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Country or politics
To the editor, The upcoming election on November 5th will ask all of us to make a decision as to what direction we, as voters, wish to take this country. Do we want a country in which all have the opportunity to succeed, equality for all or do we want to only empower the wealthy or those in power? Do we wish to embrace our democratic principles or for an autocratic form of government that is outlined in Project 2025 and embraced by Trump?
One of the true blessings of our form of government is the ability to have differences of opinion. Whether this is economic, social, domestic or foreign policy.
The allowance of differences makes our country strong. However, differences need to be based on facts, not conspiracy theories and lies. Solutions are based on healthy debate and compromise.
Whether you are Republican, Democrat, independent or undecided it is time to put patriotism and country above politics. Like Liz Cheney, Dick Cheney, Bruce Springsteen and numerous other military and Republican pollical leaders, I am supporting Harris and Walz.
-Robert W. Schutte Newport
America needs to take climate change seriously
To the editor, Florida and Southern states are far away, but how can you look at the destruction caused by hurricane Helene and not wonder why the people and property were so exposed to this storm. That’s because our focus is on culture war politics that overshadow our efforts to have a society safe from ever intensifying storms caused by climate change. In fact, one political party says that climate change is a hoax. Watching your home float away in the raging flood waters is no hoax. Seeing a section of an interstate freeway break up and disappear is a reality since it can’t be used for months. Having no power, cell or internet service to contact loved ones isn’t a joke. Sitting on the roof of your home waiting for rescue isn’t fun and games.
Our area doesn’t have hurricanes, but we have wildfires that leave foundations where homes and businesses once stood. In this election cycle, we’re hearing from the Republican Party about “issues” like trans men in women’s rest rooms, forced sex change operations conducted at schools, and immigrants eating cats and dogs. Is this what people in wiped out communities are thinking about when rising water is being blown at them at 140 mph? Is this on our minds when a wildfire evacuation order appears on our phones? Your home is burning to the ground, and you need to see if immigrants are eating pets, or object to a non-white Disney princess playing Snow White.
America needs to invest in responding to the effects of climate change and the resulting extreme weather events it causes. We can start by putting powerlines underground, fortifying our earth dams, and elevating homes in flood plains. Vote for political candidates that will address the preparation and response to storms, floods and fires.
-Pete Scobby Newport
The death of truth
To the editor, Is there anything better than having purpose?
To know that your particular strengths and abilities meet the needs of those that you serve is one of life’s greatest joys isn’t it?
Conversely is there any tragedy greater than the loss of purpose? To stubbornly cling to the wrong path to your own downfall?
The tragedy of the present situation of the Pend Oreille County Republican Party is not what they are, but rather what they could be !
They could be advocates for freedom and local control! They could be building coalitions to address the serious policy shortcomings in our state on issues like predator management, public safety, drug use, stifling overregulation and the misplaced spending priorities of our state government.
But their meeting agendas stubbornly cling to the wrong path of attacking local elected Republicans with false accusations and pursuing personal vendettas.
Fools combine hatred with lies and slander.
At the Sept. 18th Newport Miner debate, POCR vetted and endorsed candidates for County Commissioner Steven Minnich and Kevin Young were true to the practice of their party leader who appointed Mr. Minnich to his PCO position.
Republicans in this county deserve better than false accusations and ineptitude. The people of this county deserve better than empty promises founded on ignorance and incompetence! Their parroting of previously debunked accusations around conflict of interest and property assessments is a transparent attempt to hide their lack of experience and understanding on the real issues facing we the people.
Serious local leaders and candidates for office will continue to shun the party unless they can convince the people of this county that the party is actually working to secure a better future for this place.
-Brian Smiley Metaline Falls
Reelect Mark Sauter as District 1A Representative
To the editor, We support Mark Sauter for re-election as our Representative for District 1A for Bonner and Boundary Counties because he has the leadership skills, experience and the traditional, conservative values to serve the citizens and communities of North Idaho. We need responsible leadership representing the best interests of our citizens.
Representative Sauter is fiscally conservative and supports reducing property and income taxes where feasible. Mark has supported many bills targeting tax relief, to lessen the tax burden on the citizens of Idaho. He believes in our public school system and support the efforts to improve our student’s education from kindergarten through university. The issue of Public Safety runs deeply through Mark. As a firefighter for over 30 years he understands the critical roll Law enforcement, Fire service and EMS personnel play in safeguarding our communities. Mark believes in the Second Amendment and recognizing the importance of responsible gun ownership. Mark recognizes and supports the significance of securing the southern border. Idaho is experiencing unprecedented growth that is taxing our infrastructure. Mark understands that we must now manage the growth, to ensure the future of Idaho.
-Robert & Sherry Tyler Priest River
