Legalized Racism and What We Should Do

Saturday evening, I posted a GIF on Facebook of a man ripping a Nazi flag in half with my thoughts about the demonstrations, protests, and violence in Charlottesville. I said: “To speak nothing against evil is to endorse it. Hatred has no place in civilized society. What happened in Charlottesville is evil. Those who want to "reclaim" their racist past are evil. Driving a car into a crowd of protesters is evil - it is murder, it is terrorism. History taught us what happens when power is given to one group of people who believe they are racially superior. We cannot allow it to happen again.”

It elicited a curious response. "Nic, what specific action do you recommend?"

It is a tough question to answer because racism is so ingrained in our culture. Legally speaking, the law allows racism and is helpless to prevent it. Which means course correction is our responsibility. We the people. It is our duty as individuals to take a stand. So, what do I want? What specific action do I recommend?

I want my kids to grow up in a world where this vulgar display of hatred and racism is uncommon. I want the next generation to enjoy the fruits of diversity. But how? Is this even possible? Maybe. But first ...

Every GOP leader must condemn the White Nationalist movement. Not all neo-Nazis and modern Klan members identify as Republican, but the majority tend to vote for Republican candidates. Rebuking these organized racists might cost some incumbents a few votes, but they might also gain support for taking a principled and moral stand. It must be known, racism is not welcome inside the Republican Party. If our elected officials don’t know what to say, they can follow the example of a few of their party peers.

Like Arizona Senator John McCain: "White supremacists and neo-Nazis are, by definition, opposed to American patriotism and the ideals that define us as a people and make our nation special. ... American patriots of all colors and creeds must come together to defy those who raise the flag of hatred and bigotry."

Or Nebraska Senator Ben Sasse: "These people are utterly revolting--and have no understanding of America. This creedal nation explicitly rejects 'blood & soil' nationalism."

Or Speaker of the House Paul Ryan: "White supremacy is a scourge. This hate and its terrorism must be confronted and defeated."

Or Idaho Senator Mike Crapo: "I condemn and reject the racism and hate perpetuated by white supremacist groups."

Or Idaho Senator James Risch: "White supremacy – and every other form of prejudice – does not represent our American values."

Or Idaho Representative Mike Simpson: "White supremacy and their hateful rhetoric and violence, have no place in this country. Let today unite our nation against this evil rather than allow it to be divided by a petulant minority that does not represent the values of America."

Or Idaho Governor Butch Otter: "We’ve had those problems in Idaho before, and fortunately, for the most part I think we dealt with it in the right way. They weren’t welcome here." (Note, Idaho was formerly home to the Aryan Nations)

Religious leaders must also condemn hatred as a violation of their beliefs. Churches, temples, parishes, wards, and synagogues across America should hold hope for those who claim supremacy to reform and abandon their hatreds, yet it is essential we call racism what it is - a sin.

One of the pastors at my church posted a single bible verse - Acts 17:26: "And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth." This is what I want to hear from every pastor, priest, clergy, and minister in the Christian world. Whether it is preached from the pulpit or in newsletters or on their social media platforms, Christian leaders need to emphasize scripture speaking of unity and racial equality and reconciliation. Churches must honor and celebrate diversity as a part of God's beautiful design.

Like Christine Hoover on The Ethics & Religious Liberty Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention: "He (Jesus) teaches me that His Kingdom is the country and people to which I belong, and that this Kingdom is formed by every nation and people group. ... Being a Christian in the face of racial hatred begins with Christ’s church falling to its knees in lament and confession and asking for his Spirit to move us toward Him and toward one another."

Or Tim Keller on The Gospel Coalition: "Christians should look at the energized and emboldened white nationalism movement, and at its fascist slogans, and condemn it—full stop. ... this is a time to present the Bible’s strong and clear teachings about the sin of racism and of the idolatry of blood and country."

Or Rev. Renee Roederer of Fig Tree Revolution: "White supremacy is the catalyst, the motivation, and the actualization of a wave of terror taking place in our nation. ... in the wake of it, we have the crucial occasion to decide that we will stand definitively alongside the most marginalized people in our nation."

There are also official positions taken by churches. Like The Wesleyan Church whose announcement begins, "I denounce any behavior couched as Christian that dehumanizes people and elevates one group over another. Our doctrine as Christians and history as Wesleyans in particular compels us not to be silent or inactive, but to engage in love." The Church of the Nazarene addresses racial equality in their manual, “We believe that God is the Creator of all people, and that of one blood are all people created. We believe that each individual, regardless of race, color, gender, or creed, should have equality before law … We urge our churches everywhere to continue and strengthen programs of education to promote racial understanding and harmony.” At the 2017 General Assembly for the Nazarene Church, they accepted a proposal to add the following to the manual:

Courtesy: Nazarenes For Peace

Finally, every American must decide if they believe in the ideals our founder wrote into the Declaration of Independence, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.” If we can’t uphold this, if we cannot vigorously defend these words free of exceptions or qualifiers, then America has lost. These wars have already been waged and won. If we are to uphold the American values of equality, we must now fight against the new Nazis and the new Klan who are bringing violence to our streets and poisoning our culture.

White supremacists must know there is no safe place for their beliefs even if the law protects their right to be racist. But I will not be satisfied until they are aware their views are not welcome. Not in politics. Not in houses of worship. Not on American soil.

The Gorsuch Test

Every time I see the name of Judge Neil Gorsuch in a headline, my mind re-imagines the news story to be talking about Rorschach tests. It's an apt metaphor. A psychologist could slide a photo of Gorsuch in front of you and find your response just as informative as how you perceive Rorschach's ink blots and smudges. Two people can view the same image; one is inspired and the other discouraged. It depends on your personality and emotional state.

found on Pinterest

Before we talk about the current Supreme Court nominee, we need to take a trip back in time. So get in your DeLorean, your TARDIS, your phonebooth, your WABAC Machine, or any other time travelling vehicle. Our destination is the year 2000.

courtesy Team Coco

The vice president (a Democrat) was facing off in the presidential campaign against a governor from Texas. This Texan, Republican George W Bush, wanted to re-brand his party as compassionate conservatives. Like most Republicans - especially those from the Bible Belt, Bush Jr. described himself as ardently pro-life. As a presidential candidate, he stated, "I believe every life is valuable, even when it is unwanted, even when it is physically imperfect. I believe our society has a responsibility to defend the vulnerable and the weak. And I believe our nation should set a goal: that unborn children should be welcomed in life and protected in law." Bush wanted to create what he called a "culture of life" and frequently talked about reducing the number of abortions performed in America. During a debate against Al Gore, Bush said, "Surely this nation can come together to promote the value of life." Bush won largely due to the Evangelical vote who supported his pro-life stance. Many of those Christian Right voters believed George W Bush would be the one who would overturn Roe vs. Wade.

