Want to restrict abortion rights? Lots of Christians are vehemently opposed to you | Opinion

Many religious people support abortion rights

Most conservative Christians believe God is opposed to abortion. Aside from the huge, unnecessary guilt and shame that is produced for women who want or have had an abortion, it’s important to remember that’s just some religions’ beliefs.

Almost all mainline Protestant denominations are pro-choice. Same for most Americans, and probably most Idahoans.

In the Bible’s over 1600 pages, there is not a single mention of abortion. Although the Bible lists thousands of detailed behaviors (like how men’s hair should be cut), abortion is never mentioned. Probably because abortion was so widely practiced back then.

In fact, in one surprising instance, Numbers 5:11-22, God actually authorizes an abortion.

It’s such a shame that too many of Idaho’s religious politicians think they have the right to impose their religious beliefs on everyone. Believing, incorrectly and sanctimoniously, that they know God’s desires.

Abortion is a very difficult and complex decision, never entered into lightly. But if the woman believes it’s right, for any of a dozen important reasons (often arrived at through prayer) then that’s really only her decision to make.

Rick Childs, Boise

Forest plan balances uses

In response to Julie Jung’s Aug. 17 article concerning the Nez Perce-Clearwater National Forests’ not-yet-released revised Forest Plan, Jung is correct: These forests are incredibly special places that provide an astonishing breadth of goods and services for Americans. It is unfortunate her article was so narrowly focused.

Forest planning is a complex process that balances all users’ needs with land’s capabilities. Because people care passionately about special areas and desired uses, no group will be fully satisfied with the results. Jung’s article exemplifies the healthy debate that has informed the forest planning process. It is through this debate, and the great body of science around land management, that we have crafted our proposal to meet the Forest Service’s mission to sustain the health, diversity and productivity of the nation’s forests and grasslands to meet the present and future generations’ needs.

The Final Forest Plan incorporates science and over 24,000 public comments regarding the draft plan’s content. It protects special places, addresses climate change and forest health, including old growth, reduces fire risk around communities, improves stream function and habitat, and provides recreational opportunities.

We look forward to sharing our plan, which your comments have helped shape, later this year.

Cheryl Probert, Kamiah

What about Trump’s age?

Bob Kustra’s op-ed in the Aug. 20 edition of the Statesman arguing that Democrats need to rethink nominating President Biden because of the president’s age was a hoot considering that Kustra is 80 years old. Talk about the kettle calling the pot black.

Talking heads throughout the mediascape have been regurgitating the same tired refrain about President Biden’s age without offering a realistic alternative. One wonders if they are being funded by Republicans.

Trump is three years behind President Biden, hugely overweight and exhibits the mental actions of a two-year-old, yet the pundits never mention this. President Biden is active and can ride a bicycle. Trump could barely walk down the ramp at West Point.

One could take Kustra’s op-ed and substitute “Trump” for “President Biden,” and it would be more accurate.

As for polls, Kustra and his fellow talking heads should read “The Fear Makers” by Darwin Teilhet and see the movie “The Fearmakers.” Polls can be torqued to give whatever answer the sponsor wants.

Kustra should consider whether he wants to vote for democracy or for autocracy. In doing so, he should remember the aphorism that “perfect is the enemy of good enough”.

Gary L. Bennett, Boise

Vote in every election

Have you ever felt your political party doesn’t appreciate you? I’m lucky to be a Democrat living in Idaho where we appreciate young people who get involved, vote and encourage their peers to do the same. I love that Democrats volunteer to help plan fundraisers and events, serve on committees, volunteer for boards, run for political offices and vote.

We Democrats don’t necessarily agree about every issue or way of doing things, but we are all in favor of protecting the environment and public lands, access to healthcare and public education and ethics in government.

If you are feeling pushed aside and not appreciated by your political party, there are other options. Some people choose to be unaffiliated; others prefer to be a Democrat or Republican.

What is most important is making sure your voter registration is up to date, participating by studying the issues and considering the candidates (not just choosing based on a letter after their name). Then vote in every election. You matter.

Kayla Dodson, Boise

Constitution mandates public education

Regarding public school funding, Article IX, Section 1 of the Idaho State Constitution states:

“The stability of a republican form of government depending mainly upon the intelligence of the people, it shall be the duty of the legislature of Idaho, to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.”

This clearly states it is the responsibility of the state Legislature to adequately fund and support our public schools. There is no mention of funding other types of education options (i.e., charter, private or religious).

If the legislators would do their job (which they have not done for decades), Idaho would be able to meet, and exceed, the accepted standards of public-school education.

Please contact your legislators and demand they properly support and fund every aspect of our public education system.

If some feel their offspring need a different type of education, they can fund it themselves, removing the burden to all of Idaho’s taxpayers of supporting anything other than a public education system, which will be much cheaper and effective for all Idahoans.

Hugh Massie, Boise

Trump was all over the debate

Don’t fret Republicans. Donald Trump was very much present at Wednesday night’s Fox News debate, by the mouths of at least five of the other contestants.

G. W. (Bill) Tonkin, Eagle