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We need to instigate term limits
To the editor, In my opinion, the only way We, the people, can take control of our government: Instigate term limits: No matter what to think your representatives have done for your state, it doesn’t mean that they are the only ones who can do that. We all know that the longer most of our representatives are in office, the more they are in it for their selves.
Do something now to encourage term limits. With this rotation and the elimination of representatives in total power, who brow beat underlings to stay in line. Who’s to say that the Freshmen can’t accomplish the same thing for your state or community.
Control campaign funding: We, the people, have to demand congress pass a campaign funding bill that gets rid of the PAC’s and the dark money. Candidates should only be able to receive money from their individual constituents. Then they would be on a level playing field and wouldn’t be wasting billions of dollars on their campaigns.
If PACs and dark money managers would put that money into helping Americans, instead of helping themselves, we would all be better off.
Write your US Congress representatives. Go to www.congress.gov/ members?q=%7B%22mem ber-state%22%3A%22Washington% 22%7D Write your Washington State representative, go here, leg.wa.gov/ House/Representatives/pages/default. aspx or get involved with US Term Limits organization. Go to www.termlimits.com/can-we-havea- national-vote-on-term-limits-forcongress/. Or for info on campaign funding go to www.termlimits.com/ can-we-have-a-national-vote-onterm- limits-for-congress/.
If enough of us protest, our leaders will have to address these fundamental faults in our system.
-Budd Colucci Newport
Maybe consider the other side
To the editor, As we debate the pros and cons of our favorite presidential candidates, it may be wise to take a step back and contemplate the deeper lessons of our current political environment. Is it truly as simplistic as my candidate is good and yours is evil?
Or my party is right, and your party is wrong? Is it possible it is deeper than this?
We know that our news media is owned by just a few major corporations. Could this be to control the narrative? Have we ever considered that it isn’t just the opposite side’s narrative, it could be ours as well?
If this is true, how would we know?
And just who is doing the controlling?
And what about the way in which we receive the information presented? Are we so enmeshed in ‘our’ story, that we are unable to consider another? Does the information itself trigger us and make us frustrated, angry, ready to argue or retreat?
What does that say about the capability of our brain and emotions through which we need to process important information?
All of these questions inspired me to research deeply into the elements of propaganda, mind control and A.I. Once you see how it works, you begin to see it everywhere, not just in the opposite party but also in your own psyche. Why did I just get triggered? Is this really my authentic thought, authentic emotion, or am I picking up on something else?
The good news is that there is a way out. We need to pay attention.
We need to contemplate. We need to have conversations about things that matter. We need to discern what is authentic and what is artificial in our culture, technology and mind. The stakes are high, but we can do this.
-Stacy Cossey Priest River
Many questions surround POVA, Wolfred Business Park
To the editor, As concerned citizens of Pend Oreille County, we have some questions to pose regarding Pend Oreille Valley Authority. POVA started to preserve the railroads in Pend Oreille County and now has become a governmental-corporate entity.
First, when will POVA clean up all the railroad trash that was left in the railroad right-of-way since the railroad’s last repair? Next, why was POVA allowed to log the POVA land now listed as the Wolfred Business Park with no real consequences? Beyond this, why did Kelly Driver totally shut down any discussion regarding the proposed Wolfred County Park and Wolfred Business Park during the recent All-Commissioners’ meeting when a question was asked about these projects?
What does she have to hide, other than POVA is strategically placing itself to personally profit by collecting all the fees from the Wolfred County Park, of which nothing will be free to the public.
Furthermore, isn’t it a conflict of interest for Kelly Driver to be both the Manager of POVA and also on the Pend Oreille Parks Board where the proposed Wolfred County Park will financially benefit the proposed Wolfred Business Park owned by POVA?
Last but not least, why were those citizens who would be personally impacted by the proposed Wolfred County Park assured that Kelly Driver would never allow railroad easement and crossings for public roads into Wolfred County Park, and then suddenly Kelly Driver is in charge of the studies and development of the park?
We find it curious that Kelly Driver is now pushing for this project while at the same time not allowing public discourse. It is high time the citizens of Pend Oreille County hold our officials responsible for this obvious duplicity!
-Lisa and Gary Gillette Newport
No two state solution
To the editor, The area known as the Gaza strip has been ruled by many different peoples over thousands of years.
Part of the surrounding area was known as the territory of Palestine, but there was never a state of Palestine. Gaza was a part of the Northern Kingdom of Israel ruled by King David around 930 BC. Fast forward, Israel became a state by U.N. authority in 1948.
Israel gave ruling power of Gaza to the Palestinians in the 1990’s.
Since then, fighting has erupted off and on until present day.
Many ceasefires have been made, all broken by the Hamas government.
After the massacre Oct. 7, 2023, of more than 1,400 Israeli people, Israel said ENOUGH. Israel gave the Palestinians warning to evacuate from the start of the war and prior to most every offensive maneuver.