Jump back into your time machines and travel to the next presidential election. Abortions were still legal and Roe vs. Wade was still law. Yet President Bush maintained his pro-life views. During his acceptance speech at the GOP convention, he said, "a caring society will value its weakest members. We must make a place for the unborn child." And during his 2005 State of the Union address, Bush repeatedly mentioned building a culture of life.

Another trip through the space time continuum brings us four years closer to the present. Bush Jr was coming to the end of his presidency. Abortion remained legal and religious conservatives did not get their wish to see Roe vs Wade undone. Many right-wing advocacy groups criticized Bush's moderate approach to abortion. Prolife Profiles hold President Bush accountable for the deaths of over three million children. They described his mother, wife, and two daughters as openly pro-abortion. American Right to Life said, "far from being a pro-life hero, former president Bush is typical of the modern Republican hypocrisy on child killing and guilty of the mass murder of millions of innocent children."

The Democrat candidate that year was a young senator from Illinois named Barack Obama. He supported women's right to choose and the Christian Right campaigned hard against him due to his stance on abortion. Many Christians referred to Obama as a gleeful baby-killer as if he was excited to see women abort their babies. His actual beliefs were far from how conservatives thought of him. He didn't like abortion. His goal was to reduce how frequently they were provided in America while maintaining the right for women to choose to terminate their pregnancies. I even wrote a post about it and as a result was told that I should be ashamed of myself. A family friend said I was everything that was wrong with America and I was going to Hell.

A funny thing happened in 2008. The Christian Right lost. The little known liberal and rookie politician beat out the well known and established candidate. Obama became the president and right wingers everywhere predicted doom. Then another funny thing happened. What Obama hoped to see in the issue of abortion actually came to pass. During his presidency, less abortions were provided. According to the CDC, in the ten years spanning from the start of Bush Jr's second term through Obama's sixth year in office, the number of abortions dropped by 20%, the rate was reduced by 21%, and the ratio experienced a 17% loss.

Now let's return to the present time. Please leave all historical figures and companions in their own timelines and avoid any grandfather paradoxes.

Party on, dudes!

I don't know many people who like Trump. Even in Idaho (the reddest of red states) most people I encounter are disgusted by our President. Yet many of those same people voted for him. Some were straight party voters who refuse to elect a Democrat; these people would probably vote for Satan as long as there was the magical letter R next to his name on the ballot. Others voted for him because they couldn't stand the thought of another President Clinton. And there were those who voted for Trump because of one singular issue: his promise to nominate a pro-life judge to the Supreme Court and finally overturn Roe vs Wade. I even heard one local resident say, "I can't stand his policies, and I think he's a racist, but at least he's pro-life." Even that claim is sketchy. Trump's spoken stance on abortion changes as frequently as the seasons.

I wish to address this last group of people, the single issue voters. Are you happy now? Did you get what you wanted? This week, we've been watching the confirmation hearings for Judge Gorsuch. When asked if he and Trump had any discussion about Roe vs Wade, Gorsuch denied giving any indication that he would overturn the landmark court ruling. He adamantly stated, "That's not what judges do." Gorsuch admitted that Roe vs Wade has been "reaffirmed many times" and is a case with important precedence. If he is confirmed, he is the kind of judge that will continue to uphold, not reject Roe vs Wade. So dear Trump voters, those of you who only voted for him so you could get the judge who would outlaw abortion, it looks like Trump has broken his promise. If Gorsuch is your Rorschach test, do you like what you see? Do you have regrets?

unelectable

My kids had an interesting question for me: "Dad, if you got elected to work for the government, would we have to move?"

"Well," I answered, "it depends. If I was elected to city council or the county commission, I wouldn't go anywhere. So we'd stay here. If I got into the state legislature, I'd have to go to Boise while in session and live there for a few months during the year, but I'd still live here. If I became a state representative in the federal government, it would be more interesting and I'd do a lot of flying back and forth between here and Washington DC. I'd also have to travel around the state a lot."

"Oh."

I continued, "However, such discussion is purely hypothetical and purely irrelevant."

"Why?" They asked.

It is encouraging they have (at this stage of their lives) enough faith in me to think I could win a seat in an elected office. They think I'm smart enough and that my ideas are worthy of consideration in deliberating law and government policies. Their confidence in me won't last forever, but I cherish it while I have it. However, I will never run for any political office. Not because I'm uninterested but because it would be a fruitless endeavor.

"Because," I said, "I am unelectable."

"You are?"

"I am." their over-inflated belief in my abilities humbles me. They wanted to know why so I explained. "I am too conservative for the Democrats and I'm too liberal for the Republicans. Socialists would not approve of my libertarian tendencies and Libertarians would not appreciate my socialist leanings. Politically speaking, I don't fit in anywhere. No party would accept me, which would make it impossible for me to run for any elected position."

There is a reason I describe my political persuasion as potpourri. I am the purple voter. Anyone who sees me as something other than a true independent is an extremist within their own party. Maybe that means I have more in common with the average American than the people who inevitably end up on ballots each November. Perhaps that makes me completely unelectable.

Yet, if the election of Donald Trump has taught me anything, it is that anyone - and I do mean ANYONE can become president.

The Violence Trap Part 1: An Anecdote

Saturdays are our adventure days. Anything to get out of the house. Go for a hike. Picnic at the park. Friends' birthday parties. But plans change. Kids get sick. Weather sours. Sometimes, we camp out in the apartment and do chores.

One rainy Saturday, it was obvious the kids were getting cabin fever. Their rooms were clean. Laundry folded and put away. Dishes washed and dishwasher empty. Video game time used up. Hours spent reading. All before lunch. (My kids are early risers.)

By mid-afternoon, they were turning bug-eyed from the doldrums of being cooped up and the dismal weather outside was not encouraging. They were like caged animals looking for a way to escape their enclosure and would soon turn against their zookeeper. Me.

With that in mind, I took them somewhere dry to play: Carl's Jr. We had already eaten lunch so we ordered sides of fries; I let them play while I caught up on my own reading.

Carl's Jr isn't my favorite place in the world. It always smells odd, but their food quality is a step above McDonald’s and their play area is easier when managing multiple children. For that one wet-weathered Saturday, we had the place to ourselves for most of the time we were there.

