Officers against Trump
I am no expert on military issues. Thus, I defer to miliary experts for advice on who would be a better commander in chief, Kamala Harris or Donald Trump.
Overwhelmingly, military leaders choose Kamala Harris. Is it because of her experience or that Donald Trump demonstrated four years in office that he is unfit to command our military? More than 780 retired high-ranking officers and former national security leaders signed a letter opposing Trump. For many, it was a difficult thing to do because they believed that the military should not participate in partisan politics. However, they felt that Trump was such a danger to the country that they felt compelled to do it.
The signees included many who served in his administration, people who saw up close how Trump acted: his first Secretary of Defense, Gen. Jim Mattis; his first chief of staff Gen. John Kelly; Gen. R.A. Thomas, commander of Special Ops; another Secretary of Defense, Mike Esper; and Gen. Mark Milley, former chairperson of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Trump more than once called soldiers who died or were wounded “suckers and losers” and used rain as an excuse to not honor our fallen soldiers in a cemetery in France. Of course, what else would you expect from a guy who used his rich father to get a doctor to say he had bone spurs so that he wouldn’t have to serve in Vietnam?
Charlotte Omoto
Palouse
No more meetings
I attended my last Clarkston City Council meeting. Why? They have deaf ears.
I spoke of several codes passed and ignored. I was cut short because of their time limit so here’s what didn’t get said: I was stopped by an officer. Conversation: I can give you a citation or use my discretion. Which one do you want me to do? Your stop, your call. He then said, you write in the paper we don’t do anything. I corrected him. I didn’t say you don’t do anything. I said you drive with blinders on.
I gave an incident just 20 minutes earlier. He drove by Foster Park. Beneath a “no dogs allowed” sign were five dogs. Across the street was a vehicle living there with Idaho County plates. Illegal. He said he didn’t see them, which supported just what I had said.
Another incident. I was stopped by a different officer. Conversation: You know why I stopped you? Yes. You want me to witness you cleaning up the five violations in front of you: three vehicles with no plates, one across the sidewalk, two trailers full of junk with no plates, no lights. His statement was, that’s another jurisdiction. I replied, no, it happened in your presence.
Can anyone figure out why Clarkston doesn’t get better? Always excuses or pass the buck.
Until the people get the guts our forefathers had, there’s never going to be a government for the people, by the people, and it gets worse each generation.
Jim Griffin
Clarkston
Vote yes on Prop 1
Responding to Sheryl Nuxoll’s recent letter in the Idaho County Free Press, “Prop 1 — Trying to Deceive Us,” I would first like to report that ... District Court Judge Patrick J. Miller ruled against Attorney General Raul Labrador’s lawsuit against Proposition 1. The ruling included this statement: “The evidence the Attorney General submits actually negates the idea that the defendants perpetrated false statements to thousands of persons who actually signed the petition.”
Ms. Nuxoll provided the names of three legislators who oppose Prop 1. They are certainly allowed their opinions, but they hardly nullify the 95,000 signatures submitted to the secretary of state for ballot approval. What baffles Idahoans is why these legislators are willing to silence the voices of 270,000 independent, legally registered voters. Aren’t they supposed to represent all of us? Shouldn’t they want to listen to all of our concerns?
The cost of implementation has not yet been determined, but if the secretary of state chooses to simply upgrade the software (as they did in Utah) the cost could be as little as 50 cents per person. But ask yourself this: How much is your right to vote worth to you?
In conclusion, I think we can agree that our lives should be made simpler, with less likelihood of manipulation. Proposition 1 provides for that with a simple, single statewide primary that provides all Idahoans with the voices and votes that speak up to political manipulation.
Vote yes on Proposition 1 on Nov. 5.
Janice Inghram
Grangeville
Idaho endorsements
As president of the Idaho Democratic Women’s Caucus, I am proud to declare our support for Julia Parker for Senate, and Trish Carter-Goodheart and Kathy Dawes for representative. Each of these candidates offer valuable experience and a strong commitment to serving her community.
We wholeheartedly endorse Julia Parker, a seasoned geriatric nurse and elder care leader. She has extensive experience in health care and a proven track record of sensible leadership. She knows how to work with others from various backgrounds to improve the community that she loves. We strongly encourage you to vote for Julia Parker for Senate.
We are equally enthusiastic about endorsing Trish Carter-Goodheart, a dedicated child safety and well-being advocate, and member of the Nez Perce Tribe. Her commitment to promoting the welfare of children and her advocacy for indigenous rights bring a much-needed fresh perspective. Vote for Trish Carter-Goodheart for representative at the polls.
Finally, we support Kathy Dawes, who is a former eighth grade science teacher and community volunteer. Her passion for education will help her advocate for policies that support local families and teachers alike. Kathy is dedicated, knowledgeable and ready to bring her commitment to learning and community service to the legislative arena. Let’s get Kathy Dawes for representative elected.
We’re confident that Julia Parker for Senate, and Trish Carter-Goodheart and Kathy Dawes for representative will each bring their passion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to public service for District 6. We urge you to support these outstanding candidates in the upcoming election.
Gini Ballou
Shoshone, Idaho
