Letters to the editor: Risch, dogs, wolves, Trump

Risch

I was horrified and embarrassed when I heard and read reports about Senator Risch of Idaho falling asleep at the impeachment trial, making Idaho the laughingstock of the country.

It’s hard to believe, no matter what your politics, that a representative of the citizens of the United States would not want to pay concentrated attention at such a significant event in our country’s history.

Even more difficult to believe is that Risch has been a senator representing us — the people of Idaho — since 2009.

Voters of Idaho, I call on you to remember the words of Edmund Burke, distinguished statesman and philosopher, “All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.” At the ballot box in 2020, let’s put an end to the triumph of evil and vote someone in who gives a damn. Someone who seeks the truth in all matters.

Connie Weidel, Garden City

Dogs

I am writing in response to a recent letter to the editor regarding the Boise Parks and Recreation’s enforcement of the off-leash dog laws. I found the department very receptive when we petitioned for off-leash hours at Williams Park many years ago. Boise has many parks with off-leash hours and several that are off-leash all the time. With that said, citizens need to follow the law and keep their dogs on a leash no matter how well-trained they are. I say this because we now have a dog from the shelter that does not like other dogs, and when we walk our dog near parks with off-leash times or even in parks without off-leash times, we need to know other dogs are not going to approach us and possibly start a dog fight. I have wished for more employees of the Parks and Recreation to enforce the laws for the safety of all. I am glad Mr. Lockwood has a well-trained dog and sorry he has had to pay tickets. Before Williams Park got off-leash hours, I too paid two tickets for my “well-behaved” dog at the time. I learned my lesson then.

Claudia Terrell, Boise

Wolves

I recently testified before the Idaho Fish and Game Commission opposing proposals to increase wolf-killing and allow glorified wolf baiting in Idaho. I pointed out that since the Idaho Department of Fish and Game does not have a wolf population estimate based on radio collar data and aerial surveys, increasing wolf killing is irresponsible. And, I reminded the Commission that it rejected a similar proposal to allow wolf baiting after overwhelming public opposition in 2017.

When I returned to my seat, a self-identified trapper told me I’d better hurry to my car at the end of the evening.

Advocating for wolves in Idaho means addressing a hostile audience and being exposed to threats from bullies emboldened by having the Commission’s ear. As I left the meeting, I wondered what exactly that man was threatening me with, or for — but his remark served its purpose of warning me that expressing a pro-wolf position before the Commission is unpopular, if not downright dangerous.

Wildlife conservationists and wolf advocates have no representation on the Commission. It’s time for wildlife conservation interests have an equal voice in Idaho’s wildlife management policy — or at least a safe seat at the table.

Talasi Brooks, Boise

Trump

Reply to Mr. Lorenzen: Perhaps an innocent oversight, perhaps a convenient elision:

A political candidate represents her/himself; a president represents the Constitution.

Stephen Asher, Boise

This story was originally published January 29, 2020 at 11:20 AM.