Time to end the rainbow flag controversy once and for all. | Opinion

Time to fix the flag issue for good

It is time for Rep. Ted Hill, R-Eagle, to quit messing around and fix the problem once and for all. Outlaw rainbows now!

Ron Tucker, Boise

Consider primary crossover voting

There’s an election strategy that’s being promoted for the 2026 primaries. Democrats and Independents should register as Republicans so they can vote in the GOP’s closed primary and affect the outcome. On first look it appears to be a good idea. It is not!

The GOP closed its primary in 2012 based on the fact that only the most dedicated voters show up at the polls for primaries. In Idaho, turnout ranged from 24.46%-32.6% of registered voters in any primary since 2012. Registered voters made up 65%-70% of the overall voting age population during that time, meaning 14.6%-23.1% of voting-eligible Idahoans have determined who moves on to the general election.

That means only those candidates most closely aligned with a party’s agenda get voted for by their dedicated base. As a result, Idaho’s elected representatives at every level have been moving further right for well over a decade.

Let them have their closed primary. Let them nominate candidates who are beholden to the Idaho Freedom Foundation, corporations and lobbyists. Candidates who ignore their constituents and harm Idahoans. Concentrate on encouraging new voter registration, becoming informed about candidates’ agendas and, above all, vote!

Gil Beyer, Sandpoint

Senate fails on affordable housing

I was disappointed that the Idaho Senate voted down an affordable housing bill twice. First House Bill 760 failed on a tie-breaker vote and then, when the Senate reconsidered the bill, it failed with the votes 20 to 15. The bill was a serious effort to address Idaho’s housing crisis.

All of the Idaho House and Senate Democrats unanimously supported the bill which was a practical, locally controlled proposal.I’m one of the lucky folks who already own a small home in Idaho. We need relief for the many families across the state who wish to rent or buy housing and are not able to. How can we convince the Republican supermajority to act?P lease vote in the May 19 primary and the November 3 general election.

Kayla Dodson, Boise

Simpson just a yes-man now

I sent this letter to Rep. Mike Simpson: I am asking you to explain to me how you can rob the American people of health care and civil rights through the Big Beautiful Bill and yet now just give it and more to another forever war — one that never even had a valid purpose! Is it the AIPAC money you’re getting for your campaign that you are cart blanche backing this insanity and literally betraying your own voters. Do I have to remind you that many of your constituents are on Medicaid, are farmers struggling to survive, are veterans risking their lives for a war that will simply enrich oil companies and oligarchs. And again, what about the deficit and debt that you railed against in the past? Please think about the people you serve for a change. Do not give this administration $1.5 trillion.

Alisa Rettschlag, Boise

Crapo shows bipartisanship

At a time when it often feels like partisanship is at an all-time high, it’s encouraging to see meaningful bipartisan progress. Earlier this year, legislation supported by more than 400 members of Congress was passed into law — Sen. Mike Crapo’s Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act.

This important legislation creates a pathway for Medicare to cover new, cutting-edge screening tests capable of detecting dozens of cancers in earlier stages — when treatment is often more effective and less invasive. For seniors, this means greater access to life-saving technology and better health outcomes.

Crapo’s persistent leadership on this issue over several years represents a significant step forward in the fight against cancer. I look forward to seeing this law fully implemented so that individuals in our community — including family, friends and neighbors — can benefit from earlier detection and improved care.

Thank you to Crapo for his continued commitment to expanding access to critical screenings for older adults.

Lisa Hansen, Boise

Governor’s post is vacant

The Republicans in the Legislature apparently want total control of everything and everyone in the state. Bills that go to the governor are routinely signed, even when Little has said they are bad bills, not what he recommended or they cut too much. Maybe the Legislature should just eliminate the office of Governor.

That would save time and save money that could be used to defend the state from unconstitutional bills.

Linda Ross, Deary

Trump threatening war crimes

President Trump’s recent Easter Sunday post threatening “Power Plant Day” and “Bridge Day” in Iran — with demands to open the strait or face hell — escalates a dangerous U.S.-led war now in its sixth week. U.S. and Israeli strikes have already killed over 1,500 Iranian civilians, including hundreds of children, while damaging schools, hospitals and homes. Thousands more are injured and millions displaced in a nation that did not attack the United States. The loss of innocent life is heartbreaking. Further strikes on civilian infrastructure like power plants and bridges would only compound the suffering, drive energy prices even higher for Idaho families through disrupted global oil supplies, and risk broader regional escalation. Our leaders must reject reckless escalation and instead prioritize de-escalation, congressional oversight and genuine diplomacy for a negotiated ceasefire. As Idahoans, we urge Sens. Crapo and Risch, and Rep. Mike Simpson, to demand restraint and talks rather than prolonged war. Protecting civilians must come first.

Tina Noble, Boise