Moon’s leadership of the GOP straps it to Trump’s sinking ship | Opinion
Moon ties GOP’s fate to Trump
Republican Dorothy Moon falsely claimed that Critical Race Theory was being taught in Idaho schools. That falsehood helped propel her into becoming chairperson of the Idaho Republican Party.
She is now falsely claiming that DEI is un-American. DEI is one step in America’s long march toward forming a more perfect union. Big business embraced DEI to increase harmony and productivity in the workplace.
The way Trump treats people, especially women, people of color and the disabled, illustrates that he is a darn poor reflection of the human race. Turning loose armed thugs on the streets of America, attacking American institutions, seeking and accepting millions in bribes, Trump is serving himself, not American citizens.
Imposing illegal tariffs, bullying America’s friends and neighbors, destroying alliances, initiating war, blockading the Strait of Hormuz, on and on, illustrates that he is not competent to serve as president.
The king of chaos and corruption, he is kept in office only by the cult he has spawned throughout the former Republican Party and the controlling fear he has instilled in Republican leaders such as Gov. Brad Little, Sen. Jim Risch, Sen. Mike Crapo, Rep. Russ Fulcher and Rep. Mike Simpson.
Racist to his core, Trump is MAGA. And Moon says that “The future is MAGA”.
Tom Newton, Caldwell
Historical preservation under threat
On June 19, Idaho communities will begin feeling the impact of H898, which was passed in the waning hours of our recent legislative session, as Dr. Jason Tippeconnic Fox departs for Oklahoma after serving five years as Idaho’s National Register and Federal Tax Incentive Coordinator. He’s an unfortunate casualty among others our State Historic Preservation Office will experience integrating into the governor’s new Office of Species, Mineral and Energy Coordination after fifty years within the Idaho State Historic Society.
If the priorities of their new agency name aren’t self-evident, they will soon be through the loss to historic preservation work, resources, and advocacy within every region of our state. With the unprecedented growth in both our population and energy development sector, now more than ever, preservation of our historic sites and identity will be challenged like never before.
If our elected officials don’t appreciate the years of experience and dedication to preserving our heritage by professionals like Jason and his colleagues, I’m confident the hundreds of volunteers throughout Idaho who have worked with SHPO for years do. Thank you Jason, Dan, and others at SHPO. We’ll miss you and wish you the best with new opportunities who value what we’re losing.
Tony Edmondson, Weiser
SNAP cuts leave Idahoans hungry
As grocery prices continue to rise, Idaho families are relying on SNAP to help put food on the table. Yet the federal budget law passed in 2025 includes the largest cuts to SNAP in the program’s history, putting food assistance at risk for many Idahoans.
SNAP serves working families, children, veterans, older adults, and people with disabilities. For many households, it’s the difference between making ends meet and going hungry.
The impact of these cuts extends beyond families. SNAP dollars are spent in grocery stores and communities across Idaho, supporting retailers, farmers, and local economies. Food banks and charities play a vital role, but they can’t replace a program that provides most food assistance in our country.
I work closely with people experiencing food insecurity. Hunger should never be a policy debate. It affects a child’s ability to learn, a senior’s health, and a family’s ability to get through the month.
Sens. Risch and Crapo, Reps. Simpson and Fulcher should support efforts to restore and protect SNAP. Hunger is ground zero. Access to food is a basic necessity, and no Idahoan, especially children, seniors, and veterans, should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.
Dawn Pierce, Boise
Preserve cancer research
As an oncology social worker, I see firsthand the devastating impact that a cancer diagnosis can have on an individual’s physical, mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing. Cancer doesn’t discriminate and will likely touch all of us on an individual, familial, or community level.
I’m asking Rep. Mike Simpson to work to ensure Congress continues its bipartisan commitment to cancer research and prevention funding this year. Cancer remains a leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 2.1 million new cases and more than 626,000 cancer deaths expected in 2026 alone. These are not just statistics, they represent families, neighbors and communities impacted each day.
I was proud that Congress demonstrated what is possible when lawmakers from both parties came together last year. That bipartisan effort led to increased investments in lifesaving cancer research and prevention programs. Those decisions matter. They accelerate breakthroughs, improve early detection and expand access to care.
Now is not the time to slow down. Strong, predictable funding ensures researchers can keep making progress and patients can have hope for better outcomes. I ask Rep. Simpson to build on last year’s momentum and reaffirm their commitment to fighting cancer. Lives depend on it.
Jenn Johnson, Boise