By failing to stand up to Trump, Congress is filled with cowards | Opinion

Congressional cowardice

The Congress of the United States, once the platform of patriots, is now in very real danger of becoming mere window dressing for the Trump regime. The only legal solution to the current constitutional crisis we have been so wantonly plunged into by the president is to impeach him.

Under any other circumstances, “mistakenly” deporting Kilmar Abrego Garcia (a U.S. legal resident) to a prison in another country without trial would be grounds for impeachment, so why not now?

Under any other circumstances, the president not faithfully executing the laws of the United States (such as flouting an order by the Supreme Court to return Mr. Garcia) would be grounds for impeachment, so why not now?

Under any other circumstances, the president even hinting at deporting U.S. citizens for their political opinions would be grounds for impeachment, so why not now?

Because this Republican Congress is full of cowards.

If Congress does not act now to impeach Trump and bring Mr. Garcia home, then they will not only be cowards, but oath-breakers and traitors.

Ben Satterlee, Eagle

DOGE

I recently wrote to my congressional Rep. Russ Fulcher, R-Idaho. I identified myself as a federal employee and asked Mr. Fulcher when Congress will engage in oversight activities over Mr. Musk to hold him to the same standards we are held to as federal employees. This is a portion of the letter I received back:

“As for concerns regarding conflicts of interest between Elon Musk and DOGE, President Trump has stated he will not allow conflicts, and Elon himself has committed to recusing himself from potential conflicts of interest. President Trump has also reiterated the central role of cabinet heads over various departments and agencies. DOGE has reported several areas of waste and improper use of taxpayer dollars that most Americans would be concerned about. DOGE will continue to shine a light on the fraud they uncover as Americans deserve to know what their government has been spending their hard-earned tax dollars on.”

Are we to accept blindly the false promises of a president who has been convicted of 34 felonies? No one wins when we so brazenly abandon our ethics.

Kimberly Castelin, Moscow

Roots school

In 2024, the Roots Forest School, an early childhood outdoor education program in McCall, celebrated its tenth year in Ponderosa State Park. Now, an eviction notice has been posted for the program following its 2026 season, as directed by upper leadership in the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation.

A Roots alum, now in kindergarten, commented: “I think I know why Roots is getting kicked out of Ponderosa Park…they were leaving garbage or something.” When asked if that is what she learned to do in Roots, she replied, “No. I learned not to do that. When it rains [the garbage] will flow down to the ocean and then sea animals could get stuck in it, and they could die.” Before age five, the student learned how to take care of a place like a state park, while she was in a state park.

A longtime supporter of Ponderosa Park, who turns 70 this year, said: “The Roots program in Ponderosa Park represents what Idaho State Parks have to offer Idaho’s future.” Protect the park by continuing to offer our youngest generation this informed, lifetime awareness of its worth — and their role in its conservation.

Keep preschoolers in the park.

Audrey Swanson, McCall

West Ada

If you don’t stand for something, you will fall for anything. In the West Ada School District, “something” is equality. “Anything” is white nationalism.

Chris Hinze, Cascade

Liberty

It is hard to overstate the absurdity of self-described conservative leaders remaining entirely silent while the president floats the deportation of American citizens and the revocation of birthright citizenship. These are not offhand remarks. They are test balloons to see how so-called conservatives will respond, and that response is appalling. The so-called defenders of the Constitution are nowhere to be found.

For years, we have heard the sermon: Liberty, limited government, originalism, rule of law. But when the leader of our nation muses about using federal power to strip Americans of their citizenship, these same flag-waving patriots suddenly forget how to speak. You cannot quote the Federalist Papers one day and cheer on soft authoritarianism the next. If your “conservatism” only applies when your team is not in charge, it is not a philosophy — it’s cosplay.

Alexander Maas, Cascade

Public lands

This is to the representatives we sent to Washington, D.C. You were sent there to represent the people of Idaho, not to bow down to a wanna-be dictator. People of Idaho do not want our public lands sold off, these are lands we camp on, hike on, go fishing on and go to sit on to get back to nature. It is what makes Idaho great so please do not let anyone sell off our public lands. If you do, I think next time your term is up you look for a different job.

Cindy Benson, Nampa

Boise flag

I’m happy to see Boise Mayor Lauren McLean opt out of taking the city’s flags down. It is about time someone stood up against these bullies masquerading as our know-it-all, what’s-best-for-us leaders. Thank you Mayor!

Tom C. Farley, Star

Legislature

As a Catholic committed to Christ’s call to love the poor and seek justice, I am deeply troubled by decisions made in Idaho’s recent legislative session.

Lawmakers cut $68 million from public schools, including $3 million for special education. They ended a $30 million fund that helped parents afford tutoring and supplies, removed $15 million for workforce housing, cut $22 million from infrastructure, and stripped $19 million from higher education. They also allowed the Idaho child tax credit to expire, effectively raising taxes on working families.

Meanwhile, wealthier interests were prioritized.

These are not just budget cuts—they are moral decisions. Scripture is clear: “Woe to those who make unjust laws, to deprive the poor of their rights” (Isaiah 10). Christ did not bless the rich for their wealth but called His followers to care for “the least of these.”

Budgets reflect our values. Idaho should not balance its books on the backs of the vulnerable. I urge lawmakers to repent of policies that harm children, families, and the poor—and to seek justice, mercy, and humility in public life.

In hope and faith,

Arthur Galus, Boise