Staben's next interview
Thank you for running the Idaho Statesman interview with new University of Idaho President Chuck Staben. It was interesting to see Staben's views on matters of concern to people in Boise: Football, athletics, the word "flagship" as it relates to the UI, the "proper role of the UI in Boise, the state's capital city and largest metro area" and problems that occurred on campus in Moscow, which are already being addressed such as alcohol-related deaths and a tragic murder-suicide.
I was pleased with Staben's reasoned responses. I hope soon the Tribune will interview Dr. Staben about matters of interest/concern to the UI community: his ideas to increase research programs/funding, expanding the presence of the UI throughout the state, including centers in northern and southeast Idaho, agricultural research, construction of a new research center on campus, increasing UI enrollment including online programs, etc. - the things Dr. Staben and the other candidates were asked throughout the state during the presidential selection process.
Gaylen Wood
Moscow
Good for Rusche
All party affiliated elected officials should take the time to read John Rusche's turnabout letter on the Nov. 28 opinion page.
Rusche does a great job of expressing why all elected officials should work together for the good of the people who elected them. Take time to dig out the paper and read it. You will find many other comments that make Rusche worthy of his elected position.
Rusche not only talks the talk but he walks the walk. Keep up the good work. Hopefully some of your thoughts and actions will rub off on those who need a wake-up call.
Jerry Klemm
Lewiston
In tribute to Slickpoo
The Tribune published a very fine obituary, helping us to remember the life of Allen Slickpoo.
He was the finest historian of his generation, with a remarkable knowledge of events, places and language. He was amazingly generous in sharing what he knew. For years, usually on winter roads, he drove to Moscow to speak to University of Idaho history classes. We never even had money to pay for his gas, but he came anyway because he knew that what he had to say was of real value to our students.
Al was also in many ways the father of the Nez Perce people's long interest in Meadow Creek and the ancient treasure near its headwaters, the Southern Nez Perce Trail. Most of what we know about this very old and still visible trail comes from Slickpoo's histories. One of the best weeks of my life was spent in Washington with Al, lobbying Congress to add Meadow Creek to the adjacent Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness Area.
Slickpoo was a kind, generous man, filled with humor and real decency. I miss him a lot, and probably we all should.
Dennis Baird
Moscow
Paying attention
Just to chime in regarding David Abbott's recent letter: He must have paid attention in history class, because he's absolutely correct. Republicans in Abraham Lincoln's time were a far cry from Republicans today. They more closely resembled modern Democrats.
Over time the political paradigm shifted in a process called the "Southern Realignment." This is an integral part of our nation's history.
Josh Marugg
Lewiston
