I have always been proud to tell people I meet that I am an Idaho native. I am even willing/glad to admit that I am from Pocatello. There was a time when the Aryan nation racists had a foothold in North Idaho that was unfortunate for our State. It was a day to celebrate when Butler and his gang went bankrupt and the 20 acre compound was sold and then given to the North Idaho College Foundation. In 2020 the site became the Gregory C. Carr Endowment for human rights education, the goal of turning a site of hate “into a source of human right’s advocacy and education.” That progress belies the regression of Idaho away from our pioneering independence and toward Christian Nationalism.
At the extreme, which we are seeing too often in North and rural Idaho, it is a white
Is right belief. Recent studies suggest about 10% of Americans are “Christian nationalism adherents while an additional 20% are sympathizers”, it is frightening that percentage of our fellow citizens are engaged in this philosophy. I guess it is encouraging that 70% of Americans are skeptics or completely reject the ideology.
The Idaho legislature is highly influenced by this ultra conservative leaning that includes one of the most punitive women’s rights laws in the country. You can include an unconstitutional Voucher bill that is a threat to our public education system and plans to further diminish Medicaid for Idahoans at our next legislative session.
Which issues are most important to the future of our State? It is not bathroom privacy, a few trans athletes, vouchers for Private schools, or tax cuts. Idaho ranks at the very bottom of a composite score of 15 mental health outcomes indicators in the U S. Idaho spends the least per capita in the nation on mental health. Idaho ranks last in the nation for psychiatrists per capita, 50% fewer per capita than Montana. St. Luke’s Health System reports “the single greatest reason for an adolescent to be admitted to the ED or hospital in the Magic Valley is suicidal ideation. It is reported that 1 in 5 high school student has made plans to end their life. Suicide is now the leading cause of death for children in Idaho. Idaho must invest in our children.
I find hope in Idaho citizen support for the No Kings protests, protecting Medicaid, and a referendum to restore women’s reproductive freedom. Enjoy the beauty of Payette Lake at the first snow fall. Idaho is too great for hate. Mike
Winning her way to Shame
