Letters to the editor: Transgender legislation, Idaho’s response, special session

California money

Shame on the Attorney General of California Xavier Becerra. He has a beef with Idaho because we have two laws he doesn’t like. Idaho does not want women who used to be men to compete against women because we don’t think it is fair. We also think that a birth certificate should be truthful about a child’s sex at birth. Xavier and his circle think that the state of Idaho should not do business with California because we passed laws that protect fairness and the truth. Big surprise.

What is the real agenda here? Why would the AG from Los Angeles restrict travel by his State employees to the 11 states listed in his ban? Is Xavier trying to withhold money from these states like the NCAA is doing with Mississippi and Boise State? At some point ladies and gentleman, protecting fairness and the truth needs to usurp the money that Xavier Becerra and his circle from California think can buy them influence in the Gem State of Idaho.

Jeremiah Roach, Boise

Special session

Today the state Capitol was treated to the spectacle of 15 members of the House of Representatives, all from the far right wing of the legislature, without any of the leadership present, attempt to create a bogus special session of the legislature. They were accompanied by Ammon Bundy and a crew of people who believe that the solution to any problem is to wave firearms at it. They gathered in defiance of the governor, and common sense, on laughable constitutional grounds, to protest sensible and proven effective measures to contain the Covid-19 epidemic. They took their places in the House Chamber and mad righteous statements about “Tyranny” and being allowed to “do their job” as legislators. I would submit that invading a statehouse heavily armed for the purpose of intimidation is the tyranny here and if they are so worried about doing their jobs, why didn’t they address issues like local tax options for cities or property tax reform for homeowners, during session, instead of dreaming up ways to harass the trans community. Now that they’ve had their say, it is my hope that they will devote their energies to doing something about this disease besides spreading it.

Rob Ham, Boise

Idaho response

Thank you Governor Little! Your plan has saved lives and will get us back to normal if people would only follow your guidelines. My husband and I are in an age category for concern so we appreciate those who follow the rules and especially those who wear masks.

We are happy to be able to go out and spend locally so our economy will rebound but have found a wide variety in businesses following rules. Louie’s, Costco, IHOP and Express Cafe made us feel safe but other places had unmasked staff and didn’t separate six feet. Kohl’s hours for the elderly even allowed a group of children.

A local news outlet survey found 88% of respondents agree with the Governor. That is reassuring so I’m puzzled that some elected officials disagree with the governor. I’m also appalled that citizens hiding behind guns feel the need to “protect” this small group of legislators who obviously don’t know Idaho law.

I want to also thank Reverend Len McMillan for requiring masks at Mass. It might be your right to not wear a mask but the Christian thing to do is to wear masks. We are our brothers’ keepers.

Carol L. Haddock, Meridian

This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 3:01 PM.