Late in the afternoon, and older man came in with his granddaughter. Hunched back, grayed hair, grizzled scowl, defined wrinkles - I would estimate his age to be five to ten years older than my father. He carried himself with the boredom and contempt of a man that is not enjoying retirement. He also had a large firearm strapped to his hip.

The gun did not bother me. I have a few friends who open carry, more who have a permit and conceal carry. They are all calm and competent gun owners. None of them flaunt the fact they are armed.

I was not worried about the old man with the big gun. Since I live in North Idaho, I would wager I am in the company of people packing heat far more than I realize. It is something people do around here.

But my daughter was worried. As soon as she saw it she came up to me and whispered, "That man has a gun."

"Yes, he does." I tried to downplay it as best as possible. "It's OK though."

"But why?" She asked, still at a conspiratorial volume.

"A lot of people do it," I whispered in reply, "It isn't anything to be scared of."

As I finished trying to calm my daughter's fears, my oldest son came around the corner with the same observation. "Did you know that guy has a gun?" Christian was whispering too, but not as quietly as his sister.

Before I could give him an answer, the old man did it for me. "And I have a badge for it," he barked from the far side of the room.

That is when my opinion changed. In one grumpy retort, he went from being an old man wanting to spend some time with his granddaughter to a jackass with a gun. He went from being an ordinary citizen with a weapon to a potential danger. He went from carrying a gun for self-protection hoping he'd never need it to carrying a gun in hopes of confrontation.

I know that is a lot of projection and speculation. Yet, if he was a responsible gun owner, he would have respected my ability as a parent to deescalate the situation with my own kids. There was no need for him to butt into our conversation. Even if interruption was necessary, the manner in which he responded was defiant. It was hostile, terse, and angry. There was no kindness in his voice. No attempt to ease their fears. To the contrary, his irate shout made them even more scared.

When I looked at him he was sneering at us. He knew he intimidated my kids and he was enjoying it.

I was offended. I was pushed into fight or flight mode so we left. (To be honest, we have not been back to Carl's Jr since then.)

As we drove away, the questions came. "Was he breaking the law?" No, no he wasn't. "You mean he's allowed to have a gun like that?" Yes, he is. "Is that normal?" Well, lots of people have guns.

The next question was not as easy to answer. "Why was he carrying a gun?"

The first answer that came to mind: "Because he's a jerk." But not everyone who carries a gun is a jerk. As I said before, I have friends who are always armed. They are good people with valid reasons for keeping a firearm with them at all times.

But this guy? This crotchety old man? "Because he's a jerk" is the only answer that fit. How bitter and broken does someone have to be to get a thrill from scaring elementary aged kids?

And he has a badge? I call BS. You do not get badges for gun ownership. Some states require permits for concealed carry, but not Idaho. We also allow you can openly carry without a permit. The only reason he would have a badge is if he was in law enforcement, but he was far too old to be an active officer or a security guard.

He's grouchy. Most likely dishonest. If he's expecting terrorists to attack a small town fast food joint or preparing to be the hero if a disgruntled ex-employee returns to extract vengeance, he's paranoid and/or delusional. And he derives pleasure from scaring kids. Jerk is the only descriptor I can contrive.

When it comes to talk about gun violence in America, it is hard to escape the rhetoric. Both sides use it. Those in favor of and opposed to any measure of gun control have a weapons cache filled with statistics and witty one liners that support their political stance. The arguments come out after every mass shooting. After every high profile officer involved death. After every riot. After every headline that include the words toddler, accident, and gun.

Murder rates, gun deaths, comparisons to Canada and Australia, spotlights on mental health, second amendment, militias, gun grabbing feds. When I hear these tired terms, "facts," and figures, I can't help but think one thing.

One of the most common pro-gun talking points is that guns are not the problem; people are. It was cleverly turned into a meme trying to draw parallels between Walter Palmer and Christopher Harper-Mercer. It said that a when the gun is used to kill a lion liberals blamed the person, but when the gun is used to kill Christians liberals blame the gun. Ignoring the logical fallacies and false equivalences in that meme, it highlights something that I do believe to be true.

America has a problem with violence. It has an obsession with guns. We have a problem of the heart and a crisis of soul.

If you want to say that guns are not to blame, I will agree with you. If you claim people are to blame, I am with you. People are the problem. But if you believe people are the problem then you should be willing to cede that some people should not be allowed to have guns because of those problems.

In my opinion, that old man at Carl's Jr getting kicks off of scaring my kids is one of those people who should not be allowed to carry a gun in public.

Kootenai crazy

Do you ever experience days where it feels like the world around you is losing its tenuous grip on sanity? That sense of madness is the best way to describe North Idaho today - particularly in Kootenai County.

Please do not misunderstand me. I living here. I am looking forward to attending another Car d'Lane (and hopefully it isn't raining this year), another year downtown for the fireworks show, returning to Art on the Green and the North Idaho Fair and Rodeo. I consider myself lucky to reside somewhere where I can take the kids hiking or swimming and return home in time for lunch. The sounds of baseball filtered into my apartment from the fields next door is strangely calming, as are the thunderstorms that roll through late in the spring season. The typically snow-filled winters are a fulfillment of all of my childhood dreams.

That being said, today is not the day to display hometown pride. At the very least, it is the kind of day where you want to avoid reading or watching the news.

The day begans with the Department of Health and Welfare reeling from last week's actions in the state legislature that effectively dismantles Idaho's ability to collect child support. But that was last week. Allow me to break down the events from the past 24 hours.

* Police were searching for a suspect after last night's shooting at a Hauser bar, eventually catching him midday.
* Another search stemmed from a home-invasion robbery this morning. Police eventually arrested three suspects in Hayden.
* A large, bald, and suicidal male with multiple warrants is the subject of yet another manhunt, causing lock-downs at a couple of Coeur d'Alene schools.
* A naked woman on LSD was spotted at a busy intersection in Post Falls.

I stopped paying attention after that.

This is North Idaho. A land of beautiful scenery. A wonderful place to live. Filled with more than our fair share of nutters. Consider it job security for municipal and county police forces.

photo courtesy of The Spokesman-Review

To be an Idaho citizen Part 2

Living in Idaho means having access to everything from the city to the farm to the backwoods. But living in Idaho also means that your government is a bit unhinged.

Let us start with the governor, Butch Otter. The man with the comical name that I could not invent even if I tried is lackluster on his best days. Married into a rich family and later divorced. In the 90s he remarried a woman half his age: a 24 year old pageant queen - Idaho's representation in the Miss USA contest. Since winning the 2006 election for governor, he has mostly rested in his popularity from previous positions as Lieutenant Governor and US Representative. When he has made an effort to do something, he acted with the sense of a kindergartner (example: refusing to sign any bills until the legislature passed a roads bill that he wanted).

