Letters to the editor: Guns, geezers and gramps
Guns
In a recent letter, Peggy Bohl asked our legislators to enact several gun control laws. She must be unaware that, over 40 years ago, 82% of Idaho voters approved amendment our constitution to prohibit those laws.
Article 1 Section 11 of the Idaho Constitution states, in relevant part, “No law shall impose licensure, registration or special taxation on the ownership or possession of firearms or ammunition.”
Black’s Law Dictionary defines “license” as a permission from the state to do something which would be unlawful without that permission. Ms. Bohl desires legislation that would force Idahoans to get permission from the state to purchase guns. We would have to pass mental health screenings and criminal background checks to get that permission. Such licensing laws are clearly prohibited by our constitution.
Red flag laws allowing judges to order confiscation of guns from law-abiding people are also prohibited by Article 1 Section 11: “Nor shall any law permit the confiscation of firearms, except those actually used in the commission of a felony.”
Most Idahoans would work with Ms. Bohl to implement common sense measures like gun safety classes in schools. But we’ve banned confiscation of firearms and invasive background checks.
Don Fleming, Pocatello
‘Geezers’
I am writing to call Michael Deeds on the ageist remark appearing in the Statesman. The headline credited to him read, “Welcome Geezers,” followed by, “Don’t be surprised if your new neighbor knocks on your door with a cane.”
Recovering from knee surgery, I note that I am using a walker, soon to graduate to a cane. I am dismayed I have been reduced to a caricature of old people that makes me less a person than Michael is. I assume this was a throwaway line used to show how cool he is to the Gen X’s and Millennials (if any of them even read your paper).
My husband and I recently moved to a new neighborhood (we’ve lived in Boise for 40-plus years). We were welcomed into the neighborhood by the many younger families and included in neighborhood activities. I guess they were able to see past our gray hair and wrinkles. What I would ask is that before Michael speaks or writes, he consider the power of his words to marginalize individuals based on stereotypes and bias and give basic human dignity and respect to all the residents of our fine city.
Peggy McClendon, Boise
‘Gramps’
Michael Deeds’ Feb. 27 article, Welcome Geezers, Idaho is Top 10 Place to Retire, Study Says, includes an incredible litany of insensitive slanders of the elderly. From “don’t be surprised if your new neighbor knocks on your door with a cane” to “Better bring your four-wheel-drive mobility scooter, Gramps” the ageist insults keep coming. Of course, the real source of Mr. Deeds’ vitriol is that “Geritol-popping transplants” are yet another group who are taking over Idaho and driving up real estate prices. To extend this logic means we should return all of Idaho to Indigenous Americans, right? We didn’t just buy their land at rock bottom prices, we stole it. He closes with one last shot: “I’ll bite my tongue. After a few more Idaho-friendly rankings like this, we’ll all be doing it with dentures, anyway.” Well, Michael, when you grow old I hope you are treated with a little more empathy and kindness than are able to offer those of us who are struggling with aging and failing health right now.
Jerry James, Boise
This story was originally published March 4, 2020 at 12:38 PM.