Robert Ehlert: We keep asking, you keep answering | Idaho Statesman

Time flies when you’re having fun asking questions.

It’s been a month since we started our Today’s Question feature in the Depth Section and on our Facebook page. We started this venture June 21 and have tried to keep a pretty singular focus: to stimulate community conversation.

Throughout this summer “soft launch” we have not been disappointed, though we have made some observations. There has been a choice between what we have been calling lifestyle/philosophical/comfort food questions and issue questions spun off the news, and we’re getting the greater response from the latter.

Yes, some folks had fun “putting on their Basque” this weekend around the Basque Soccer Friendly festivities, but dozens and dozens more wanted to weigh in on questions about Mayor Dave Bieter lowering the Mississippi state flag at City Hall and discussing their concerns about the Iran nuclear deal.

Another thing we’ve been hearing more often is that folks who have no interest in going on Facebook to participate in Today’s Question enjoy the vicarious option of reading the responses from those who do — not just in our Facebook thread, but occasionally in print, when I compile some sample answers and present excerpts.

So here’s another example of that for you to digest:

What are your thoughts and concerns about the Iran nuclear deal?

Adam L Kerrick Well, considering that besides us, five other superpower countries were all a part of this deal, I would say it’s a fantastic start! Sorry Republicans, no war for you mongers today!

William R. Smoke Hopefully Congress will stop it. In March the Iranians cheered Death to America. Now they are cheering again. I wonder why? The sanctions were working. And we have a Idaho resident in prison for what? Terrible negotiations!

Darin Turner I need to know more to form an opinion. It seems like most folks have decided on party lines. Obama tightened sanctions against Iran and authorized the use of the Stuxnet computer virus to destroy Iranian centrifuges. He has used a variety of approaches...

Deane Blakeslee 1. Obama left American prisoners over there. 2. Iran gets everything, we get promises. 3. We and other signees going to help with their security. Who does Iran have to fear? Israel. One of our closest friends/supporters. Obama has turned his back on them. ...

Ernie Revello This deal is an example of how adults handle international relations. Tough bargaining, strong document and no war needed.

Edit Szanto I have more concerns about nuclear waste coming to Idaho.

Mark Stippich Appeasement IS NEVER Leadership! For Obama, this had nothing to do with a “Nuclear Deal” and it does not represent the interests of the USA and it’s allies.

What have been your favorite summer events in the Treasure Valley?

Dorothy Davidson Global Village Festival in Ontario, Oregon.

Robert Haley Idaho Green Fest.

Rick Cedillo The Motley Crue concert (next week).

Luanne Hay Ostrow Basque Soccer Friendly.

Mary Ann Stearns Emmons Boise Blues Festival. Honorable mention to Treefort, which was technically in spring.

What would you name the new baby red pandas?

Karen Lloid Ridenour Ying and Yang.

Kari DeLoach Stu-Panda, The Great Pandini, Ida and Ada.

Carrie Cygan Star & Garnet. Idaho’s state Gem. Or how about Emma & Edward? Emma Edwards designed the state flag.

How will you put your Basque on this weekend?

Deane Blakeslee I’m going to be a Basque-it case!

Sandy Misner I’m flying the Basque flag.

Todd Giesler Eat a chorizo.

Favorite Disney Dog – Goofy or Pluto?

Joshua Peters Goofy!!!!!!

Liza Safford Goofy!

Shayne Bryant Goofy.

Kether Muse Really? Sort of Goofy using bandwidth when more interesting story would be about #Pluto. Do you think there are little microscopic Plutonians living on Pluto?

Robert Ehlert is the Statesman’s editorial page editor. Reach him at 377-6437 or follow @IDS_HelloIdaho