Otter's second and third terms have been defined by failure and controversy. He backed the awful Luna Laws that voters soundly rejected. He has wasted $80,000 of tax payer money trying to fight the court's rulings on gay marriage. Even worse than all of that, he has been embroiled in scandal and accusations of crony capitalism. His attempt to privatize a state prison earned the nickname "Gladiator School" and is being investigated by the FBI for all sorts of charges; falsifying reports, allowing the gangs to control the prison, and purposefully under-staffing the guards. The Idaho Education Network was formed under his lead with the intent was to connect every high school in Idaho to high speed internet - including remote rural schools. However, contracts given to his out-of-state campaign donors even though a local company pitched a better service at a lower price. His actions resulted in a lawsuit (the state lost) and the courts determined that the previously awarded contracts were done so illegally. Again, this cost taxpayers thousands of dollars.

At best, Governor Otter is incompetent. At worst, he is manipulative and vindictive; possibly criminally corrupt.

This brain trust doesn't stop at the top. It works its way down to lower offices. Remember our Superintendent of Public Instruction? Yes, the one who won her election despite her bout of dishonesty, plagiarism, and lack of experience.

Or the former State Representative (and tax protester) Phil Hart who owed the IRS half a million dollars and tried multiple times to claim legislative privileges to evade his court battles.

Or the toe-tapping former US Senator Larry Craig who was arrested for lewd conduct in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, eventually pleading guilty to disorderly conduct. Despite being charged with misuse of campaign funds in an FEC lawsuit and court ordered to repay over a quarter million dollars in fines, Larry is now employed by the Idaho Republican Party as the financial chair of their executive committee.

Or former State Senator John McGee who got arrested for a DUI and grand theft auto after he stole an SUV with an attached towing a trailer; he went for a joy ride eventually crashing in the front yard of a Boise neighborhood. Despite his criminal charges, the senate took no penalizing actions against him and he was able to retain his position as caucus chairman. He finally resigned seven months later amid charges of sexual harassment.

Granted, those last three are all in the past. The current state leadership however is still filled with dolts of their caliber. Our current legislative session has been filled with disappointment.

Perhaps the most glaring evidence of their inadequacies is the refusal to recognize the Idaho giant salamander as the state amphibian due to paranoia of federal government overreach. Their actions crushed the dreams of the eighth grade student who has spent the last two years lobbying the state on behalf of the giant salamander.

Since the legislature began this current session, they have spent more time giving a proverbial middle finger to the big bad feds than they have attempting to resolve real problems facing our state. Rather than addressing education for our kids or providing support to the disabled in our community, Idaho's lawmakers are attempting to nullify federal law and claim possession of federal lands. They often ignore the advice of our Attorney General. They ignore the voices of the people who come to testify, send them emails, or call their offices. As for the many lawsuits that the state is fighting, our leaders have chosen to seek private lawyers rather than use the attorneys that are employed by the state - which means we're paying for legal representation twice. This GOP dominated government is redefining fiscal conservatism in horrifying ways.

I've become adjusted to the loony nature of our state's governance. After all, there isn't much I can do except wait for the next round of elections and hope my vote against these morons is not the only one.

Then the past few days happened. It must be a slow news week elsewhere in the nation because the idiocy of the Idaho GOP has made headlines from sea to shiny sea.

Both news stories broke on Monday.

First, while a doctor gave testimony, Rep. Vito Barbieri asked her if a gynecological exam could be performed by a woman swallowing a tiny camera. Anyone who has sat through a junior high anatomy class should be able to answer that question. Vito is an odd character. He is often confrontational during session and rude to anyone who provides input contrary to his political leanings. In response to the backlash against him, he claimed the question was rhetorical - which is likely. But it does nothing to further his cause. When you ask a stupid question like that, it undermines your argument. His back up excuse after the "rhetorical question" claim was that he was taken out of context. Of course, it is hard to be taken out of context when you are quoted word for word.

The second story revolved around a proposed resolution for the Kootenai County GOP Central Committee. This resolution asked for Idaho to declare that it is a Christian State - that "The state of Idaho and all its institutions will render full recognition to the Christian basis thereof, not permitting any diminution or rejection of its status nor any restriction on its presence or role in the public arena." Forget that the first amendment of the US Constitution prohibits the making of any law respecting an establishment of religion. Forget that Article I section 4 of the Idaho Constitution also protects religious liberty stating "No person shall be required to attend or support any ministry or place of worship, religious sect or denomination ... nor shall any preference be given by law to any religious denomination or mode of worship." But hey, who cares about the law?

Supporters claimed that the resolution was significant because we live in a time where Christians are persecuted in countries like Syria. They forget that the Christian church was founded during a time of persecution, that the first churches often met in secret, that the Roman government often subjected early Christians to torture and executions. They forget that there have always been nations where Christians are a persecuted minority and that the church often thrives in the midst of open persecution. They forget that Jesus told his disciples that they would be insulted, slandered, and assaulted because of their faith, that they would be blessed for the ways they are mistreated. One committee member backing the Christian State resolution had the gall to say that the republican party is a Christian party. It is as if the God they believe in is smaller than politics or belongs to only a single party.

Times like these make it hard to enjoy living in Idaho. Maybe I need to take a evening walk along the Centennial Trail again to watch the sun set over the Spokane River and remember why I love this place that I call home.

Because, if you ignore the troglodytes that govern this state, it really is wonderful here.

To be an Idaho citizen Part 1

If you are to live in Idaho for any extended duration, you will discover much to enjoy. From the depths of Hells Canyon and Snake River Canyon to the heights of Borah Peak, the Selkirk Mountains, or the Sawtooth Range. From world class ski resorts of Sun Valley, Brundage, or Schweitzer Mountain to the the beauty of Payette, Coeur d'Alene, and Pend Oreille lakes. From Craters of the Moon National Monument to City Of Rocks National Preserve to the Cataldo Mission National Historic Landmark. From deserts to forests. From peaceful valleys to alpine ridges. From farming canals to wild rivers. From the Mormon dominated south to the libertarian north. The hunting and fishing and boating and swimming and hiking and spelunking. The metropolitan entertainment and agricultural fields and state fairs and community festivals and art galleries and distilleries and cheese factories and coffee roasters. The clean air. Most people would be able to find an aspect about the state of Idaho that they could love.

We have been nicknamed the Gem State because of the varieties of gemstones that can be or have been found within our borders. This state is also a figurative gem because of its something-for-everyone setting. The city dweller. The suburbanite. The farmer. The redneck. The thrill seeker. The artist.

