Keep the faith, baby. Just keep it out of the requirements for programs that receive public funds. That's a reminder to the good people - and they are very good people - who last weekend graduated their first class from NITRO, the North Idaho Training and Rehab Organization. While the program represents an extraordinary effort of giving people with disabilities and criminal records a chance to learn marketable skills and become effective, positive contributors to society, a Press news article did mention that faith is a component needed for potential participants to qualify. That's when alarms went off. Faith, officials involved with the program later clarified, does not mean belief in any specific religion but rather, faith in oneself to improve. Maybe that's what they meant, but the word is a potential grenade that could end up in NITRO's lap/Coeur d'Alene Press Editorial Board. More here.

• My Turn: Power for a better way of life/Rep. Luke Malek

Thoughts?