Letters to the editor: Constitution, Little, salmon, Mathias, Hill

Unconstitutional?

There is a pattern with the groups of people who seem so concerned with the infringement of their constitutional rights. If it is something they don’t want to do, it’s “unconstitutional.” If it is something they do want to do, no matter how destructive, damaging, or foolhardy, it’s perfectly fine.

I am reminded of the elementary students I taught during my career. Uncounted times I heard, “That’s not fair,” when they really meant, “I don’t want to.” We would talk about the things people sometimes have to do for the benefit of their society, their group, or even their own long-term development, that they don’t want to do. With that discussion, eventually these 7-10 year olds came to understand that “not fair” and “I don’t want to” were not the same thing.

Perhaps if these “unconstitutionalists” could develop the empathy and understanding of my 7-10-year-olds, they would understand that “unconstitutional” and “I don’t want to” are not the same thing.

Claudia Moberly, Middleton

Gov. Little

It’s an election year and how I wish Governor Little was up for re-election. In 2014 I ran against now Governor Little for the office of Lt. Governor, and it is with a deep concern for my state and my country that I make an appeal to his oath of office.

Under the guise of public health and safety, the governor is using this instance in time to strip us of our constitutional rights. He seems to think he has some superior intellectual and moral authority over those he seeks to govern.

Like any war for the freedoms we hold dear, we will have to face the facts that lives will be lost, and every one of these lives should be accounted for and remembered. We celebrate this every Memorial Day.

In this battle we should protect the most at risk among us and not be bludgeoned with the idea that we do not care for anyone’s life. For there is nothing, no policy, no government edict that can prevent anyone from dying. It’s part of life and to ignore this is to live a lie. Isn’t it time we started being honest with the truth.

Jim Chmelik, Cottonwood

Salmon

“We are all in this together” rings true across America today. Economic recovery is painful, requiring shared goals and cooperation lest we risk further loss. One of those goals must include recovery of Idaho’s salmon and steelhead. This undertaking can grow jobs and biodiversity, across the Snake, Salmon and Columbia rivers. The science has been clear for decades, the political leadership is slowly recognizing the potential economic and ecological benefits of harvestable populations. I am encouraged by the positions voiced by Rep. Mike Simpson, Gov. Brad Little’s salmon working group and business leaders.

Cheaper renewable energy production is collapsing and bankrupting the economic models of the region’s antiquated dams. Now contemplate the scenario we are in today, precipitous economic times, meet abrupt economic opportunity.

Now is the perfect circumstance to work toward a “moon-shot” level strategic recovery plan for the region’s salmon. Thus, creating thousands of long-term skilled jobs, by tactfully removing the four lower Snake dams, by rehabbing the watershed’s many species, and by creating jobs built on renewable energy. Restorative measures will also revitalize the historic values of fishing, the cultural values and pride of the region’s tribal nations and let us not forget, feed people.

Richard Rusnak, Nampa

Mathias

I’ve already voted for Chris Mathias in the District 19 Democratic primary and I hope you will too. Chris is experienced, intelligent, shares my values, and is a heck of a nice guy. He was our neighbor about ten years ago — friendly, helpful and a joy to live next to. Chris will make a great District 19 representative to the Legislature; let’s make sure he gets there!

Alan Hausrath, Boise

Ted Hill

As a gun owner, I am supporting Ted Hill for the Senate Seat in District 14. His opponent, Scott Grow, was only a handful of senators who voted in favor of SJR101 (Red Flag Law), which would have jeopardized your gun rights by confiscation of your firearms without due process. In addition, Grow put forth a bill (SB1159) that would have made it more difficult for Idahoans to get an initiative on a ballot. It appears that Grow has a record of wanting to limit citizens’ rights, whether as a gun owner or as a citizen with an idea worth getting on the ballot. I support Grow’s opponent, Commander Ted Hill, a conservative who has served in the U.S. Navy for 27 years, and who is a proponent of our constitutional rights. Ted is also a strong advocate for first responders, firefighters, law enforcement and veterans.

Curtis Thaden, Boise