Idaho has been home to authors and poets like Ernest Hemingway and Ezra Pound; actresses Patty Duke and Ellen Travolta; actors Viggo Mortensen, Dennis Franz, and Ben Stein; athletes like Jake Plummer and Don Larsen; even Philo Farnsworth - the guy that invented the television. At some point in time, Bruce Willis, Arnold Schwarzenegger, John Elway, Mark Zuckerberg, Clint Eastwood, and Wayne Gretzky have owned vacation properties in Idaho. This is a state that has inspired adventure as well as offered a quiet retreat for many.

In my little corner of Kootenai County, I have come to appreciate our event-filled tourist season that seems to never end. Car d'Alene, Ironman, the Fourth of July parade and fireworks show, Julyamsh pow wow, Art on the Green, North Idaho Fair. I love our nearness to the rugged wilderness and access to the amenities of Spokane on the other side of the state line. The smell of mint as I drive across the prairie, the roar of water falling over the Post Falls Dam, the feel of wind sweeping inland from the lakes and rivers, and the relieving chill as I dip my toes into the water after a hike around Tubbs Hill. We experience all four seasons in their truest forms: wet but warm springs with cherry blossoms and electrical storms, long hot summers that will compel you to seek either air conditioning or your favorite stretch of beach, cool and crisp autumns with colorful foliage, and frigid snowy winters that make recent Californian transplants regret their decision to move north.

This is my home.

Before I start to sound like I am speaking on behalf of the Department of Commerce and Tourism, before you assume I'm trying to convince all of my out-of-state friends to relocate to my neighborhood, there's more.

Idaho contains unparalleled scenery. It is a golfer's and sportsman's paradise. We have miles and miles of trails to support any fitness advocate. Foodie will find their favorite culinary haunts. If you're looking for good wine or good gin, you'll find it in Idaho. Life here is something that anyone could get used to.

However ...

If you are to live in Idaho, you will have to accept that crazy is the default setting for most of the politicians that run this state. The capitol building in Boise is a stunning and gorgeous work of architecture, but the business that is conducted within its walls borders between insanity and absurdity.

photo credit: Boise Architecture Project

There is more. If you want to know what kind of mindlessness lurks around Idaho's government, you'll have to read part two tomorrow.

You get what you vote for

Today is Election Day and I hope you went out and voted. I did. Yes, I know I live in Idaho where I know my vote is practically useless as the winners are inevitable in most races.

In Idaho, the predictability of election results provides a long string of discouraging results that really makes me question the sanity of the typical voter who keeps on voting for the same people but expect different results.

Take for example the candidates for Superintendent of Public Instruction: Dr. Jana Jones and Sherri Ybarra. On the surface, both women appear to be similar. Both of them have built careers in education. Sherri beginning as an elementary teacher in Mountain Home and Jana founding a day school that provided early education to kids in Idaho Falls. Both have and impressive list of degrees. Jana has a bachelor’s and a master's degree in special education, and she's earned a doctorate degree in educational leadership; Sherri has a bachelor’s in elementary education, a master's in educational leadership, and an education specialist degree. Both have influential titles: one is a curriculum director for a school district and the other is the vice president of a K-12 educational consulting firm working with many school districts. Both support Common Core. Both support charter schools. Both support recommendations from Gov Otter's Task Force for Improving Education, including restoring funding that has been cut since 2009. Both want to encourage increased use of technology in the classrooms.

But under the surface, things look a little shaky. Since both candidates were so similar on the issues, something interesting happened. At the beginning of the campaign, Ybarra plagiarized large swaths of verbiage from Jones' website. She admitted the similarities - and by similarities I mean nearly identical wording and sentence structure, but she blamed her web manager and the busyness of being an educator working every day. All could be forgiven if that was her only error. Unfortunately, it went down hill from there.

Her excuse that she's an educator working every day would make sense as she promised to continue working throughout the campaign. That was what she said after winning the primary in May. However, that's not the case and she's been on leave from the Mountain Home School District; she will not specify how long she's been on leave.

Ybarra barely won that primary election. She raised the least amount of money, made no effort to campaign, and did not have the support of the big names in her party. After winning, the minimal effort continued and Ybarra was a no show at a few important events including an invite from the Idaho Association of School Administrators to speak at their Summer Leadership Conference. She claimed one of her foes from the primary as a member of her campaign committee, a position he didn't want and didn't ask for. He had to clarify that he did not endorse either candidate and would support whichever one wins the election.

Her former opponent isn't the only person she incorrectly listed as a supporter. She also made the claim that the majority of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee supported her. When challenged on that claim, she defended herself by saying they're listed on her website. However, only two members of the twenty person committee are listed on her website. She also claimed to have the support of the majority of state lawmakers, yet her website only lists a quarter of them as actual supporters.

Then facts about her history surfaced. Turns out, she hasn't voted in a single election since moving to Idaho in 1996. She claims her candidacy is repayment for not participating in her civic duties. Going into her reasons for moving to Idaho, she was deceptive and misrepresented her marital history alluding she moved to Idaho with her husband ... she just didn't specify which husband. And she lied about her education, first stating that she would receive her doctorate from the University of Idaho in August. When August came, no doctorate. She got the education specialist degree instead.

Sherri Ybarra dismisses the controversies of her pratfall prone campaign as nothing but rhetoric. Meanwhile, her opponent has been busy running a positive campaign. These issues of dishonesty, plagiarism, family history, lack of a voting record ... these missteps were not pointed out by the Jones camp. These have largely been uncovered and reported by news organizations.

This mangled campaign is not just a collection minor errors of a political newbie running for office for the first time in their life, this is something all together different and mystifying. It has the horror of a train-wreck that has caught media attention, not just in Idaho but nationally.

Here's the sad part of the story. I'm sure Sherri is a talented and competent educator. But she will make a horrible civil servant. There is no logical reason Sherri Ybarra should hold an elected position with this much power or responsibility. Yet, she will probably win. Most polls show her with a minimum of one point advantage over Dr Jana Jones.

Why?

Because this episode of Sesame Street is brought to you by the letter R.

This is Idaho, one of the most conservative states in the union. A state where the majority of voters vote for a straight Republican ticket. A state where a timber thief and a tax cheat couldn't win an election as a Constitutionalist so he changed parties and won four consecutive terms as a Republican. A state where Satan could win an election as long as there was the letter R listed next to his name on the ballot. Because in Idaho, political party is often worth more than the actual issues or the candidates qualifications.

