Letters to the editor: Bullies, fireworks, BSU sports, masks and discovering Bear Lake
Bullies
How disappointing to see guns, white supremacist garb and bullies attempting to intimidate peaceful protesters in Boise! The right to assemble and protest includes the rights of those we disagree with, but the fascist tactics should never be tolerated. Intimidation and violence are the tools of dictators and that is how Mussolini and Hitler came to power. We all have a right to disagree, but these disgusting and deplorable tactics have to be stopped!
Sheila Robbins, Boise
Fireworks
Why do we have these ridiculous laws about the sale of fireworks? Every year large explosions and aerial displays occur for several nights in my north Boise neighborhood. My dog suffers every year, from creeping around in fear, to not sleeping, to peeing and defecating indoors which she never does. I’m sure most dogs are equally terrified. At the least, if these things are illegal to use, they should be illegal to sell, as well.
I have a special connection to these fireworks in Boise. In 1948 when I was 6, I joined neighbor kids as one of the parents shot off fireworks on the 4th. One especially large firecracker was placed under a tin can. Instead of shooting into the air, the resulting can shrapnel flew among us, and one chunk hit me in the gut. Apparently I was close to death when the doctor fished it out of my liver. It was one of several cases that strengthened laws concerning firework sales here. I think more restrictions are long overdue.
Walt Thode, Boise
Masks
On Friday, July 3, I watched the evening news with sorrow and dismay as angry protesters denounced Boise Mayor Lauren McLean’s order mandating that Boiseans wear face masks when in public to help protect against the spread of the coronavirus. I was disappointed and frustrated by the outrage directed at being required to do something that has been scientifically shown to reduce the spread of this virus to others, after asking for voluntary compliance was unsuccessful. I am quite frankly befuddled by the lack of compassion for others that is indicated by refusing to comply with the order. Is there anyone out there who is willing to set aside your anger and vitriol for a moment, and provide me with a respectful, sensitive, and thoughtful reason why wearing a mask to protect others is so personally offensive? Can anyone give me a logical explanation as to why the temporary inconvenience of wearing a face covering is so repugnant that you are willing to risk the lives of others to support your individual beliefs? Because I just don’t get it.
Kristine Kendall, Garden City
Sports
Canceling swimming and diving seems absurd to me. Both sports participants would be able to distance from others, and baseball players would be able to as well but to a lesser degree. However, the University is keeping football!? These young men will be breathing hard, sweating and sometimes bleeding all over each other and that is OK? Oh wait a minute! It’s not about anyone’s safety. It’s about the money. How silly of me. What a bunch of hypocrites!
Jane Gabbert, Boise
Discovery
I suspect those of us of privilege seldom see how our statements glorify us and diminish others.
I have always been bemused by the first sentence on Idaho Highway Historical Marker sign number 384 in Southeastern Idaho.
Bear Lake: Discovered in 1812 by trappers returning home to Astoria, Oregon, this valley and its large lake soon became an important fur trade center.
Until then it was unknown to man? Did the nearby native tribes not know the lake was there?
Kirk Hall, Boise
Mask order
Recently Mayor McLean mandated that everyone in Boise wear a mask in public places. The order didn’t deny voting rights or the right to an education. It didn’t mandate that property be confiscated or personal finances seized. No one is being rounded up and sent to internment camps, detention centers, reservations, or concentration camps as a result of the mandate. No group has been targeted because of religion, race, gender, country of origin, or disability. Boiseans are being called on to tie a 5 square inch piece of fabric around their nose and mouth when going out in public. The Mayor excluded young children and anyone with a medical condition that would be impacted when wearing a mask.
To the people of Boise who still refuse to wear a mask-I’d like to quote my dear departed mother,
“Life isn’t fair-so stop whining and get a grip!”
“Knock it off and buck up!”
“So just put the darn mask on already!”
The sooner we all start wearing masks, the sooner we can get this horrible pandemic under control, and the sooner we all will be able to get our lives back.
Sue Omel, Boise