Screwworm is a growing threat to Idaho agriculture | Opinion
Screwworm a big threat to Idaho
Is anyone else following the outbreak of screwworm in US cattle? Agricultural economists predict a severe economic impact if the outbreak spreads past the few cases in Texas and New Mexico. Let’s all hope it doesn’t reach Idaho. Our farms and dairies are already struggling with high transportation costs, material shortages and a lack of demand in the export market. But low-income countries, major customers for US exports, are also dealing with high transportation costs and economic insecurity.
This is an easy way to help these countries and Idaho farmers. The International Monetary Fund has a tool called Special Drawing Rights. If used, certain countries would receive enough funds to boost their economies, keep them from falling into debt and spend money on U.S. exports. The best part is this won’t cost the United States anything. But the US does have a lot of decision-making power in the global economy. Idaho Sens. Jim Risch and Mike Crapo could be advocating for a measure that would inject the agricultural sector with millions of dollars. They should be supporting a release of Special Drawing Rights.
Katie Kelshaw, Pocatello
Roth should bow out
Dear Mr. David Roth,
Thank you for your years of public service and dedication to fighting for Idaho and its residents. In these tough economic and divisive times, we need new leadership in our state. We need someone who will unite the people. Unfortunately, our state has a very RED voting population. Our best chance to unseat Sen. Jim Risch is to back an independent candidate. I am asking that you do what’s best for Idaho and withdraw from the US Senate race to support Todd Achilles. He has a chance to unseat 83-year-old Risch and turn Idaho a little less red.
Emily Kormylo, Nampa
Can I have a future in Idaho?
I love the Lewis-Clark Valley, but this August, I am packing my bags for college in Fairbanks. My goal; to become an educator. While it is true that after graduation I want to come back and help shape the next generation in the Valley, the harsh economic reality across Idaho, created by the Republican Super-Majority in D.C., makes that dream feel harder to reach.
Staying isn’t a valid option. Republicans have kept the state minimum wage stagnant at $7.25 since 2009 while groceries have risen 55% in price in the past 17 years. Corporate monopolies are given deregulations, driving up the cost of utilities, and out-of-state hedge funds are buying up single-family homes and artificially inflating the housing market. Gen-Z is being priced-out of the communities we’ve grown up in.
D.C. ignores this “greedflation” because they answer to PACs rather than the people. If we want to stop Idaho from bleeding, we need leaders who will fight for the consumer and the middle class.
Candidates like Kaylee Peterson are the change we need in Idaho to make living affordable again, unlike Russ Fulcher, who continues to vote against Idahoans’ interests while backing handouts for the rich to screw us over.
Jerrick Edwardsen, Lewiston
America is a gift from God
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, I wanted to share my thoughts and feelings on what America means to me.
America is a direct gift from God. God has blessed this country with the hope that we will continue to grow and become better individuals and citizens. God loves agency and freedom, and America is the first country to have both. We are able to choose which churches we want to join without worrying about the government infringing on our God-given right. The Declaration of Independence boldly states that our rights come from God and not man. Our Constitution has a Christian base, and we should keep our country that way.
The Tuttle Twins books have helped me understand more of how this country is run and works. The more I learn about America and how the Founding Fathers organized it, the more I realize that God has a hand in every part of it. I am an upcoming homeschooled sophomore and have loved learning about American history. I want to help keep America great and be able to continue to enjoy the many blessings She gives us. America is the place that I am proud to call home.
Kylie Pulsipher, Dietrich
Idaho Salmon almost gone
On June 9, I mailed a letter to Gov. Brad Little concerning the recent dismal returns of Chinook salmon to Idaho.
In part, I wrote: “This year’s run of Idaho Spring Chinook salmon is just about complete with only a 72% return at Lower Granite dam compared to the 10-year average.
“This must be taken in context as the 10-year average has declined from 58,387 in 2016 to only 38,430 for the current year.
“The return of ‘jacks,’ one ocean fish, is even more dismal at only 53% of the declining 10-year average.
“This does not bode well for next year’s return.
“These numbers include both ‘wild’ and hatchery origin fish.”
As of June 26, I have received no reply.
Idaho law designates the governor responsible for management of Idaho’s recovery efforts of Endangered Species Act listed species.
The governor appoints the members of the Idaho Fish and Game Commission and the Idaho members of the Northwest Power Council.
The Idaho public deserves to have updated information concerning their salmon and steelhead and what, if anything, has been done to improve the current dismal prospects and what is being done for the future of our irreplaceable salmon and steelhead.
Keith Carlson, Lewiston