I hope I'm wrong. I hope for one night, the voters of Idaho prove my assumptions to be incorrect. I hope that lifelong Republicans decide they're not going to accept a weak candidate and vote against their party - even if Jones is the only Democrat they elect on their ballot.

But if I'm right? Congratulations Idaho, you get what you vote for.

The formation of a dream

In the 26 years that have passed since I first listened to Jim Morrison's Grave, my dream has been under refinement.

I took art classes in junior high and got involved with the drama program. I found my voice while on stage pretending to be someone else. Then I wandered away from my dream. Throughout high school, I had my heart set on becoming an architect. But by the time I graduated, I had been reminded of my calling from 1987. I had a plan to go to college for a speech/communications major then return home to get a job as a radio DJ. That plan fell apart as my family could not afford to send me to college. I also met some interns that worked for KNDD in Seattle; they gave me an eye opening glimpse into what it took to break into the radio industry.

With that version of my dream turning sour, I floundered for a while. I knew that someday, I would find my place working with music and art. There was still a kid inside me that wanted to be a rock star despite my crappy singing voice and limited guitar skills. As reality and adult responsibilities took over, I did what ever I could. Running soundboards for churches, concerts, and theatrical productions. Managing and promoting my best friend's band while living in Boise. Hanging out in recording studios while my friends recorded their demo tapes. I spent a little over a year as a DJ in Sioux Falls. When I moved back to Idaho, I helped teach a youth worship band how to play songs and lead worship.

Somewhere in there, the studio became my dream. I felt comfortable behind a soundboard. I daydreamed about how wonderful it would be if I were to produce a hit single. The recording process was alluring to me, but the rise of home studios (with software like Pro Tools and GarageBand) eroded the practicality of opening my own recording studio.

DJing is some of the most fun I've ever had while earning a paycheck. Since returning to Idaho, I've had three gigs, all done for free; my sister-in-law's wedding, the wedding of my wife's best friend, and a junior high dance party. My sister-in-law's reception is probably the best gig I ever played. After that wedding, while driving home, Bekah and I talked about the possibility of me DJing as a job again, but this time doing it on my own. She saw how much fun I had mixing the music, she recognized my talent, she entertained the possibility, and encouraged me to do some research. There aren't any wedding DJs in Coeur d'Alene. You either have to hire a karaoke jockey, or go hire someone from Spokane. The market here would be all mine. But I also understand the crippling funds of buying a mixer, amp, speakers, microphones, and lights - not to mention paying the song royalties that make it legal to be a professional DJ. All conspired to make it cost-prohibitive to start my own DJ business. DJing would also take away my ability to spend weekends with my family.

So, I've operated in stasis.

Then, two years ago, I wrote a series about the church. That we as Christians too easily make people feel out of place and how I've felt like an outcast most of my life. That we let ourselves get wrapped up in issues that don't matter. That we set unrealistic expectations. That we manipulate people with fear. We create unnecessary rules. And we end up pushing people away. I came to a conclusion that we can do better.

As soon as I hit publish on that seventh and final post, my brain started pondering about what would be next. I wrestled with those thoughts about where this would take me. After reading Don Miller's Blue Like Jazz, I marveled at the purpose of his church, Imago Dei - a church that values creativity and is populated by artists, writers, and musicians. It's the kind of church that I could have only dreamed existed.

It was the kind of church I wish existed in Coeur d'Alene.

My dream began to take shape. Someday I'd like to either start or take part in a church that focuses on ministering to artists. But that's someday. I'm not ready for that now. My dream continued to go through revisions until last October, when I wrote about the church's relationship with art. I walked through a brief history of sacred art. I explained how Christians involved in the arts feel abandoned and alone because of the church's tendency to put their artists on pedestals and hold them to double standards. I demonstrated a need for greater creativity within the religious community and explained why artistry matters. I found inspiration in the life of King David and in the words of Leonard Nimoy.

When writing the series of church and art, I came to the same conclusion as when I wrote my first series about the church. We can do better.

Oh, Idaho. You are a funny little state.

The election is over. The votes have been tallied. Campaigning has ended.

Are you happy now?

Of course, your answer to that question probably depends on which side of the political spectrum you buy into. Unless you live in Washington, then your happiness might exist because you're high.

Yes, Obama won the presidency, but Mitt Romney can stand proud knowing he won the popular vote in Idaho. Then again, that shouldn't be a surprise to anyone. I could have told you Romney would garner Idaho's electoral college votes as soon as he earned the Republican nomination.

But I'm not here to talk about the president that is or the president that could have been. I really don't care about presidential politics as my choice there is clearly insignificant. In this reddest of red states, I can pick the winner or cast a vote that will have zero effect on how the rest of the state swings. As for the national picture, as far as DC is concerned, Idaho is of little worth. We'll never have a population strong enough to sway any presidential contest.

The local and state races are of much more importance, and it's in these races that my vote actually counts for something. It is in the state wide initiatives that we saw some very good news.

The Luna Laws were repealed. In other words, the wizard had given the scarecrow some brains.

Senate Bills 1108, 1110, and 1184, appeared on the ballot as Props 1,2, and 3. Tom Luna called them Student's Come First. Everyone else called them the Luna Laws because the reality of the legislation is that the Luna Laws put Luna's campaign donors first. These laws were horrible in more ways than I have the time and/or patience to list. Thankfully, we won't have to splunk the depths of how deep these laws would have cut into Idaho's tax revenue, nor will we see it's detriment to the nature of public education.

Yay! Chalk that up as a win for the people of our fine state. Lets take a look at some of last night's other winners.

