Idaho has worked diligently on its economic, cultural, lifestyle, inclusiveness and safe community image. It has been rewarded by significant growth in the urban markets as people flee California, Oregon, Washington and other states. Idaho is a great place to raise a family, live and recreate—right! No doubt the Chambers of Commerce in the State have sold those attributes. Home values are up significantly and Idaho has a well below national average unemployment rate. The public education system, though underfunded compared to many has produced reasonable results and Charter and private schools fill gaps for many children. Idaho is a great place to live.
What could change that invaluable image? Years ago it was the Aryan Nation’s in North Idaho that gave Idaho a reputation as a hostile and potentially dangerous environment for any diverse person. Most of us celebrated when the Richard Butler compound in North Idaho was lost in a bankruptcy and purchased by the Carr Foundation. The Carr Foundation donated the 20 acres to the NIC Foundation who is about to sell it to create a perpetual fund to support human rights education in North Idaho. Idaho built the Anne Frank memorial in 2002 as a physical statement of our “shared values”. “One of those values includes standing up to confront hate.” This week the memorial was defaced with Swastika’s. Dan Prinzing, the executive Director of the Wassmuth Center for human rights reminded us, the memorial “inspires people of all ages to contemplate the moral implications of their actions and the scope of their civic responsibilities.”
We are in the headlines again, in spite of Idaho’s 27% COVID positivity rate and rising death numbers; anti mask, anti vaccine, anti lock down, anti civic responsibility groups are protesting. It is one thing when it is peaceful and respectful, this group took it to a new level as they surrounded elected /appointed officers homes, trespassed, and physically threatened them and their families. Idaho made the national news and the ramifications for our future are significant. What will the silent majority allow to become normal behavior? Each of us must make a statement in our own way about what is right. Elected and appointed leaders cannot be at risk nor can their commitment put their family at risk.
The election was decisive and the fact that the Presidential Loser won’t accept it, should not threaten our democracy. I am heartened by the proposed new leadership team in our country, experienced scientists, proven civil servants, brilliant economic minds like Janet Yellen, assure we will have highly competent and high integrity leaders. In spite of the all the damage done, there is hope for our future.
Anne Frank who ultimately died in the Concentration camps before she reached 16 left an amazing diary. She was wise beyond her years “in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” “Human greatness does not live in wealth or power, but in character and goodness.” And to encourage us “I can’t imagine how anyone can say: I’m weak’, and then remain so. After all, if you know it, why not fight against it, why not try to train your character.” Help us protect her legacy and our Memorial to her in Boise.
Idaho is too great for hate, that is my hope for the future. Please wear a mask, social distance, follow hand hygiene guidelines and help us bridge to the vaccines.
Mike