Pay attention Idaho. Government censorship is rising | Opinion
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- Idaho critics warn FCC overreach threatens First Amendment speech protections.
- Residents urge Idaho lawmakers to seek balanced insight from visits to Israel.
- Boise community backs Clean Water Levy to preserve recreation and ecology.
Government censorship is escalating
This is not just about the loss of late-night programming! The FCC has exceeded far beyond their statutory authority and is illegally and unconstitutionally threatening freedom of speech and the First Amendment rights of viewers! If the government can now control what we see, hear and believe, we are in a fascist dictatorship. I urge you to stand for the First Amendment and not bow to the pressure of extremists and threats in your decision making.
Sheila Robbins, Boise
Idaho lawmakers’ Israel trip was a mistake
For the Idaho legislators who were guests of the Israeli government recently, two questions stand out.
Did your hosts permit you to speak with any Palestinians? If so, did you learn anything?
In the last 13 months, two Americans have been murdered in the West Bank. What information was provided by your hosts about the status of the investigation into those murders?
It seems a “deeper understanding” of the circumstances in territories occupied and under attack by Israel would be advanced by answers to those questions. It also seems that visiting American officials should be concerned about the treatment of Americans in territory Israel controls.
George Moses, Boise
How to fix Social Security
Lift the cap. Don’t raise the age.
Let’s be clear: raising the Social Security retirement age isn’t the answer.
Our congressional delegation should support raising the income cap on worker contributions — or explain why they won’t.
Most Idahoans earn under $175,000 per year, and it’s unfair to make them shoulder the burden.
Lifting the cap strengthens the fund. Raising the retirement age only punishes workers — especially the young people paying in today.
Georgia Smith, Boise
Call for resignations is mistaken
I read with sadness the recent letter signed by 157 Idaho Democrats calling on Minority Leader Ilana Rubel to resign because of her visit to Israel. What struck me most was that the only Jewish legislator on the delegation was singled out for condemnation.
The letter’s opening uses the word “disgust.” In Atlas of the Heart, Brené Brown identifies disgust — not incivility — as a key driver of political dysfunction. Disgust “others” those we disagree with, making reconnection nearly impossible.
Rubel is not the enemy. She is one of Idaho’s most effective minority legislators, aligned with nearly all Democratic values. Demanding 100% agreement creates a purity test that divides rather than unites.
Rubel explained she traveled with a bipartisan group of 250 legislators to ask questions and see the situation firsthand. She confirmed in advance her visit would not be portrayed as endorsing Israeli policies. She met with Israeli officials, West Bank residents and Palestinian people, raising concerns about Gaza’s famine and civilian deaths.
Instead of castigating her, let’s support aid organizations, amplify voices for peace and push for policies that ensure dignity and security for all.
Disgust builds walls. Dialogue builds hope. Let’s choose hope.
Elizabeth Rodgers, Boise
Hard to be proud of America lately
Life is hard. It’s tough dealing with family issues, work pressures, financial difficulties, etc.
Now, in addition, we have daily political chaos to worry about. What has happened to our First Amendment rights? Why are people punished for speaking out about the president and his administration? Trump constantly criticizes and uses vile language against anyone who doesn’t agree with him. Bullying and intimidation need to be dealt with, not given in to.
I’m getting ready for a trip to Australia to visit family and am making up gift bags to give to my grandchildren’s classmates. Do I really want to hand out US flag pens, pencils and keychains? I’m not very proud of my country right now — maybe I can tell them how great America used to be.
Pamela Johansen, Meridian
Support open space levy
On Nov. 4, I’ll be voting yes for Boise’s Clean Water and Open Space Levy because I see every day how much our community depends on clean rivers and open spaces.
As someone connected to Idaho River Sports, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Boise’s waterways bring people together. For nearly four decades, IRS has been more than a paddle shop — it’s been a community hub for river safety, recreation, and conservation. We see families learning to paddle on Quinn’s Pond, friends gathering at the Whitewater Park and countless residents finding joy, health and connection through the outdoors. None of this would be possible without the clean water and open space that this levy is designed to protect.
The 2017 levy showed us what can be done when we invest in our rivers and parks. That funding is ending, and this new levy ensures we don’t lose momentum. At just $40 a year per household, it’s a small price to safeguard the resources that define our quality of life.
For Boise’s future — and for the businesses, families, and people who depend on our natural spaces—I urge everyone to join me in voting yes on Nov. 4.
Celecia Swaney, Boise