Why would Sen. Kelly Anthon introduce a bill to shield domestic terrorists? Bad idea. | Opinion

Anthon’s bill is bananas

Senate Bill 1220 from Senate Majority Leader Kelly Anthon, R-Burley, would add a definition for “domestic terrorism” but would require such activities to be “done in cooperation with any foreign terrorist organization,” according to the bill.

The first purpose enunciated in the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States is “to form a more perfect union.” There are those among us, whose words and deeds are counter to that purpose. They are willing to use violence or the threat of violence to impose their agenda on this state and on this nation. Such actions certainly come under both the definition of “enemies domestic” and also “domestic terrorism.” There may or not be ties to foreign organizations, but that is irrelevant at least in terms of acts against their fellow citizens. Ties to foreign organizations only add to their crimes.

It is beyond my comprehension why it was introduced in the first place. It appears to me to be a cover for potential domestic terrorism and a vehicle to encourage those with such in mind.

Bill Chisholm, Buhl

Driving out librarians

It was reported that many librarians are thinking about quitting their jobs and perhaps even leaving the state. My daughter, a librarian in Boise, left late last year. She moved to California and now works for a major private university’s library. Her salary is double what she made in Idaho. Costs of living are higher in California than Idaho, but not nearly twice as high, so she has greatly improved her standard of living. Most importantly, she works in a welcoming environment. Idaho’s right-wing legislators are wasting taxpayer time and money trying to suppress the right to read, women’s rights to health care, and even legislate gender. Well-qualified doctors, counselors, and librarians are leaving the state in droves. It’s time to vote these silly people out of office.

Crista Worthy, Boise

Don’t give teachers guns

As a former hunter, target shooter, bench rest shooter, hand loader and security guard with some training in fast shooting, I am totally opposed to teachers carrying guns. I do understand the concern of there being far too much wait time before help arrives at a school shooting. The problems with arming teachers are:

Teachers may not recognize the true shooter and shoot each other.

Bullets might ricochet and hit innocent adults or children.

I have an enhanced permit and three federal firearm permits, so I may seem to be more qualified than most, but there is no way I would accept, nor be qualified for, permission to carry a gun as a teacher. Enhanced permits are only a one-time 8-hour course. Continuous weekly training (live fire and other) is absolutely necessary to develop and continue the skill of fast shooting.

Further, there is the psychological impact on other teachers, staff, and most of all children, of knowing a teacher might be carrying a gun.

Daniel Bacon, Middleton

Trump would end democracy

President John Quincy Adams wrote, “Democracy never lasts long. It soon wastes, exhausts and murders itself. There never was a democracy yet, that did not commit suicide.”

We have a narcissistic, ignorant, fearful and selfish populace that will elect our next president. The election of Donald Trump will be the end of U.S. democracy and the ascent of dictatorship. Our suicide was started by Newt Gingrich and cemented by the US Supreme Court’s Citizens United decision that allows elections to be bought by wealthy donors, corporations and special interest groups. The good news is we will not have to spend our precious time engaging in the difficult and messy work required to sustain democratic governance. No more debate, squabbling, and compromise. No more hand-wringing liberal media. State media will have “good news” and provide an endless supply of scapegoats. We will have more time to play on YouTube, Facebook, take selfies and watch reality TV. Bad news is the end of our Constitution. Rights will be replaced by temporary benefits based on your heritage, wealth and obedience to the ruling elite. We will be aligned with Putin’s Russia and Xi Jinxing’s China. Good luck America.

Kurt Smith, Boise

Start listening to young protesters

Note to anyone telling young people how to protest: Young people are being forced to deal with and try to solve multiple crises they had no role in creating. Older people caused the climate crisis. We elected politicians who answer to oil companies instead of people, who continually put profit over protecting our planet. We elected people who put white Christian Nationalists in power, all the way up to the Supreme Court of the United States. Gen Z didn’t do that. We elected people who try to legislate LGBTQ kids out of existence. And then we complain when kids “use too many swear words” or “speak up too loudly” when publicly describing their plight.

Let’s stop telling kids how to protest and start listening to them and taking their advice.

Sam Sandmire, Boise

Vouchers would undermine public schools

Idaho’s proposed voucher tax credit scheme undermines our public education system and the principle of equal opportunity. It diverts funds from public schools, primarily benefiting wealthy families in suburban and urban areas, and creates a two-tiered system. This weakens rural schools and deepens existing inequalities.

Unlike public schools, private schools have no public oversight. Curriculum, teacher qualifications and student performance lack transparency. This should raise serious concerns about the quality of education and the use of public funds. This scheme is not a fiscally responsible investment in Idaho’s students.

Furthermore, this scheme violates the Idaho Constitution’s mandate for a “general, uniform, and thorough system of public, free common schools.”

Instead of dismantling public education, we should invest in its success. Let’s empower schools with adequate funding, attract qualified teachers and ensure every child has access to quality education. Privatization is not the answer. Idaho’s future depends on a strong, equitable public education system, not a voucher scheme that erodes accountability, violates the Idaho Constitution, and leaves many children behind.

Urge your legislators to reject the voucher tax credit scheme and uphold the constitution’s promise of quality public education for all Idaho children.

Tabitha Miller, Boise