The Idaho Way: Poor communication in University of Idaho killings offers lessons
By Scott McIntosh, opinion editor
If you like this newsletter, forward to a friend, and they can sign up here.
It has been more than two weeks since four University of Idaho students were found stabbed to death in their apartment off campus. It was a brutal, horrific crime, one of the worst in Idaho history.
Few communities would be prepared for such a heinous crime to take place in their midst, let alone a small community with a small police department such as Moscow, Idaho.
Since the killings, it has become clear, understandably so, that Moscow was completely unprepared.
That has led to missteps in communication.
Those missteps should serve as a lesson for other small communities where, God forbid, a similar tragedy could strike.
Unfortunately, the mixed messaging has continued, even two weeks after the killings.
On Tuesday, Latah County Prosecutor Bill Thompson told NewsNation that police can’t say whether the killer targeted one of the victims. On Wednesday, KTVB reporter Morgan Romero reported that Thompson told her one of the victims was a target of the killer. By Wednesday night, Moscow police issued a statement that the prosecutor’s statements were a result of a miscommunication, and that detectives do not know whether the residence or any specific residents were targets.
Read the full editorial here on why this should serve as a lesson for how not to handle a crisis.
Liberty and justice for all — unless you’re gay
Idaho U.S. Sens. Mike Crapo and Jim Risch both voted against the Respect for Marriage Act, a hypocritical vote for two politicians who claim to believe in freedom and liberty for all.
Voting against the Respect for Marriage Act shows they don’t really believe in “liberty and justice for all.” Their votes show they believe in liberty and justice only for those who are heterosexual.
Read my full column here on why Idaho’s two senators are on the wrong side of history.
Religion and government
It is unrealistic to think that legislators would dismiss their religious beliefs or moral compass when they step foot in the state Capitol.
But legislators must not cross the line from holding sincere religious beliefs to imposing those beliefs on others.
In a five-part series on religion’s role in Idaho government, Idaho Statesman reporter Ryan Suppe examines how people of faith shape Idaho politics.
What emerges from his reporting is an illuminating insight into how religion influences certain legislators’ votes and how that influence can stray into legislating morality.
Read our full editorial here on the dangers of allowing religion to bleed into political decisions.
Anti-SLAPP law needed in Idaho
Shortly after it was thrown out of court, a defamation lawsuit filed by Clearwater Analytics co-founder Michael Boren has been revived, further drawing out court proceedings, as the Statesman’s Nicole Blanchard reported. The wealthy Boren is suing several individuals who spoke out against granting a conditional use permit on his property, raising concerns about his use of aircraft on his ranch in the Sawtooth National Recreation Area.
As opinion writer Bryan Clark writes this week, whether you believe Boren is pursuing a legitimate claim or seeking to abuse the legal system to silence his critics, it is absolutely clear that the system can be abused. The way to stop such abuses is also clear: anti-SLAPP legislation, or “Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation.”
Read Bryan Clark’s full column here on why Idaho needs a law against frivolous defamation lawsuits.
Former Boise police chief weighs in
“As chief of the Boise Police Department for over a decade, I had the pleasure of working with hundreds of men and women who chose a career to serve others,” writes retired Boise Police Chief Mike Masterson. “They were faithful to their oaths and delivered incredible service. Until now… where one retired captain and his despicable words of hate are causing some to question the organization’s culture and its commitment to fair and impartial policing.”
Read his full guest column here.
I’m listening
Send me your story ideas, news tips, questions, comments, or anything else on your mind. You can reach me via email at smcintosh@idahostatesman.com.
Find me on social media:
Twitter (my DMs are open)
What you’re saying
This week, we received letters to the editor on immigration, the Colorado shooting, the IRS and property taxes. You can read these and more letters by clicking here.
You can submit a letter to the editor or guest opinion by clicking here.
Like this newsletter?
If you like this newsletter, forward to a friend or colleague, and they can sign up here.
