Now, there really will be indoctrination in Idaho schools thanks to PragerU | Opinion

PragerU

For years now, we’ve heard one side of the aisle claim that there is rampant political “indoctrination” happening in our schools and recently, it was announced that Superintendent Critchfield is working to allow schools to adopt PragerU videos into their curricula. I am hoping this same crowd will stay as strongly vocal about their fears of indoctrination because PragerU is, at its core, a literal propaganda machine.

It is not a “university,” and the majority of its videos can be debunked or disavowed with fact checking. Its goal has never truly been about education. It has always been about building a far right coalition to promote the conservative idea of “America first” values. It is ludicrous to allow their material in the classroom as a viable teaching tool, unless you’re using it as an example of how misinformation and propaganda works in today’s world.

This is exactly the kind of thing the “indoctrination” crowd condemns. I’m sure we’ll see them at school board meetings and on social media disavowing Critchfield’s decision. Right?

Harmony Soto, Boise

Mistaken Identity

Dan Bridges continues to spread mistruths about District 18’s Sen. Janie Ward-Engelking, and it’s a serious case of mistaken identity.

Ward-Engelking is a career educator who has repeatedly stated during her career that “every child deserves a chance to succeed,” and she has consistently worked to make this a reality. Bridges has stated that Ward-Engelking is a religious bigot, based on her support of education for all. False. As a former teacher she taught, inspired, and motivated students of ALL religions.

Bridges has also stated that she “lashes out in extreme language at the GOP.” How can that be? As a minority Democrat in the Idaho Senate, she has worked diligently with all legislators from across the aisle to pass bills that benefit all Idahoans. If you review Ward-Engelking’s record, you’ll discover she worked with our Republican Governor and many Republicans to pass the LAUNCH scholarship program.

Mr. Bridges, I met you two years ago at the Republican Cookies and Lemonade event held in D-18. I’m disappointed that you continue to present these lies. Your website states “People Over Party.” If you want to vote for “People over Party” VOTE for Janie Ward-Engleking. She’s the real deal.

Roberta B D’Amico, Boise

Prop 1

One of Dorothy Moon’s arguments against Prop 1 is that she doesn’t want someone from the “other team” choosing her “quarterback”. Clearly, she is confused about the political process. I would like to remind voters that Republicans choose the “quarterback” for their “team” when they elect their Idaho GOP Chairperson. This is not the purpose of state and local elections. We are all one team of Idahoans and every registered voter deserves the right to vote for their leaders, regardless of party affiliation. Further, our elected leaders are obligated to represent all their constituents, not just those who share their party affiliation. I urge all Idahoans to vote YES on Prop 1 to allow all registered voters in Idaho have a voice, including the 275,000 unaffiliated voters who are currently excluded from the primary process.

Brooke Lewis, Boise

ACHD

I have been advocating for road safety for people walking and riding bikes for over 15 years and through that advocacy I met Patricia Nilsson. Besides being one of the friendliest people you will meet, Patricia is very knowledgeable about how transportation needs are intertwined with land use. Her background as a professional planner will allow her to work with the cities in Ada County to help create a transportation system that works for everyone.

The population of Ada County will continue to grow and we must have a diversified transportation system to accommodate this growth. Not everyone is able to drive and everyone is a pedestrian at some point. Patricia is committed to helping people get to their destinations safely whether they are driving, walking, or rolling.

And lastly Patricia will continue the work of Jim Hansen, who proudly served commissioner of ACHD District 1 for the past 12 years. Your vote for Patricia Nilsson will ensure that everyone can safely navigate Ada County.

Clancy Anderson, Boise

Peterson

To the people of Idaho’s 1st Congressional District, what has Russ Fulcher done for you? His job is to represent the interests of the people of our district, has he done that? His record speaks for itself, he has put corporations and special interest groups over Idahoans. Now more than ever is the time to look beyond party affiliation and reexamine who you have working for you and your interests, in all levels of government. Fulcher has refused to debate his opponent; he doesn’t think he needs to earn your vote.

His opponent is a candidate who has earned the endorsements of the Professional Firefighters of Idaho, Idaho AFL CIO labor council, the National Educators Foundation, Vote Momma, and Candidates for Common Good. Those endorsements are not given lightly. Those organizations represent things that we as Idahoans care about. Kaylee Peterson is the candidate who will fight for the true interests of Idahoans, not those of special interests. She does not accept corporate PAC money and is loyal to the people. Kaylee has worked a grass roots, people-powered campaign for over 2 years, traveling up and down the state listening to voters and delivering her Believe in Better message.

Laura Miller, Meridian

Primary

If the Republicans want a closed primary they can pay for it themselves. Don’t ask me, as a taxpayer and one of Idaho’s 275,000 independents to pay for an election I’m not allowed to vote in.

Richard Bennett, Boise

No on Prop 1

I will be voting no on Proposition 1, ranked choice voting. Every American citizen has the right to vote, so don’t be misled by all the commercials that say the opposite. Voting should be simple and should not be a game.

This proposition is confusing and it baffles you. Vote no.

Susan Newby, Emmett