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In-person meeting between differing perspectives worked
Last month, I invited five people from the left and six people from the right to a meeting at my home. I knew most of the people, but some knew only one. We were all curious, some were cautious and others were excited to see how it might turn out.
We did not discuss the issues, we only listened. The first time around the circle, everyone had a chance to give their perspective on ICE. As you can imagine, there were a variety of opinions, but everyone was heard and respected. The second time around the circle, we spoke about vaccines/covid. This was a little more intense. The third time around the circle, we shared our spiritual practice and how we come to balance.
And we did just fine! Everyone had a chance to be heard, and the in-person delivery of a different perspective was found to be essential to the receipt of complete and honest communication. Yes, some of us got triggered but it was okay. And we all have new friends and plan to have another meeting in two months.
Most importantly, we did it! Not only can it be done, but anyone can do it as well!
Stacy Cossey Priest River
Just one more IRS form please
I have been saying this for years every time I submit my annual Form 1040 and associated tax forms.
I would like to have one more form. The form will be simple, it will look something like a shopping list. The government form will list the major areas in which they spend my donation.
Using the form, I can tell them where I want my money to be spent. For example, I can say 100% to such and such, or 25% to one thing and 35% to another. Your choice.
With today’s government computing power it would be a piece of cake.
I think the data will help our government make decisions that better reflects the “Will Of The People.”
Joel Jacobsen Newport
Baumgartner cowardice not voted for
Just as many November 2024 general election President Trump voters express that Trump’s cruel, lawless, racist tyranny is “not what I voted for,” the same is likely true of many voting for Michael Baumgartner as our 5th Congressional District Representative.
Watching Baumgartner suck up to Trump lapdog Attorney General Pam Bondi during her histrionic, unhinged performance at Congressional hearings on opening the Jeffrey Epstein files was especially nauseating (Spokesman-Review 2/12/26).
Then Baumgartner, always lapdog to House Speaker Mike Johnson, in turn always lapdog to Trump (hence Baumgartner always lapdog to Trump), voted against a House resolution to overturn Trump’s tariffs on goods from Canada that passed the House with six Republican votes – notably one from neighbor Dan Newhouse, Washington’s 4th Congressional District Representative, who finally stood against Trump (Spokesman-Review 2/13/26). That ended Newhouse’s 5-year period as generally Trump’s lapdog following Newhouse’s exceptionally courageous vote to impeach Trump for the January 6, 2021, insurrection. Of course, Newhouse’s current “courage” is made much easier by not seeking re-election.
As for Baumgartner, after moving to Spokane in 2013, I quickly recognized his reputation for excessive self-promotion, but only following his 2024 election that he’s a coward and MAGA cult member.
Norm Luther Spokane
Iran
For those that think Trump is a warmonger, turn off CNN and search for facts. He is taking the ‘deep state’ down around the world. Maduro? When he is finished, we will have peace in the Middle East.
Iran and their proxies have killed more Americans than any other country in the world. Many Americans killed in Iraq were killed by Iranian proxies. Roadside bombs? Iran.
In 1988 Trump was asked what he would do as President. In part he said he ‘would lean heavily on Iran. They have pushed America around for years. If one bullet gets shot at a ship or soldier, I would take Kharg Island’ (Strait of Hormuz). This is where they target cargo and oil tankers. Iran helps London set the price of energy by choking off supply. The city of London (bankers) is the head of the snake.
At the beginning of the ‘war,’ Lloyds of London pulled their risk insurance from all ships in the Persian Gulf. Trump went to the Development Finance Corporation for insurance, and the Navy would escort them. Trump is taking down Iran and London at the same time.
Trump just bombed Kharg.
Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick
Jane the ‘right’ Sauter
Are you aware of the game Democrats are playing? They run as a Republican, get their supporters to register as Republican for the primary. When they get elected, they vote like a Democrat. Deceitful in one area, deceitful in many. Please do some research.
Stop Idaho Rino’s ranks Mark Sauter as voting with the Democrats 83.9% of the time. In 2024 Mark received a 46.9% Freedom Index score from Idaho Freedom Foundation. This means he voted against their preferred position 53% of the time. You can also go to the “Sunshine” report and look up where his donors come from. You will find over 55% comes from corporations and special interest groups.
I am so excited that Jane Sauter is running for District 1 House Seat A against him. Jane is a grassroots candidate with a large number of small donors from all over the district. She has a biblical worldview and shares the morals and values of her Idahoan constituents. Jane is honest, can’t be bought, has no personal agenda. She believes we the people deserve Life, Liberty, the Pursuit of Happiness, as individuals. Vote Jane Sauter on May 19.
Annette Thompson Hope
Enhanced Drivers License is proof of citizenship
I concur that the SAVE Act includes more than voter ID. My original point was to demonstrate that a majority of Americans don’t oppose showing ID to vote, period. The editor continues to delve into the weeds, presenting a red herring argument. First, by expressing a concern about the registration to vote process, as it may impose an additional financial burden on “married women.” Although they did not explicitly state that it was an example, they specifically selected a group that is a common political talking point by individuals that have a disagreement with the Act. Their justification is questionable because contained within the Act under documentary proof, “A form of identification issued consistent with the requirements of the REAL ID Act of 2005 that indicates the applicant is a citizen of the United States.” As the Washington State EDL does.
Subsequently, now they extend their outreach to left field, presenting apparent ACLU data regarding the number of noncitizens who are participating in federal elections. To what extent does the editor intend to deviate from the original subject matter? In addition, I didn’t say the editor implied women can’t register to vote. I said “some.”
Renee Webster Newport
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