Letters to the editor: federal dependence, cyberbullying, cheers to students and others

Federal dependence

I just read an interesting article about how much money red states get from the federal government in comparison to blue states. Wyoming gets $56 per person, while California gets $12. There should be a system where you take the lowest dollar number and then apply that to each and every state. This is fairness. This is equality. Why should the rest of the country have to support states that cannot deal with their own problems?

In fact, I would say what they can do is apply the dollar amount to the number of people that voted in that state. That way democracy is proven. How many times have you heard Republicans ranting and raving about welfare? Yet, this is the perfect example of welfare on steroids. If these states can’t provide for the people then they might have to raise taxes. Why should someone in New York or California have to provide welfare to a state that can’t deal with fiscal policy?

Jerry Johnson, Payette

Cyberbullying

Cyberbullying is a major cause of depression and suicide among youth, according to the Institute of Psychiatry. Cyberbullying has become more prevalent with the onslaught of technology. Research shows that despite efforts to educate people about cyberbullying, to identify signs and symptoms, and to teach adolescents to be careful online, cyberbullying persists. Unfortunately, these methods are ineffective and allow cyberbullying to perpetuate.

According to the Center for Digital Ethics and Policy, despite legislators’ efforts, the existing laws are not clear enough to prevent cyberbullying from happening. A federal law addressing cyberbullying has not been established because of possible interference with the First Amendment. So instead, the responsibility for creating cyberbullying legislation was pushed onto each state. Because the Internet doesn’t know state boundaries, few protections put into place can fully protect individuals from cyberbullying.

The public needs to push the government to create a federal law against cyberbullying. We need a law that protects vulnerable youth from cyberbullying without infringing on our First Amendment rights. Our government needs to act swiftly to avoid any more destructive consequences. Contact your state representatives today about solving the cyberbullying problem. Tomorrow may be too late for some.

Alexandrah Crow, Boise

Cheers to students

Bravo to the young Idahoans who identified a serious problem affecting the lives of Idaho youth, collected data, reached out to other students around the state, and developed a reasonable first step to address the suicide epidemic in our state. Shame on our elected officials who did not give them a hearing and ignored their resolution. Surely in our small state that has the 10th highest number of suicides in the US (with 61% involving firearms and many involving children), reasonable adults, including those in the NRA, can come together with our young advocates to agree on some safety measures that can reduce that terrible toll.

As a former U.S.Congressional staff member who knows that it often takes several years to reach a consensus on important issues, I urge our committed and creative student advocates for saving young lives not to give up but to reach out to more of Idaho’s elected officials and to the NRA. I have hope that one day thoughtful and compassionate people will come together to make changes that will save more lives, including the lives of our children. Don’t give up. Your efforts are too important.

Diane Dorius, Boise

Support Gelsomino

As District 21 residents, business owners, and voters, we are proudly casting our votes for Dom Gelsomino for Idaho House District 21 Seat A race. Dom’s track record as a community leader, public servant, and involved parent is unmatched in his race. He has the experience, the vision and the results necessary to be a successful lawmaker starting day one.

His tireless campaign efforts — having knocked over 2,000 doors since early March, received support from over 100 individual donors, 4 businesses and Idaho’s education community, reflect his commitment toward listening to his constituents, as are the goals and vision he’s articulated for the 21st District and Idaho. Dom’s dedication to representation, civil discourse, and being a positive voice District 21 won our support.

We believe he will be a true advocate for all Idahoans, will work tirelessly toward a better future for Idaho. We urge our District 21 neighbors to cast their vote for Dom Gelsomino on May 17.

Leasa and Phil Stricklin, Meridian

Tiring ads

It’s not disinformation or misinformation, it’s lying! We will have to watch, read or hear media mania and political commercials for months now. It’s no better than being constantly hit with outright propaganda. The coming months are not something to look forward to as we are intentionally divided into hostile camps and angry voters instead of the “United States”. Please don’t forget to vote anyway.

Sheila Robbins, Boise

Against CRT

In regard to Bob Kustra’s defense of critical race theory, he clearly has not read “Critical Race Theory: An Introduction” by Delgado and Stefancic in which they state “critical race theory questions the very foundations of the liberal order, including equality theory, legal reasoning, Enlightenment rationalism, and neutral principles of constitutional law.” I find it difficult to believe Kustra would defend CRT if he understood how profoundly illiberal it is.

John Caldwell, Meridian

Support Koellisch

My vote is going to Tracey Koellisch in the District 14 Seat A race. I think she is not getting enough recognition for the hard work she has done to protect conservatism prior to running in this race. Tracey has a proven track record of working for the citizens of Eagle, Ada County and the state, and has been willing to do it for free. She’s been a volunteer for years on end, fighting for our rights when current legislators refuse to produce results. We need representation in the Statehouse and Tracey will do just that. Unlike the others in her race, she has already proven herself and none of it has been for selfish ambition. We need a strong conservative in this seat who isn’t afraid to address tough topics. That’s exactly why she has my vote on May 17. I know she will represent her constituents well.

Jeriese Dodd, Eagle