Letters to the editor: Abortion rights, Republican primary, salmon, Interfaith Sanctuary

Federalist Society

Forty years ago, the Federalist Society was founded to install “originalist” judges throughout the country. They have been wildly successful, including six Supreme Court justices. Originalism believes that the apex of constitutional wisdom existed between the years 1787-1791. The Founders created a Republic because they didn’t trust the “rabble.” White male property owners could best be trusted to guide the young country. They treated women, children and blacks as property. After 200 some years, how has that property attitude worked out? Women: wage inequality and the continuing need to control reproductive choices. Children: it is still legal in this country (including Idaho) to let a child die while praying over treatable medical conditions. Blacks, et.al.: racial gerrymandering and voter suppression, all permissible, making sure that “every vote counts” remains but a slogan. The biggest success of the originalists, though, was Citizens United, where those white male property owners validated the sacred belief that those with the most property get the biggest voice in how the country is run. So happy birthday Federalist Society, you are the Proud Boys of the legal world.

Scott Thomas, Eagle

Reproductive rights

I watched Idaho Reports interview a Republican legislator over the ramifications of abortion being left up to individual states. Not only was it reported that abortion in any form will be illegal, but so could possibly contraceptive measures like the morning after pill. The great state of Idaho that prides itself on less government has just become the dictator of female reproduction. When asked if any thought had been given to the repercussions of these laws, such as the need for more support for mothers and babies, our Republican friend said that they would want to help private institutions take on the burden, that it was not really the place of government to do so. Am I the only one who sees the irony in this position? If the government is going to control my sex life, I feel it is only natural that they assume the consequences. I propose a sex tax be added to every resident in Idaho age 18 and over to help fund paid maternity and paternity leave, nutritious food, comprehensive medical care and free child care. Or is it only the unborn who are precious?

Lori Poublon Ramirez, Meridian

Abortion

Conservative lawmakers currently tend to focus on individual rights, but not the rights of all individuals. Addressing rights of the unborn, not the rights of the mother, proposed abortion penalties ranging from fines on secondary participants, rewards to abortion whistleblowers, to murder charges on the mother, are being enacted. All of these discouragements and penalties are directed solely to the mother of the unborn. On the 100th anniversary of the women’s suffrage movement, this blatant sexual discrimination is appalling. Two people, one male and one female, are equally involved in this process of creation, and both should be held equally liable in any future actions toward the unborn. Any punishment should be applicable to both male donor as well as the female. These laws present yet another case where rights of women are totally ignored, or are viewed as secondary, or in this case tertiary, to the rights of the unborn and males. This should not be the status of women in our United States in 2022, nor should it be the situation in conservative states like Idaho. Idaho legislators, male and female, are required to enact laws that protect all, or if necessary, blame all contributing parties, without sexual discrimination.

Rachel E. Hallam and Thomas G. Hallam Sr., Garden City

Debates

The reason our governor and Republican member of Congress won’t participate in any debates can be explained. Their reluctance to potentially offend the “big liar” has overcome their sense of public duty to renounce the “big lie.”

G.W. (Bill) Tonkin, Boise

Vote carefully

A couple of years ago, from my perspective, my own people in Idaho basically placed myself, friends and neighbors under “house arrest” for an extended period of time. Some were arbitrarily deemed non-essential. Others were stereotyped in “groups.” I found it alarming. Historically, going down this path, it doesn’t end well. Vote carefully May 17.

Scott Perrin, Cottonwood

Math problem

Governor Little says he cut 95% of the government red tape and he’s just getting started. No wonder he doesn’t want to debate anyone. He’s not very good at math.

Allen Lee Wenger, Boise

Interfaith Sanctuary

Interfaith Sanctuary is struggling to meet the needs of a growing number of our neighbors who are experiencing homelessness. This crisis rightfully belongs to all of us. We all know by now that rental prices have skyrocketed past many renters’ ability to pay. This is true throughout Ada County, not just in Boise. The unhoused gather in Boise because that’s where services are, but every jurisdiction and the County should work together, with non-profits and Our Path Home, to shelter, house and keep housed those who have been priced out of renting a home.

No one agency can solve this alone. Until we have enough affordable housing to meet our community’s needs, shelters and other temporary assistance are essential to keep humans from experiencing the trauma and danger of living in cars or on the street. Pretending the problem doesn’t exist doesn’t make it go away; blaming and demeaning the homeless for occupying tents doesn’t improve their access to affordable housing.

Boise Kind should extend to everyone, regardless of their misfortunes or even their mistakes. Let’s work together as one community to care for our vulnerable neighbors.

Lila Fetherolf, Meridian

Salmon

Exactly 30 years ago, Snake River chinook salmon were listed as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act. Today they teeter toward extinction despite billions of dollars spent to restore their numbers. Sadly, we have done everything except what will actually work to restore Idaho’s Salmon and Steelhead—breaching the four dams on the lower Snake River.

To be fair, breaching these dams will create new challenges for farmers, electricity providers, transportation interests, and others. A comprehensive approach that meets the needs of all these interests must be developed, and Representative Mike Simpson has provided a blueprint.

The modest amount of hydroelectric power produced by these dams can be replaced and the irrigation, transportation and other issues can all be addressed. While this won’t be easy, the biggest challenge is summoning the political courage to try.

Idaho’s other political leaders seem inclined to play it safe and kick the can down the road with more half-hearted efforts. But we choose political leaders to solve problems, not to play it safe. Mike Simpson is boldly leading down the difficult yet potentially more rewarding path that can save the salmon. Idaho’s other leaders need to join him.

David Garman, Boise