Marv Hagedorn (R) of Meridian. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Mike Moyle* (R) of Plummer. Voted yes on SB 1108.
Reed DeMordaunt (R) of Eagle. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Lynn Luker (R) of Boise. Voted yes on SB 1108.
Chuck Winder (R) of Boise. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Joe Palmer (R) of Meridian. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Cliff Bayer (R) of Boise. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Steven Harris (R). Newly elected member of Idaho's House of Representatives stated "I like the objectives of the Students Come First initiatives."
Russell Fulcher (R) of Meridian. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Monty Pearce (R) of New Plymouth. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Speaker of the House Lawerence Denney (R) of Midvale. Did not vote on SB 1108 or SB1110. Voted yes on SB 1184.
Judy Boyle (R) of Midvale. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Ken Andrus (R) of Lava Hot Springs. Voted yes on SB 1108.
John Tippets* (R) of Montpelier. Voted yes on SB 1184.
Marc Gibbs (R) of Grace. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Tom Loertscher (R) of Iona. Voted yes on SB 1108.
Steve Bair (R) of Blackfoot. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Steven Thayn (R) of Emmett. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Lenore Hardy Barrett (R) of Challis. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Eric Anderson (R) of Priest Lake. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Sheryl Nuxoll (R) of Cottonwood. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Shannon McMillan (R) of Silverton. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Paul Shepherd (R) of Riggins. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Dean Mortimer* (R) of Idaho Falls. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Jeff Thompson (R) of Idaho Falls. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Linden Bateman (R) of Idaho Falls. Voted yes on SB 1108 and yes on SB1110.
President Pro Tempore Brent Hill* (R) of Meridian. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Dell Raybould* (R) of Rexburg. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
JoAn Wood (R) of Rigby. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Monty Pearce (R) of New Plymouth. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Patti Anne Lodge (R) of Huston. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Christy Perry* (R) of Nampa. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Curt McKenzie (R) of Boise. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Brent Crane (R) of Nampa. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Gary Collins (R) of Nampa. Voted yes on SB1110.
Scott Bedke* (R) of Oakley. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Fred Wood* (R) of Burley. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Jeff Siddoway (R) of Terreton. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Bert Brackett (R) of Rogerson. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Pete Nielsen (R) of Mountain Home. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Jim Patrick (R) of Twin Falls. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Maxine Bell (R) of Jerome. Voted yes on SB 1108 and voted yes on SB 1184.
Steve Vick (R) of Datlon Gardens. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Vito Barbieri (R) of Datlon Gardens. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184. Vito also went on the record calling public schools a "Godless institution" and urged all parents that believe in Jesus to pull their kids out of public education.
Bob Nonini (R) of Coeur d'Alene. Voted yes on all three and was the sponsor of the bills in the House.
Frank Henderson (R) of Post Falls. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
John W Goedde (R) of Voted yes on all three, helped Luna write the bills, and was the sponsor in the Senate.
Kathy Sims (R) of Coeur d'Alene. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Jim Guthrie (R) of McCammon. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Lee Heider (R) of Twin Falls. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.
Stephen Hartgen (R) of Twin Falls. Voted yes on SB 1108, yes on SB1110, and voted yes on SB 1184.

* Ran unopposed

All of those listed above (except Steven Harris) voted yes to one - if not all three - of the Luna Laws. All of these Senators and Representatives (except Steven Harris) were up for reelection yesterday. All of them won another term in Boise.

So it seems that Idaho has healed the symptom (bad legislation) but hasn't cured the disease (bad legislators). Now that Luna's laws have been overturned, he's doubling down. He is convinced that the citizens of Idaho still wants radical reformation in public schools. Lucky for him, he still has the same group of people around to pass whatever pile of dung he presents during the next legislative session.

I can collectively hear the people of Idaho singing, "I would dance and be merry, Life would be a ding-a-derry, If I only had a brain..."

Both are real and valid, but only one will freak out the TSA

RE: the JFAC hearings

Last week, Idaho's Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee held their first ever public hearing to discuss funding for public education. This week they're meeting again, for the second time in history, to discuss cutting funding to Medicaid programs for the disabled and mentally ill. One of our state lawmakers suggested that we need to return to the days of the 1950s and 1960s when volunteers cared for the less fortunate. (ps, back in the 40s and 50s, we sent most of our disabled to "hospitals.")

What follows below I cannot claim as my own. This is a letter that will be read at the JFAC hearing tomorrow (if time allows) during the public testimony. It was written by my passionate and wonderfully eloquent bride. If you want to know how the slash and hack efforts of the State of Idaho will affect the disabled and under-privileged, read on.

---

Dear Legislators and Governor Otter,

I am writing today to share about my family. I want you to know who they are because the decisions you make affect their everyday life and their future. I have been an Idaho resident most of my life. I was born in Moscow and have lived here the majority of my 27 years. I have always been proud of where I came from. I have chosen to raise my family here, go to school here, and get involved in our community in North Idaho. My husband and I have been foster parents in Kootenai County for almost 4 years. We have had 10 children in our home and have adopted two of them. I have worked with Foster and Adoptive parents as a support person for over two years. We have three children and each one has different special needs. I am going to introduce them to you. You hold their futures in your hands.

Christian is six years old. He was recently diagnosed with Asperger’s. He is in kindergarten and he loves school. He is extremely smart and excels in math. His special interests are dinosaurs, animals, and art. He wants to be a Scientist that helps animals when he grows up. Christian can achieve his dreams without a doubt, but not if he does not learn how to cope with the challenges that Asperger’s brings. He currently receives IBI therapy and counseling services. He is making great progress. I am learning so much about how to parent him and help him become a contributing member of our society. Without these interventions I would not have the skills, knowledge, or supports that I need to help him grow into the person he is capable of being. He uses almost all of his 22 hours allotted by Medicaid for IBI. This therapy is essential to him excelling and growing as a person to reach his goals. If this program was cut or drastically reduced I fear that Christian will not be able to achieve his dreams. All the research on the Autism Spectrum points to intervention early, consistently, and at high volumes being pivotal to the successes of children on the spectrum. Without it they will not reach their potential and overcome their obstacles. You can make the difference in his life by keeping the funding in place for IBI and Mental Health supports for children like him.

Chloe was sheltered from her family at birth because she was positive for meth. She came to us at six weeks old and overcame many challenges with the help of the Infant Toddler Program. Now she is a vivacious, beautiful, and articulate 3 ½ year old little girl. She wants to be a Doctor when she grows up so she can make her brother all better. She does have special needs though. Chloe suffers from sensory integration issues, and also some attachment and severe ADHD issues. She has 5 hours a week of PSR and counseling. She has made amazing gains with these interventions. They have been critical for her. Without continued counseling and other mental health supports Chloe is at risk genetically, of becoming an addict and suffering from much bigger issues. It is essential that she be able to access the necessary mental health services like counseling and PSR as needed for years to come in order for her to become a successful adult. Chloe’s birth family and parents couldn’t be there for her, and have caused her great pain in her life. Thankfully the State of Idaho DHW and our family stood in the gap for her, and helped her to be successful so far. Will the state turn its back on her now? She has made it over so many hurdles and just needs the supports in place to stay happy and healthy and achieve her dreams. Will you choose to cut the funding of the Counseling and PSR services essential to her being successful in life?

