Letters to the editor: Masks, teachers, Kustra, unions

Mask wearing

This is an open letter to the elderly lady at the Eagle Home Depot, this past Saturday, looking at the plants in the wide open spaces, wearing her mask as the majority of shoppers at this particular Home Depot are so inclined to do.

Dear elderly lady in your mask. While I did have a mask with me prepared for when I walked inside, I was carrying it with me, because as we have supposedly been instructed by the mandate, we are not required to wear it outside, if we are able to keep a distance.

You were far enough away from me, when I spoke up to comment on the plants, did you really have to duck and swerve and duck and swerve in an exaggerated fashion, like you were a 5-year-old playing tag?

I mean honestly, what a show of complete and total ignorance and lack of common sense.

I will repeat myself. I had the right to be without my mask, and I was distanced enough from you, that I was not imposing any danger to you.

And news flash lady, your actions do not suggest you have any common sense over this.

Kat Lee, Boise

Support for teachers, staff

On behalf of the executive board of Retired Educators Association Boise Kuna Meridian, I am writing to express our unit’s support for teachers and staff charged with providing quality instruction and safe learning environments for Idaho’s students during the current COVID-19 pandemic. As retirees, we recognize the challenges of our careers were unlike those brought on by the Pandemic. Regardless, we are keenly aware of the unique pressures facing school staff who must adapt to the requirements of instructional delivery and school safety. The association strives to assist in the enhancement of strong educational systems. Consistent with that effort is our premise that students are best served in a physical classroom setting that enhances opportunity for a student’s engaged academic growth, peer interaction, and building strong futures. Yet, the association understands the transition to virtual delivery of educational curriculum is now an option of necessity. With regard to these current conditions, the association stands firm in its support of the courage and commitment educators are applying to these new demands. In the eyes of the association, these individuals are among the heroes who deserve recognition of and appreciation for the benefits of their extraordinary work in these difficult times.

Jane Brewer, Meridian

Kustra’s attacks

Bob Kustra’s Aug. 30 attack on President Trump was embedded in a plea for more “civics education” in our universities to better educate citizens regarding Trump’s evils. He used tired old cliches: “Trump’s march toward authoritarian government”, his “runaway presidency” and his “turning a blind eye to the U.S. Constitution.” Trump is a duly elected president. He is not, however, a politician who has accrued government benefits for 47 years like his opponent. His win dumbfounded Democrats to the extent that they have been unable to recover and work for the people. Hence, we have had four disruptive years. Never before in the history of our republic has a president had to face so many artificial obstacles, from phony Russia collusion to a phony impeachment. Kustra’s string of anti-Trump articles in the Statesman is more of a media’s wearisome theme. Most of the courses that he cites were available back in the day — his day. Moreover, he surely knows that college curriculums today were created by liberal academia. Leftist dogma and criticisms of our past typify what students hear today. He is correct that they are to blame for the shortcomings that he laments.

Charlie Nations, Eagle

Support unions

I’m writing to urge everyone to support unions. In this uncertain time, public approval of labor unions has grown stronger. Two of every three adults — 64% of Americans — approve of labor unions, a popularity matching the highest approval ratings for labor unions in 50 years, according to Gallup.

If we stick together, we can come out of this crisis stronger and better positioned for the years ahead.

Democracy is an amazing political philosophy, when you stop and think about it. It’s the idea that, together, we can best care for ourselves and each other. Working people, when we form labor unions, draw upon that same noble principle.

That’s why it should come as no surprise that unions of nurses put nurse-to-patient ratios on a par with pay and benefits during negotiations, because nurses care about patients and want a caseload that allows them to deliver that care. Unions of journalists advocate for quality community-centered news. Likewise, teachers consistently advocate for students and communities.

When working people speak up, we all benefit.

Leland Heinbach, Nampa, president, Boise Central Trades and Labor Council