Letters to the editor: full-day kindergarten, COVID advancements, political discourse and dehumanizing homelessness
Full-day kindergarten
Funding for full-day kindergarten classes in Idaho is a priority and a definite possibility this year. My speech-language pathologist colleagues and I have witnessed the benefits of early remediation in preventing communication and academic problems. Our elementary school offered a full-day kindergarten session for several years, which was extremely popular with our community. The full-day enabled children to receive various therapy services without missing out on important academics. Our students and their families deserve this opportunity. Please let your representatives know the value of full funding for this important early education benefit.
Leah Whiteman, Star
COVID advancements
It has been a rough couple of years because of COVID-19, but there are a few bright spots and some folks that need to be thanked for their efforts. First, those with the scientific training to develop effective vaccines when we needed them quickly. The numbers are in, and it is clear that the vaccines have kept many people out of the hospitals or at least out of the intensive care units. Second, kudos to the hospital staff around the country who have recently been pushed to the limit yet again. And finally, thanks to all of you out there that got the “jab.” If you had not stepped forward the situation would clearly have been much worse, with overflowing hospitals rationing health care. Much appreciated.
Reed Lewis, Moscow
Political discourse
“Legitimate Political Discourse.” That’s how the Republican National Committee has described the events of January 6, 2021, in their censure of Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger as punishment for doing their jobs. Legitimate political discourse should not result in the deaths of several people, permanent and devastating injury to dozens of others, millions of dollars in damages to our capitol building, and the loss of respect for our democracy around the world. And, yet, the lying, cheating, always corrupt Donald Trump and those in Congress who support him somehow continue to garner support from Republicans. What is going on in the Republican party, both nationally and locally, that they have become so extreme? Are ethics and morals no longer important to voters, even in Idaho where we used to value honesty and integrity?
Allegations of a stolen election have been disproven repeatedly. But Donald Trump just keeps beating that same old drum. He’s like the loud, oversized bully on the playground who won’t admit that he lost any competition and beats up on everyone else, while accusing them of cheating. Remember that kid? Nobody wanted to play with him. So why are Republicans still playing Trump’s game?
Pat Entwistle, Boise
Dehumanizing homelessness
As I watched the evening news, I saw with sadness how the police were called in to “check on the welfare” of the homeless encampment in front of the Capital building. Their actions dehumanized the homeless, as they collected their belongings into big black trash bags and made mention of three arrests for outstanding warrants (not showing up at a court hearing) and drug paraphernalia. Where was the in-depth story about who the homeless are and how they got there? What needs do they have that the Legislature should be aware of? Did any of our legislators meet with them outside? Why weren’t these homeless people invited inside to speak, and given something warm to drink and eat? The next news story was about the wonderful $350 million income tax rebate Idahoans will receive, that no one asked for. What if that $350 million had been used for outreach services for the homeless, the mentally ill, the addicted, foster kids who have aged out of the system, our veterans? Would we not all have benefited from this?
Lori Poublon Ramirez, Meridian