Josiah is 2 ½. He is also on the autism spectrum and will most likely struggle with ADHD like his sister. We aren’t sure of who he will be and what he will be capable of because right now Josiah functions at the level of a 1 year old. He had been in intervention since birth and continues to need multiple supports including attachment therapy and other therapies. He will be getting IBI when he is three and will need as many hours as he can get because he has so far to go. Like Chloe, Josiah’s mother was on drugs during pregnancy and he was taken away at birth. He has overcome major medical issues and some of his global developmental issues but still has a long journey ahead. Without the supports of IBI and/or Developmental Therapy, Josiah could end up in an institution. He would not be able to achieve the potential we see in him. We have saved him from the heartache and the pain of growing up in an abusive and neglectful home. But we cannot choose to end the support there. You must stand up for him and other children like him. They need these imperative supports to achieve their potential, and become contributing members of society. Please stand up for them.

My husband and I have seen Developmental Disabilities Agencies and Mental Health Agencies give hope, make change, and be an essential support to children with special needs and their families. In place of cutting, or drastically reducing the budgets for the programs, please consider raising taxes on specific items instead. Please picture these children and the thousands like them in our state that need all of us. They could be doctors, or scientists, they could help bring change to the world someday. Even children severely affected by different diagnosis’ impact those around them positively, and can contribute to society in some way. You never know what they are capable of. However, they cannot reach their potential if they don’t receive the supports and the services they need, in quantities that will impact their lives long term. Be an advocate for these children. Please keep funding going for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities for children. Don’t turn your backs on them in the name of balancing a budget. We can do better as a state to support these special children. It is our responsibility to do our best, to make wise choices, to keep them safe. We are responsible to make sure they will have every opportunity to be successful, independent, adults, who benefit society. We all need to do our part, please partner with us in our efforts. Thank you for your time today.

Sincerely, Rebekah Casey

Five for Friday

The GOP has been holding their Idaho Republican State Convention today. Most of the reports I've seen from the convention are about deciding what their platforms are going to be in this upcoming campaign season. In the midst of the ongoing economic crisis causing severe budget cutbacks in education and social services, important issues ranging from maintaining the State's infrastructure, to cleaning our lakes and rivers, and supporting drug/alcohol prevention and rehabilitation, I'm bewildered that the GOP has not raised any measures concerning these issues.

This morning, Governor Butch Otter told the delegation that the convention is where "magic" happens. He also rambled about the evils of big government. Here are five magical resolutions approved by the state's GOP committee.*

1) They denied "Jedi" as an official religion. Note: the US Constitution prohibits the "establishment of religion" so I'm not sure why this was even a resolution up for debate.

2) They want to repeal the 17th amendment. Keep in mind that Idaho's GOP delegation is claiming a desire for smaller government. Repealing the 17th amendment would mean the Idaho State Legislature (big government) would select US Senators (big government) instead of letting us little people vote for them.

3) They're rejecting the federal health care bill. No one should be surprised by that. However, Idaho lawmakers have taken it a step further (along with a few other states) threatening to sue the federal government over the HCR bill. The GOP dominated state legislature have forced themselves a step further away from their claim of fiscal conservatism by passing a law requiring the state of Idaho to sue, which means big state government will be using wasting tax dollars to take on the big federal government.

4) They passed a measure to support Arizona's immigration reform law. Key word: support. They did not propose passing a similar law here in Idaho (which would find support in legislators like tax-dodging Hart and lame duck Mike Jorgenson). No clear intention to pass immigration reform in Idaho, just a proposal to support Arizona. My question: how? Moral support? Financial support? I sure hope the small government/lower taxes GOP isn't planning on sending any state tax revenue to Arizona. We have schools that could use that money.

5) The passed a resolution to define marriage. And I get what they're trying to do - they're trying prohibit trans-gendered individuals from getting married. But the language they used was "naturally born." In other words, you can not get married unless you were a naturally born male or a naturally born female. Unfortunately, that would also prohibit kids born of in vitro fertilization. Sanctity of marriage? My son marrying a test tube baby would shatter that sacred image. We can't have that happening can we?




* Disclaimer, in no way shape or form should this be construed that the State Democrats are perfect because they're not as silly as the Republicans; I believe we live in an idiocracy where no single party has sole claim on stupidity. Nor should this be interpreted as a prediction that the GOP is doomed in November's elections; sadly, Idaho is a state where the voters tend to vote for the letter behind the name more than they do the name on the ballot.

Five for Friday

This has not been a good week for Idaho. We've been in the news, and mostly for embarrassing reason. It's a good thing we have beautiful scenery, because the some of the people here are questionable.

Here are the five recent Idahoan headlines catching national attention that hurts my soul.

1) First one seems harmless, but it is a bit hillbilly.

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

2) Next up, an unlikely vandal. The Condiment Lady

3) Tax dodging Hart. First news was that Idaho State Representative had $300,000 in new tax leans from the IRS. Seems he skipped paying taxes from 1997 through 2002 (finally paying in 2004) and he didn't file his 2003 taxes until 2005. Why? He thinks income taxes are unconstitutional. He even took it to court where it was dismissed by the Supreme Court. (Story HERE, and HERE) Then it comes to light that he also owes the state of Idaho $53,000 (which he's appealing to the State Tax Commission). This probably would not be as big of an issue if it wasn't for his position in the State Legislature. He serves on the House Revenue and Taxation committee (which should be some sort of conflict of interest). He's used his executive privilege of legislative session to delay the IRS in four of the six years he's worked for the state. And he blames his job with the state for his tax troubles. This is blatant tax dodging, as Hart's claims that (constitutionally speaking) the only things that are subject to taxation is property; yet he owns no property. Both his house and his business are set up in trusts under his daughter's name. In other words - he's hiding his assets for the sole purpose of avoiding taxes. We would vote him out, but the last time his name was on the ballot, he ran unopposed. (And to add insult to injury, his girlfriend was recently elected to the position of county commissioner in Kootenai County.)

4) Remember Edgar Steele? He was the attorney that represented the Aryan Nations in the 2000 lawsuit the bankrupted the organization. He also tried to represent the McGuckin family after their 2001 police standoff in Sagle. He's a known anti-semitist and much of his writings are laced with racist bile. Last Friday he was arrested in a murder for hire plot. According to witness testimony, Mr. Steel had a list of people he wanted killed - including his wife and his mother-in-law. Naturally, he's pleading "absolutely, completely not guilty."

5) Thought we were done with Steele? Nope. A pipe bomb was discovered on Tuesday at a Quick Lube near Fred Meyer. A stretch of Highway 95 was shut down for hours while the bomb squad was called in to investigate. Owner of the vehicle? Edgar Steele. Driver of the vehicle? His wife. Sadly, his "fans" are claiming Steele is being framed by the FBI because of his non-politically correct writings and his fight to stand up for the oppressed white people. Face, meet palm.

Welcome to Idaho. Don't worry, most of us are sane.