4th Time Will Be The Charm For Rankin’s Tax Initiative
There are four good reasons why the fourth coming of the One Percent Initiative will make the 1996 ballot and be passed: ex-Gov. Don Samuelson, Silver Valley millionaire Harry Magnuson, Coeur d’Alene property manager Jack Beebe and Kootenai County Republican leader Kathy Sims. In the past, most of the aforementioned wouldn’t touch One Percenter Ron Rankin and his tax initiative with the proverbial 10-foot pole; in 1992, Beebe campaigned against it. But now, three of them are among about 100 supporters who have donated a combined $24,000 to help pass the measure. And Samuelson, a straight-arrow Republican, cheered Rankle’Em and his supporters recently by signing a petition during a Bonner County “taxpayer rescue.” Now, Rankin has money to pay for signatures and far less opposition than he has faced before.
Democrat Hollister needs to get a grip
I can’t understand why Democrat Buell Hollister objects so much to Kids Voting. He says such an exercise, which encourages children to accompany their parents to the polls, is one of many things that deprives them of their childhood. Apparently, my children are deprived. I’ve allowed both of them to share in the democratic process by punching my ballot (with my choices). My 9-year-old was thrilled to vote for Helen Chenoweth last year because she’d met the congressional candidate at school and had gotten her autograph. (Hey, some of you vote for candidates for worse reasons.) I’m for anything that encourages civic interest in young people - although this idea was founded by our rivals, the Coeur d’Alene Press. Which goes to show you that even a broken clock is right twice a day.
Separatist Weaver sees the light
Hmmm. Maybe a leopard does change its spots. In the wake of the sabotage of an Amtrak train last week, white separatist Randy Weaver denounced domestic terrorism: “I am angry that anyone would use the tragedy that occurred to my family as some kind of justification for further senseless killing and more tragedy. I hope that the persons who derailed that train and killed and seriously injured innocent people will be caught and tried and brought to justice.” Weaver was responding to a note found near the derailment site, signed by “Sons of Gestapo,” which made reference to Waco and Ruby Ridge. Seems as if Randy Weaver has softened since he was found innocent by the system he previously had despised - and since he and his daughters accepted a $3.1 million settlement from the government. Welcome to the bourgeoisie, Randy.
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