Hamas still holds hostages and asks for a ceasefire. Israel has agreed but only if the murdering terrorist organization surrenders or vacates Gaza. Israel demands this for Gaza has vowed not to stop until every last Israeli is killed. That level of hate cannot be tolerated any longer.
Imagine living next terrorists and raising your kids.
If Israel needs to take back Gaza, so be it. The Palestinians can live in the West Bank where there is much more territory or migrate to other surrounding Arab countries, if they will take them. Israel is our only true ally in the middle east.
The U.S. needs to demonstrate support for Israel and not micro- manage their strategies.
-K.C. Hunt Newport
On civility
To the editor, Early Tuesday morning, September 10th, the date the presidential debate was scheduled, I woke up with a video playing in my mind’s eye. I saw Kamala Harris walk across the debate stage and move toward Donald Trump to shake his hand. It was uncanny when I saw her do just that 12 hours later. Since then I let the crazy hubbub from the debate settle. Though, I couldn’t stop thinking … what if … what if that is what we are ALL called to … to be civil. First toward each other. And, in politics. For me, that handshake was an act of nonresistance rather than resistance. Of respect rather than rejection. Of unity rather than separateness. The other uncanny part for me was it took a woman, Harris, to take the initiative to reach out. Civility.
I encourage all voters this election cycle to vote for candidates who exemplify this highest of virtues in their quest to be our future leaders. God knows that is what our human race is called to and how we too often fail. Nonagreement is okay, but civility, perhaps another word for respect or care, is paramount. Great leaders, both men and women, practice civility. Abraham Lincoln, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks. To name a few.
May I suggest that we practice civility in our homes and neighborhoods. And when you cast your vote in the upcoming election, mark the boxes next to the candidates’ names who have the character of true leaders—CIVILITY.
-Pat Kowal Newport
Vote Matthee for Idaho state representative
To the editor, I worked side by side with Karen Matthee, candidate for State Representative against Mark Sauter, for the past 10 months. She inspires me everyday because of her commitment to help make lives better for all Idahoans. Karen has knocked on 1500+ doors and through those conversations she has learned what our community cares about.
Karen hears stories about high property taxes and schools closing in Priest Lake where that school is the hub of the community. She hears about women waiting more than 3 months to see a gynecologist in CDA because Sandpoint has lost all of our OBGYNs.
Karen has made YOUR concerns HER concerns.
Her website lists permanent solutions to these key issues. Karen Matthee is a fighter and she is already fighting to fix things that are clearly broken!
One example is the time she invited Dr. Stacey Good, chief medical officer for Bonner General Health, to talk to the public about the future of labor and delivery at the hospital, women’s health services and the challenges faced by Idaho’s doctors and rural hospitals. Karen spends time speaking with practitioners about how the new laws are negatively impacting patients.
In contrast, her opponent voted for three new laws that criminalize doctors for practicing best standard of care. This is NO way to Bring Back our Doctors.
If you want a fighter in your corner who is committed to finding permanent solutions, join me in voting for Karen Matthee on November 5.
-Linda Larson Sandpoint
Understand the process your ballot goes through
To the editor, The security of your ballot and the process it goes through to be accurately counted are spelled out on the Washington Secretary of State website (sos. wa.gov). The following is a summary of the process. In Washington we vote on paper ballots. Paper allows our local elections officials to audit the results of an election after the votes are counted. They are a durable, tamper-evident hard copy of a voter’s choices. When your ballot arrives at the elections office, the barcode on the outer envelope is scanned. This updates your voter record in VoteWA and your ballot status now says “Received.” This system prevents anyone from casting more than one ballot.
When you vote, you sign an oath swearing your eligibility to vote.
Your signature is compared to the signature in your voter registration file to confirm your identity and eligibility. Once your signature is verified, your ballot status will update to “Accepted”. Your ballot will then be opened and separated from the signature envelope. At this point your ballot is anonymous and grouped with other ballots to be scanned. Ballots are sealed in secure containers throughout the election and a minimum of two staff are present whenever your ballot is handled.
Ballots are scanned throughout the 18-day voting period as they are processed and accepted.
Tabulation – counting the votes on the ballots – begins after 8 p.m. on Election Day. Since many ballots are already scanned, it only takes the computer a few seconds to total up the votes, which is why you start seeing preliminary election results so soon after 8 p.m.
Throughout the election ballot scanners and voting systems are physically secured in locked rooms.
Elections staff sign in and out each time the room is opened, and always in groups of two or more.
We are fortunate in Washington to have such a complete and competent system in place.
This in conjunction with the dedicated staff who oversee elections, means we can have total confidence in the results of our elections.
-Martha Nichols Newport
Politics
To the editor, There might be some confusion as to the difference between global economies (good for the world) and “globalists” (bad for the world). Global economies are how we buy and sell goods from around the world, investing etc. Globalists on the other hand are the small group of elites that want to abolish all borders and everyone submit to the WEF, One World Order.
