I’m a student in Idaho. It’s time we take actions to address gun violence | Opinion
Gun violence
My name is Eloísa Harper and I attend Boise High School as a sophomore. I am 14 years old. I adore my school, our community, and the education I am incredibly privileged to receive at Boise High School.
America is flooded with gun violence. It’s time we take action to address this issue. Thoughts and prayers don’t save lives.
I fear what would happen if I were in a school shooting or a public shooting in general. School is a place of learning and wonder. I shouldn’t have to be in fear. My peers and I are scared for our lives. There have been 145 mass shootings in 2023, according to the Gun Violence Archive, as of April 10. There have been only 100 days in 2023.
I urge elected Idaho officials — our legislators, senators, representatives, mayor, and our governor – to take action. With no federal action, it is up to state governments. Regardless of our political views, I know we can all agree on one thing: Human lives should always take priority. It is time to stop prioritizing the Second Amendment over the second-grader and start working on stricter gun control. Take steps in the right direction to protect me, my peers, people’s children, loved ones and family.
Eloísa Harper, Boise
Legislative session
Well the legislative session is complete. What do we have to show for it? The most regressive approach to state government in the country. My God, Mississippi looks almost progressive compared to Idaho. Let’s look at what the Republican controlled state accomplished. I’m still looking. They have subjected our female citizens to draconian laws involving their own bodies and the ones that they love. Bounties for abortions. Oh brother. Unfortunately people up north don’t have a delivery hospital. They wrung their hands lamenting the “smut” that our libraries check out to the children of the state, when in fact most of those same books have been on the shelves of the libraries for the past few years and no one gave a damn about them until some out of state “saviors” decided to stick the noses and money in the state’s business. What happened to all the “surplus” money that could have been used to repair all the schools, including libraries, so that we can show the country Idaho can raise our kids with a good education because we do care about our kids. That is the investment in the future of this state the citizens could support. Very sad.
Scott William Murray, Boise
Mifepristone
The Texas judge took brave steps making a ruling about the legitimacy and safety of mifepristone, its testing, and conclusions made from the study of the drug.
The initial FDA approval of mifepristone was a fast track politically strong armed approval. The administration at the time went to extreme lengths to make sure the drug went to and stayed in market, even though the FDA recognized inherent dangers associated with the drug.
The FDA also ignored petitions made for its safety for years.
Women’s lives and future reproductive health are at stake!
Medication abortions now account for more than half of US abortions. (Guttmacher Institute)
Research shows the rate of abortion-pill related emergency room visits has increased more than 500% over the past decade and a half. (Charlotte Lozier Institute)
Major international studies show: The overall incidence of adverse events was fourfold higher in medical compared with surgical abortion. (Obstetrics & Gynecology Green Journal)
A recent article in the Statesman stated, “It’s incumbent upon us as a country to make sure women have safe and effective medication available.” That is what this ruling is about.
Women have too often suffered for what’s called “progress” and decisions of progressives.
Tami Koeng, Boise
Sexual assault
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month.
Every 68 seconds, someone in the U.S. is sexually assaulted, and every 9 minutes, that victim is a child. These are appalling and heartbreaking statistics, especially when you realize most victims will never report the crime.
Many survivors wait to come forward, fearing no one will believe them, fearing public ridicule, or blame them for the actions of their abuser. It is still difficult for anyone regardless of their gender or age to challenge someone in power about unwanted sexual advances or assaults.
Join me this year on Wednesday, April 26, as we celebrate Denim Day to raise awareness about the prevalence of sexual assault and the need to support victims and denounce inappropriate behavior and abuse of power.
Wearing denim on this day will show solidarity with survivors and individuals worldwide committed in their resolve to stop sexual assault.
Please make a statement by wearing jeans on Denim Day and by thinking of ways you can help advance the conversation.
I believe together we can create positive change in our community and it starts with each one of us.
Visit wcaboise.org for more information.
Bea Black, CEO, Women’s and Children’s Alliance, Boise
Climate change
A recent guest opinion by Jay Ambrose was titled “We must deal wisely with climate change.” We do need wise action, but how do we know which actions will make the biggest difference and quickly enough to prevent irreversible damage. Time is of the essence to reduce the pollution that is already causing havoc: extreme weather events, rising sea levels, drought, and species extinction. We must move away from the dirty fuels of our past that pollute the air and overheat the atmosphere. We can lower energy costs with abundant clean sources of electricity while creating thousands of new jobs that help our communities, economy, and national security.
The scientists at MIT have given us a way to better determine which combination of climate solutions will get us to the finish line in time. It is called the EnROADS Climate Simulator. To learn more about it, please attend a free climate workshop given by Citizens’ Climate Lobby at Bown Crossing Library on May 4, 6:30-8 p.m.
Kayti Didricksen, Boise