Letters to the editor: Police, patriotism, liberal programs, Constitution

Police support

I am writing this in response to a recent letter to the editor. Referring to Black people, the writer stated “with a police call, they face the risk of being victimized even if they are the ones that called for help. The ones charged with protecting them and the community have assumed, just by color, they are dangerous and criminal.” This is a serious and inflammatory allegation that our police are racist and treat community members differently, solely based upon someone’s skin color. Where does this person get their “facts”? How could this person know what is in the hearts and minds of our police officers? Assuming for the sake of argument that there are some racist police officers out there, is it fair to paint them all with the same brush? Our police have a hard enough job as it is; they don’t need anymore unfair and biased criticism from those they serve. Criminals receive the benefit of the doubt until proven guilty. Shouldn’t our police officers, too?

Jason Scimeca, Meridian

Liberal programs

I am not an Idaho native. I am like so many transplants from other states. I moved here after retiring to get away with the craziness of California. There I said it, I am from California. I was a member of the San Francisco police department for over 33 years. In that time, I saw a city I grew up in turn into a cesspool, because of the liberal that govern the city. I am now seeing those liberal programs being favored by the local government of Boise. Once the door is opened, it can’t be closed. I feel bad for the homeless people that live in the Treasure Valley. I wish there was an easy way to fix that, but allowing some of the programs that have been passed around will only make it worse. Please look at the history of San Francisco and see what happened to the most beautiful city in the world and ask, do you want Boise to go down the same path?

Steve Murphy, Meridian

Violating Constitution

The distinction between what should be done about a problem and what the government should do is perhaps often blurred. It may have been right for us to have quarantined. It could be the right decision to social distance. But is it the responsibility of government to impose these things as law? If so, why?

In regard to the legality of Idaho’s shutdown: Gov. Little’s stay-at-home order was in direct violation of the Constitution of Idaho (Article 1, Sections 1 and 4), and the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. All laws in Idaho are given legitimacy by, and have authority from, the Constitution. Thus it does not matter that Gov. Little’s behavior was based on Idaho code because the code itself is in violation of the foundational document of this state. Thus, that part of Idaho code is null, and no one was obligated to obey the governor’s order.

Further, the intrusive measures currently in place by some local jurisdictions should be resisted through legal action.

Freedoms are not subject to circumstance. If freedoms can be suspended by circumstance, then we do not have a free society.

Isaiah Williams, Cottonwood

Patriotism

Wrapping yourself up in the flag does not make one a patriot. It is defending the rights of every American that makes one a patriot.

Gary Nelson, Boise

This story was originally published August 10, 2020 at 2:52 PM.