Bibles in classrooms? Maybe teach the difference between correlation and causation | Opinion

Correlation isn’t causation

As noted in Blaine Conzatti’s recent opinion piece, citing increases in crime and teen pregnancies as one consequence of no longer reading the Bible in schools, is like saying the increase in ice cream sales must be the cause of crime increasing (because they’re both rising at the same time). If the Bible is going to be read in schools, please read it on Monday; The Quran on Tuesday; the Book of Mormon on Wednesday; and Buddhist Scriptures on Thursday. If school is in session on Friday, it could be teacher’s choice (and maybe do MATH instead). More religions than Christianity support moral choices. How many wives did King David have? Maybe more than Trump and Musk combined. Maybe.

Donna Carlson, Boise

The terrible toll of Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer’s disease is devastating. There are more than six million Americans living with the disease and 11 million family and friends acting as caregivers. Here in Idaho, there are 66,000 family caregivers. The caregiving needs for someone living with Alzheimer’s are extensive and progressive, lasting an average of four to eight years following a diagnosis. Many caregivers juggle work and other family responsibilities. They are often stretched thin and are overwhelmed. Most could use help.

I was one of these caregivers. I was tasked with the job of helping to take care of my grandmother while she was declining due to Alzheimer’s. I was just starting nursing school, so my family decided that I was the most qualified to be her caregiver. Watching her struggle to remember things and seeing her slip away was heartbreaking.

During the holiday season, let’s support our caregivers. Run errands for them and help with household chores. Give caregivers a break by spending time with the person.

If you’re a caregiver and need assistance, the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272. 3900) is a free service offering support for people living with dementia, caregivers, families and the public. We are here for you every day.

Bretta Perry Rowell, Boise

Oppose Wilks bros’ development

I strongly oppose the 30,000-acre Red Ridge Village project proposed by the Wilks brothers/DF Development in Valley and Adams Counties. As a long-time McCall resident, I’ve spent a good portion of my life exploring Idaho’s mountains and forests, and the development destroying these wild areas has been heartbreaking.

But, beyond the emotional, there are practical reasons why the project would be disastrous. Idaho 55, U.S. 95, and the roads throughout Valley County are already straining with increased traffic from greater Boise and could not sustain a large development.

The development would also have a long-term impact on unspoiled terrain, altering the environment forever with a potentially lethal effect on flora and fauna. Additionally, a development of this scope would escalate real-estate prices, making homes even more unaffordable to Idahoans.

Bottom line: The Wilks brothers/DF Development have no interest in what is good for Idaho, its residents, or the environment. They are simply profiting by destroying pristine land without truly caring about the consequences.

Please send comments to Valley County P&Z Administrator Cynda Herrick at cherrick@co.valley.id.us and attend the P&Z hearing on Dec. 12 at 6 p.m. at the Valley County Courthouse in Cascade.

Erin Fanning, McCall

Keep your unvaccinated selves in Idaho

I see one of your local health districts voted to stop providing COVID-19 vaccinations.

I have this day contacted my Washington state senator asking that immediate legislation be drafted, enacted, and signed into law restricting out-of-state care for COVID-related illness in all W. Washington hospitals to WA residents first and foremost and, secondly, only to Idaho residents seeking COVID treatment who produce an up-to-date vaccination record. WA residents’ tax dollars should not be spent on Idaho idiocy.

Randal McChesney, Bellevue, Washington

Axe for Gaetz no surprise

Who is actually surprised with the withdrawal of Matt Gaetz from nomination to be attorney general of the United States? Was Gaetz dumb enough to not actually understand that he was merely a stalking horse for Herr Trump to thumb his nose at those Herr Trump says are “enemies.” Apparently the nominee for Secretary of Defense doesn’t need experience/knowledge — just problems with his sex life — Herr Trump seems to revel in such discussions. What else will happen?

Janette McFarland, Fruitland

Everyone wants a tax cut

In response to the opinion about eliminating payroll taxes business pay for the portion of their workers tips.

First, it sounds like the letter writers want a $282,000 tax cut. Can I have that too? I promise I’ll invest it.

Second, the letter writers’ contempt for payroll taxes is misguided. Payroll taxes fund the Social Security and Medicare system in the US--the most effective and popular government programs in the history of the earth. Each American is entitled to these benefits when they reach retirement age and may enjoy a robust health care system and modest income support in their golden years. Without Medicare, the elderly would be essentially without affordable health insurance and would saddle their children with bills as was the case prior to its enactment. Without Social Security, Americans are estimated to have to work well into out 70s before we can enjoy retirement. It is disingenuous to describe the payroll tax as money simply “sent to Washington” and unwise to prescribe more ways to deplete it.

There is a compromise. The payroll tax for Social Security is capped at 6.2% of one’s income of $176,100 or less. Remove the cap and we can exempt the tip.

Richard L Zuercher, Boise