.

Please know that the old flag that was visible from Interstate 84 during the plant's construction was the property of one of our contractors (TIC), who took it with them once the job was complete.

While a new flag already is flying at the plant, we understand it's not as visible as the old one.

This spring, we plan to erect a new flag that will be prominently displayed in a safe area that won't interfere with the plant's operation.

Idaho Power is proud to fly our nation's flag, and we're glad nearby residents and drivers on I-84 noticed its absence.

KEVIN WINSLOW, corporate communications specialist, Idaho Power