Letters to the editor: Voting by mail, masks, Orwell

Voting by mail

Since moving to Idaho, I’ve voted at the polls, but my work schedule conflicts, and I felt rushed. I loved that in the recent primary election I could vote by absentee ballot. In May, voting by mail, I was able to do more research and felt extra confident.

Some posit voter fraud would become more prevalent with absentee ballots. But the procedures in place work! In 2012 my husband fell off of our roof. He required two extensive surgeries and he was out of work for over a year. In Colorado we had requested absentee ballots previously and this made it possible for him to continue to vote. Writing was painful for him, so we went over the ballot together and I marked it. Without thinking, I signed the ballot with his name. Months later we received a letter stating that his vote had not counted because his signature didn’t match. I was not trying to commit voter fraud and was horrified at my negligence! I know now that the processes in place to guard against fraud work. I urge all citizens of Idaho to solicit our state leaders with the request to continue to vote by absentee ballot.

Melissa M. Hadden, Meridian

Wear your mask

Since the beginning of the pandemic, my visits to downtown Boise have been rare. However, (recently) I ventured out to return something that had been delivered and was a bit shocked to see how few masks were being worn. I had read of the reckless behavior of the downtown bars and their patrons regarding the virus, but even away from 8th Street, very few people appeared to be social distancing or wearing face coverings. One can ponder the reasons for this uncompassionate and selfish behavior, but ultimately the reason does not matter. The CDC and the experience of other countries clearly indicate that wearing masks, keeping social distance and washing your hands frequently can beat this virus. Idahoans have demonstrated the ability to modify their behavior for the public good. The NHTSA estimates that over 85% of Idahoans regularly wear seat belts despite it being a bit inconvenient (and Idaho having one of the weakest seat belt laws in the country). If we wear our masks at that same level, the virus does not stand a chance. Help protect your friends and neighbors; wear your mask!

Greg Weeks, Boise

Listen to Orwell

Every record has been destroyed or falsified (on the way), every book has been rewritten (being done) every picture has been repainted (a current event), every statue and street and building has been renamed (happening), and every date has been altered (soon to be). And that process is continuing day-by-day and minute-by-minute. History has stopped. Nothing exists except an endless present in which the Party is always right. I know, of course, that the past is falsified, but it would never be possible for me to prove it, even when I did the falsification myself. After the thing is done, no evidence ever remains (no history). The only evidence is inside my own mind, and I don’t know with any certainty that any other human being shares my memories. Just in that one instance, in my whole life, I did possess actual concrete evidence after the event – years after it”. George Orwell, 1984, Part 2, Chapter 5.

The novel is about the problems of the social system within a society and where it can lead to if the society allows evil to take over by suppressing and controlling thoughts and where different views are not tolerated.

Galen Kidd, Boise