Letters to the editor: Trump, Republicans, bond elections
Republicans
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell has done more to destroy the integrity of this important institution of government than any prior leader in the nation’s history. He ignored the Senate’s constitutional obligation to provide checks on a corrupt president and partnered with Trump to make certain he wouldn’t be convicted of impeachment.
The Senate impeachment trial engineered by McConnell was flagrantly rigged to hide clear evidence of the President’s guilt from the American people. The sham trial was an embarrassment to any citizen who believes in fair trials and equal justice with no one, including the president, above the law.
Democrats are now concentrating on voting this corrupt and incompetent president out of office on Nov. 3. Restoring integrity, competence and decent human behavior to the Oval Office is a necessary goal but removal of one flawed leader from government will not stop the downward spiral of our democracy.
It is equally important to make sure Mitch McConnell no longer leads the Senate.
Sandy Jones, Boise
Trump
I watched Republican senators clapping for lies during the State of the Union address, so I thought it would be helpful to submit some facts and corrections for them. Trump inherited a good economy from Obama. Job growth is actually slower than it was during the later part of the Obama administration. The deficit is record high, despite a good economy. Immigrants commit crimes at a lower rate than U.S. citizens born in this country. Manufacturing is actually in recession, thanks in large part to Trump’s trade policies. Shall we talk about pre-existing conditions? Trump has a case in court right now to destroy ACA, with no replacement, that would essentially eliminate pre-existing conditions. Trump has alienated our allies, and is literally laughed at on the world stage. He is working right now to slash social security benefits. He has provided huge tax cuts — to the rich. Oh, and he has been impeached for his corruption.
Nancy Brady, Boise
Two parties
We are again facing the every-four-year test of our worthiness as a free people. If you please, I have a pair of pleas for our two partisan purveyors of presidential possibilities. DEMOCRATS: Give me a candidate, and not a “statement.” So far, your partisan antics (on all fronts) are blundering to a 2016 re-run, lemming-style. You’d better get started attracting some of the electorate whose interests extend beyond your righteous indignation. This is an election, stupid — not a cause. REPUBLICANS: Donald Trump is no honorable man. Heaven knows, you wouldn’t want him as a neighbor. Are you telling me that he is to be the standard bearer for all you espouse? As an American, you embarrass me. I understand where you stand — can’t you just find an honest and honorable person to represent you? There must be a few. To you both: try to remind yourselves that we are trying to choose a public servant here, not further some cause or consolidate power.
Eric Schulz, Boise
Bond elections
Commentary by Scott on handcuffs for school boards.
Democrats decry lack of voter participation/obstacles, and this bill removes March and
August elections hopefully increasing voter turnout and knowledge of school finances.
3-4% of voters should not be making decisions for the majority unless you are an elitist.
School boards are not the best indicator of proper governance. Their critical thinking skills regarding management may be questionable. The information available to School Boards should include multi-year projections for costs regarding growth, teachers, administrators and maintenance. Taxpayers should understand the issues and “inclusiveness” may be achieved.
Last how much money will school districts save by holding fewer elections? Anyone?
Bonnie Krupp, Boise
Day care
As an Idaho teacher and Save the Children Action Network volunteer, I know the importance of investing in high-quality early learning and care. A child’s brain is almost completely developed by age 5. Therefore, this five-year window is crucial to a child’s academic development and overall well-being. We must capitalize on this short window.
This is why I was troubled when the Idaho House Bill 312 was rejected, which would have raised the standard for day care safety and caretaker training. According to Moore Information Polling, 69 percent of Idahoans say we should do more for early learning.
While this legislation was ultimately rejected, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 23 legislators who did vote in favor of this bill. We are so grateful for your prioritization of our children’s education and safety, and were given hope in your willingness to be a voice for the powerless. We hope you will continue to prioritize kids and serve as their political voice.
Audrey Gabrielli, Boise