GOP claims open primaries would turn Idaho into Cali. They turned it into Maryland | Opinion

Why is the GOP trying to turn Idaho into Maryland?

The Idaho GOP warns that passage of the open primary initiative would turn Idaho into California. It should be stated that the primary system in California is not what’s being proposed, and that system was not even enacted until 2010, when most conservatives would agree California was already in a sorry state. I’m a conservative and would oppose any system that would transform our state into a left-wing paradise.

However, this raises a point. Why has the Idaho GOP enacted a closed primary system that’s identical to what’s in place in Democratic enclaves like Oregon and Maryland? Why are they trying to turn Idaho into Maryland?

Of course, it’s not that simple. A primary system can’t radically transform a state against the wishes of its voters. This is the logic that underlies the closed primary system but which the Idaho GOP denies when it comes to the Open Primary Initiative so it can stir up unreasoning fear to maintain its own power. This type of argument shows why the initiative is needed. Fundamentally, the Open Primary Initiative is about taking power away party bosses who can only rule by fear and returning it to the general electorate.

Adam Graham, Boise

Simpson’s immigration ads are deceptive

Mike Simpson is running political ads on television that are not truthful. Idaho is not being overrun by immigrants. The number of undocumented immigrants has remained stable since 2002. They are working in construction, service jobs and agriculture. Gang activity has increased in Idaho, but it’s due to gangs coming in from California, Chicago, and our home grown Idaho prisoners and white supremacists. China is the biggest supplier of Fentanyl to the US, and any coming in from the southern border is being brought in by US citizens to sell to US citizens. Has there been a huge increase in people trying to claim asylum in the US? Yes. The pandemic had a drastic effect in many countries, in addition to political upheaval. Is President Biden responsible for the current problems, or should we thank Republicans in Congress for not supporting any solutions so that they can blame Democrats? How can we hope for meaningful solutions to problems when we do not choose to look at factual information?

Lori Ramirez, Meridian

GOP to blame for border issues

Marjorie Taylor Greene railed against the Ukraine package. She wondered why Congress wasn’t defending the southern border. But isn’t she one of the main reasons the border deal was killed? Donald Trump complains about the Biden border crisis but isn’t he the one who blocked the border deal? Trump says other countries are sending “prisoners, , drug dealers, mental patients and terrorists, and the worst they have.” But isn’t Trump the one who blocked the border deal? Donald Trump says that immigrants are causing a “ border blood bath.” Donald Trump accuses immigrants for an increase in violent crime even though data does not support that migrants are increasing crime. Are migrants really worse than Donald Trump?

Sidney Asker, Boise

Making Iran-Contral look like child’s play

Does anyone remember the Iran-Contra investigation? Oliver North leading the charge. Fawn Hall testifying before Congress: “Sometimes you have to you above (beyond) the law.” I was a twenty-something and appalled at that supremely egotistical, disrespectful, idiotic take on how this country functions. No one is above the law in this republic. We have three distinct branches of government. Each one is responsible for specific functions. But none are to function alone, unchecked, unresponsive to the citizens of this nation. No one can be deemed at any point to be above the laws of the land. Period. Trump tried to overthrow the government of these United States. Fake electors tried to overthrow the governments of these United States. Lawfully admitted to the bar attorneys tried to overthrow the government of these United States. Clarence Thomas has no right to sit in this current judicial term. He sits. God have mercy on this republic.

Jeanie Lynn, Nampa

Thank Legislature for hungry kids

This legislative session has been a challenging one but one of the most disappointing acts in this years Legislature is denying vulnerable young children food security during the summer month in their budget. This would cost $120 per child. The state would pay an administrative cost of about $545,000 and the federal government government about $16 million.

As a member of the Homeless Coalition, we see first hand the impact of the rising cost of rent and the cost of living, while wages have not kept up. While $120 worth of food may not seem like much, for many families this can make a big difference. Many families are one bill away from not being housed. Our hardworking families could use the help of the state and federal government to continue to help feed their children over the summer months. It is a small budget item for the state but a big budget item for the families.

Linda Beebe, Boise