As an American Patriot, not if I can help it. The information is easy to find.
Turn off the TV and do a little research.
The awaited debate between Kamala and Trump has come and gone. It only took a few minutes to figure out that Trump wasn’t just debating Kamala, but the two moderators as well.
It was a 3 against 1. The Moderators “fact checked” Trump multiple times to Kamala’s one. The problem is that the “fact checks” weren’t the truth. Elon responded: “while I don’t think the moderators were fair to Trump, Kamala exceeded most people’s expectations tonight. That said, when it comes to getting things done, not just saying nice-sounding words, I strongly believe that Trump will do a far better job. After all, why hasn’t she done them.”
Kamala was short on policy ideas and the ones she put forth, Trump was already doing. She lied through much of it but the moderators never corrected her. The moderators with Trump however, fact checked him and lied about that. Anyone living outside the MSM and not living under a rock saw that. Trump was debating the “system.”
-Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick
Absolutely better off now than four years ago
To the editor, One question political candidates typically ask during election year is “are you better off now than you were four years ago?” As I think about this, I recall 2020 as one of the most miserable years in memory. Covid-19 was killing Americans by the thousands each week; my brother-in-law was still alive at this time but later died of Covid just before the vaccines were released. Hospitals were overwhelmed, surgeries and optional procedures were being canceled, everyone was trying to stay home and avoid gatherings, nursing home residents were unable to accept visitors, and on and on and on.
My 401K tanked, the unemployment rate surged to 13% in the second quarter, and President Trump was plotting how to overturn the November election if it did not end in his favor.
It’s now 2024 and you ask if I am better off? Absolutely yes! But that same guy who was President in 2020 is now running a close race and is talking about legal immigrants in Ohio eating people’s pets! During a televised debate with his opponent!
People have very short memories. I think we should all reflect on what it was like four years ago.
-Sandy Nichols Newport
Trump supporting Christians need a faith check
To the editor, Perhaps the Trump supporting Christians in our community need to do a faith check. Trump posted that he “HATE(S) TAYLOR SWIFT.” I assume it is because she endorsed his opponent. While it is acceptable to hate what someone does, it’s certainly not Christian behavior to hate other people. I can’t recall a sermon given by Christ telling us to hate other people.
“Thou Shalt Not Lie” is a commandment, but Trump lies many times when he speaks in public. The same applies to Trump attacking his opponents by “bearing false witness”. Voting for Trump seems counterintuitive to the Chistian faith.
It’s your right to oppose immigration to the USA, but calling in bomb threats to a community that has immigrants is hateful. Nearly all religions welcome the stranger or immigrant, so why do Christians support a candidate who wants to deport immigrants and limit immigration to wealthy foreign people who marry Republican politicians like himself?
Then there is the adultery to justify about Trump. He also has been found by a court to have committed sexual assault. Yet Trump is better than evil Democrats who want to provide access to affordable healthcare, restrict guns from crazy people and make you pay more taxes when your income exceeds $400,000.
Trump wants to deport immigrants and make your grandchildren replace them. Yes, they will be doing black, brown and yellow jobs in a Trump second term. While they
SEE LETTERS, 6A are picking fruit and packing meat, Trump’s billionaire supporters will get billions more in tax cuts.
Trump plays golf on Saturdays and Sundays while you are in church worshiping Jesus. The last thing on his mind is praying for anyone who is suffering as he is consumed with self-worship. He sends his hate messages while sitting on a gold throne that flushes.
-Pete Scobby Newport
Vote Democrat
To the editor, I’m a 66-year-old woman and, in my lifetime, there has always been a Republican party and a Democrat party. Supporters of each have certainly had their differences and their arguments along the way but there has been an underlying civility. We Democrats could have bumper stickers without getting our tires slashed or our cars keyed. We could have yard signs without someone destroying or stealing them.
When Donald Trump came along, everything changed. He and his followers have succeeded in dividing our country like never before. So many of his supporters have followed his lead and become angry, violent, disrespectful, dishonest and cruel. It’s shocking and devastating. Did these MAGAs grow up learning how be hateful and belligerent? Did their parents, teachers and churches teach them to be bullies? I doubt it.
What will it take for these people to wake up to reality and stop believing what this delusional, dangerous felon that they so admire says.
More than ever before, we need a president who is strong and decisive but kind and fair. We need to elect the candidates who truly are concerned about the American people, all of the American people. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz will do everything in their power to unite us and bring back the humanity that we’ve lost. Why can’t we all treat each other with respect and with kindness? Why can’t we strive for peace? Why can’t we help, not hurt, each other? Nobody I know wants to go into Trump’s very dark, never ending tunnel of gloom and negativity. We want light, hope, positivity and joy. Please remember the values and morals that you were taught and vote for honesty, integrity and understanding. Vote Democrat.
-Deborah Stafford Newport
