Letters to the editor: Transgender athletes, fire chief, Deeds
Transgender athletes bill
The Idaho Chapter of the American College of Physicians opposes House Bill 500, the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. The American College of Physicians is committed to non-discrimination. It opposes legislation that discriminates against vulnerable populations such as transgender youth. Idaho ACP represents Internal Medicine physicians and associated sub-specialty physicians around the state. This bill as currently stated could subject transgender youth to specialized testing, monitoring and other medical exams that are not required of other athletes. Identifying and evaluating such youth could result in increased discrimination, isolation and have adverse mental health consequences. Idaho ACP firmly opposes House Bill 500.
Lesleigh Box, chair, Idaho American College of Physicians Health Policy Committee
Deeds
I, too, am writing to chide Michael Deeds, like Jerry James and Peggy McLendon in the Statesman, for his insensitive language and “labeling” of us older folks as “Geezers.” Mr. James and Ms. McLendon said it well. I have often been struck by Mr. Deeds’ self-absorption as to his clever wit which entails stereotyping people in negative categories and being so enamored with his own cleverness as to disregard common civility. Unfortunately, and on a larger subject, it has been universally acknowledged that civility has taken a hit in our culture today. Parents are not being parents and teaching their children manners and consideration for others. This is often best done by modeling positive behaviors to our children: the “do as I do and not as I say” adage. With chagrin I note that Mr. Deeds has children — need I say more?
Furthermore, to the Statesman: Do you have standards for what appears in your paper written by your writers?
Magdalene Chenore, Nampa
Fire chief
As a longtime citizen of Boise, I am gravely concerned with the way the city, specifically, the mayor’s office, is treating (Fire) Chief (Dennis) Doan. Chief Doan has served the city with complete commitment and integrity for almost 30 years. He deserves the city’s complete commitment and integrity in return. Chief Doan should be allowed to retire in May as requested. Suggesting he be fired due to the mayor’s personal agenda is unethical and sets a dangerous precedent by the mayor’s office. The mayor and the city council should be ashamed of the way the mayor is conducting herself and representing the office of mayor. This reckless abuse of power needs to cease immediately and the mayor and city council should honor Chief Doan’s service with the respect it commands.
Amy Bailey, Meridian
Doan
There is an old saying, “Be careful what you wish for!” I wished for a new mayor because the last one was more interested in his agenda than the wishes of the people. Well, I got my wish, never dreaming we could go from bad to bad! I am sorry to say that we did! Our new mayor was so anxious for revenge after our fire chief backed her opponent she just couldn’t wait to do it properly. I understand it is her option to replace any department head, but a good manager would do it properly. To treat a 30-year employee of the city in such a shabby manner shows she is anything but a good manager! Our chief was a loyal, respected employee with an outstanding record! To give him two months to retire with honor and dignity would not have been a problem to anyone but the mayor! I had hoped we were electing a professional, not an amateur needing on-the-job training! Remember, be careful what you wish for!
John Treharne, Boise