Donald Trump will make necessary changes, lead us to peace, strength, unity | Opinion
Trump
As a former Idaho state senator, 1971-1986, I have a deep love for Idaho and our country. Our constitutional republic has stood strong for centuries. The result of the election is a demonstration that America needs to change direction and move forward in peace, strength and unity.
President Donald J. Trump will make the necessary changes and give our country the leadership we need in turbulent times both domestically and abroad. Singer Lee Greenwood says it best when he sings “I am proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.”
Dane Watkins, Idaho Falls
Appointments
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the appointments President-Elect Donald Trump is proposing, particularly the nominations of Matt Gaetz, Robert Kennedy Jr., Tulsi Gabbard, and Pete Hegseth. I do not believe these individuals possess the qualifications necessary for the critical roles they have been nominated to fill.
Cabinet secretaries and high-ranking officials carry immense responsibility and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our nation. It is imperative that these positions are filled by individuals with proven expertise, leadership skills, and the ability to effectively manage the complexities of their respective departments.
As an Idahoan I urge our officials to vote solely on the qualifications and suitability of these nominees. Approving individuals who lack the experience and credibility required for these roles risks undermining the effectiveness of our government and the trust of the American people.
I hope and pray they honor their obligation to the people of Idaho by carefully scrutinizing these nominations and prioritizing the best interests of our state and country. Their leadership and commitment to upholding the integrity of these appointments are critical at this time.
Barbara Redmond, Boise
Trump sticker
I returned home from a long vacation to find that someone had come up in my driveway and ripped off my Donald Trump window sticker and threw it in the bed of my pickup. Sad. I don’t know why, but I know that it has to do with them, not me. This type of thing, while small, leads to bolder and bolder actions. It cannot be tolerated at all. I am more than happy to discuss opinions with anyone. I don’t mind what someone wears on their shirt, hat, car, or in their yard. Whatever. Express yourself!
Thorpe Orton, Boise
Trump cabinet
Why the fuss about who Trump picks for his cabinet? What if they are unethical and immoral? What if we have a tiered legal system based on wealth? What if our society is poisoned by wealth and greed? Our leaders reflect our “What’s in it for me” society. When Elon Musk was paying off voters with a million dollars a day it reminded me of the Roman Emperors having loaves of bread thrown to the Coliseum spectators during the gladiator “games”. Question is are you with the spectators in the stands or are you a slave being led to slaughter? Citizens United and AI will give us those two choices and neither one is a sure bet. Remember the stands can only hold so many people and never, ever give up your seat. Consider a personal trainer and prepare to be a Gladiator. We have the illusion of “Rights” but they are only privileges, and anyone in power can take those away. Recommend we grab our MAGA hats, get a good seat, and hope for some bread being thrown our way. The alien “other” people that do not look or think like us will bring us entertainment! All Hail Caesar!
Kurt Smith, Boise
Congress
To whom it may concern, which includes the duly elected representatives from Idaho and beyond. We the people elected you to represent us in the national government of these United States. We did not elect you to represent Donald Trump.
Your oath of office does not, in any way, shape or form relate to the person of Donald Trump. It is solely, totally, and completely to the constitution and to the populace of these United States. You represent me, whatever my race, creed, or political affiliation may be. Loyalty to Donald Trump is nothing compared to your swearing to uphold the Constitution of the United States of America. Period. Get a grip on the reality of your duty.
Jean Lynn, Nampa
Idaho GOP
We need to take back the Idahoan Republican party. Our State in most of its history of statehood has been Republican but under Dorothy Moon and the new leadership they have been advocating for not normal center right politics but something way out of the realm of reasonability. The Idaho Republican party has adopted insane positions that not even the average Republican in Idaho could get behind such as abolishing the 17th amendment to the US constitution which allows for the direct election of US senators. It says in Article 1, Section 3, and subsection B “We support restoration of the constitution’s checks and balances that protects the rights and sovereignty of the states by repealing the 17th amendment.” As anyone can see, our state GOP has gotten way too extreme to the point, they even want to get rid of the right of citizens to directly elect US senators, a right held since 1913. It’s time that the Idaho GOP reflected Idaho’s values not the extreme party leadership
Zachary Bukhari, Boise
Republic
The next four years will be hectic, hard to believe since we will be the subjects of one of the most corrupt individuals in existence. In 1779, Benjamin Franklin answered a question about our new democracy saying, “if you can keep it.” In 1879, 100 years later through terrible times we held together – Rutherford Hayes, President. In 1979, 200 years later, we again were together, Jimmy Carter, President. 2079, not yet here, 55 years from now, Trump will be gone but succeeded through the years in elections – wait, did we ever have honest elections after 2024 – no evidence to show this will be but plenty of words to indicate King Trump and cronies are now in an authoritarian mode with the Constitution completely overturned. Don’t laugh, not funny, too close to the truth. Who is to save us? Just check the recently announced nominees and try not to throw up.
Janette McFarland, Fruitland