Heritage Foundation’s new Idaho ‘education report card’ paints only part of the picture

Education

According to the Heritage Foundation’s “New Education Freedom Report Card,” Idaho ranks third in the nation for education freedom overall and first for return on investment. I think it’s important to disclose that the Heritage Foundation describes itself as a leader in the conservative movement. It values limited government, traditional American values, and a strong national defense. Apparently not giving access to updated historical facts and LGBTQ issues is considered “ freedom.”

They dismiss the fact that Idaho ranks last in the nation for per-pupil spending, preferring to focus on getting the “ best bang for the buck.” The goal is to spend the least amount of money possible to get the best possible result. Education spending has been increasing significantly the last three years, as have student scores in math and reading. Idaho’s score for student achievement was 73.3 out of a possible 100, earning it a grade of C, up from the previous D+. We have not reached the point where increased spending does not show student improvement and as a taxpayer, I am not proud that my thriftiness produces mediocre results. Let’s not talk about financing private schools ahead of fully financing public schools.

Lori Poublon Ramirez, Meridian

Ridgeway

Voters in Ada County have an opportunity to elect Stan Ridgeway to Ada County commissioner, and he deserves your vote. Stan will bring ethical, transparent common sense and experience to the commissioner’s office, something voters are missing now with the opponent in office. The opponent voted to appoint Dr. Cole and Raul Labrador to the Health Board, which demonstrates his lack of interest in, or concern for, the health of Ada County residents. Rod Beck, the opponent, did not listen to the many objections against these appointments. Stan Ridgeway will represent Ada County residents responsibly and equitably.

Stan Ridgeway has demonstrated his leadership abilities, his experience with government and the ability to connect with the community. He is capable of planning and managing future growth and tackling real-life problems. Rod Beck has demonstrated only his ability to represent the most extreme views in the political arena. Ada County deserves better.

Stan reaches out to residents to resolve issues and connect with the needs of the community. I want Stan Ridgeway to represent Ada County so that we have intelligent and responsible leadership. Ada County needs Stan Ridgeway in the position of county commissioner.

Jonathan Seel, Eagle

‘Conservatives’

Surely the intellectual bankruptcy, and hence death by self-destruction, of conservatism is at hand.

In the name of “liberty,” conservatives seek to ban books.

In the name of “religious freedom,” conservatives seek to impose their own religion on others.

In the name of “right to life,” conservatives seek to outlaw life-saving care to women with problematic pregnancies.

In the name of “rule of law,” conservatives seek to overturn legitimate election results and defund the FBI.

In the name of “traditional American values,” conservatives seek advice from budding European dictators.

In the name of “medical freedom,” conservatives claim the right to go about publicly spreading a deadly disease.

In the name of fighting racism, conservatives seek to ban any discussion of racism in public schools.

Now conservatives are denouncing “social justice” as though it were a bad thing. I invite readers to google “social justice” and think deeply about the various definitions.

Then do more searches: “Christian social justice,” “Jewish social justice,” “Islamic social justice,” “Hindu social justice,” “humanist social justice.”

When you hear conservatives rail against social justice, ask yourself if they are the sort of people you want running our government.

Paul D. Rolig, Boise