Idaho GOP shooting blanks

The 2016 Idaho State Republican Convention’s theme was “Faith, Family, Freedom … Firearms!” As a registered Republican, I can’t agree with the party’s current priorities. Here’s why.

Faith: Means “Christian faith.” Idaho Republicans want to insert the Bible into public schools. What about students of other faiths? Public schools are expressly secular. This proposal is unconstitutional.

Family: Narrow definition of family, in a time when “family” includes many different forms. Excludes same-sex unions. Opposes programs that help families, such as expanded Medicaid.

Freedom: Vague. Freedom to persecute others if they are new to the country, if they worship in a different way, if they belong to a minority? Freedom to pack weapons anytime, anywhere? Or give federal lands to corporate interests?

Firearms: At the convention, firearms dealers were present, shooting facilities were provided, there were gun auctions. Is carrying a gun everywhere really the most important thing to most Idaho citizens? What about schools? Not who uses which bathroom, but quality education? What about the health of our citizens? And living wage jobs? The environment?

I conclude that the real theme of the Idaho GOP convention was “Fear, Fantasy, Fanaticism … Firearms!” Somehow, I’m not comfortable with this mix. Are you?

Ann Warwick

Sandpoint