.png)
Depolarize
“Journalism” once reported all the facts from multiple perspectives on issues using neutral language. Then billionaires bought up the mainstream media to control the narratives using sophisticated propaganda techniques. Right-leaning “news” sources, like Fox News, myopically interpret events to appeal exclusively to that audience. Likewise, left-leaning sources, like CNN and the NYT, do the same. “Inconvenient” facts are entirely omitted. The language is crafted to provoke intense moral outrage, smothering any curiosity to investigate deeper.
In 10 years, we have a highly polarized population, each side claiming to have the “truth”. Neither side can fathom what the other side believes due to zero exposure. Neither side can even imagine they are missing anything – “They’re obviously wrong!”
Take, for example, illegal aliens: I believe the left myopically focuses on their legal and human rights (“All should be granted amnesty!”). Meanwhile, the right is myopically focused on the unfair, overwhelming tax burden and dangerous criminals (“Get them out of here!”). Resolution appears impossible.
Righteous citizens with violently opposing viewpoints, consumed by outrage, lead to chaotic conditions enabling the installation of a dictatorship: declare martial law and suspend the Constitution. Will the infiltrators succeed in provoking civil war?
Detach; investigate. Remain calm.
Kamori Cattadoris
Newport
Differences between DJT and JC
The height of Trump (DJT) insanity and deraignment was observed last week when a picture appeared, with DJT’s approval, portraying lunatic DJT as Jesus Christ (JC) healing the sick. My thoughts as to some of the differences between the two.
JC could actually perform miracles; DJT only wishes he could.
JC was born in a manger; DJT hangs out with donkeys and pigs but was not born in a manger.
JC is a king and a God; DJT only wishes he were.
JC never fired any of his apostles; DJT has already fired two cabinet members three months into 2026.
JC is loved around the world and has been worshipped for 2,000 years; the world hates DJT and no one will worship him in the near future.
JC never broke a Commandment; DJT has broken them all.
JC was never mentioned in the Epstein files; DJT thousands of times.
One similarity between the two: I am fairly certain the Romans/ Italians hate DJT just as much as they did JC.
MAGA may praise their false god and golden idol, but for the rest of the sane world, isn’t enough enough?
Greg Hicks
Spokane
Let’s fight corruption
Political corruption is “the use of powers by government officials or their network contacts for illegitimate private gain.” Our president has torn down part of the White House, manipulated tariffs to enrich himself and his family, bombed Iran without congressional authorization, stacked the Supreme Court to give him immunity for potential crimes, and given ultra-wealthy people Cabinet positions, ambassadorships, pardons, and dropped investigations of their crimes, as long as they are loyal to him.
Imagine the uproar if any Democratic president had done these things. Trump won’t live forever, and someday a president you don’t like will be in power. At that point, nothing will stop that president from doing the same corrupt things without consequences. Is that really a precedent we want to set?
The freedoms we have in this country are there in part to protect us from government oppression no matter what group is in power. Now those are gone – unless we fight to protect them.
Meg Lyman
Deer Park
Vote for Jane Sauter
It seems to me that non-emergency care for non-citizens (such as illegal immigrants) should not be paid for by the citizens of our state. There was a bill H135 introduced in 2025 that was voted on, passed, and signed into law this month. Having traveled extensively, I have always had to foot the bill if I’m traveling to other countries, should I need non-emergency medical assistance. The bill and now law, makes total sense to me.
I heard Mark Sauter say he opposed this commonsense bill. In fact, in looking at his records, he frequently opposes bills that are supported by a majority of the Republican representatives. This doesn’t seem to be an issue that would need much debate. You don’t get services paid for by others.
Jane Sauter indicated she would have voted for this bill and understands that the people of Idaho support this type of approach to reign in government spending.
Jane keeps showing her commonsense regarding things needing to be fixed. I like her positive way of offering a clear solution to issues. I’ll be voting for Jane Sauter on May 19!
Sincerely Trent Oyler
Naples, Idaho
Vote for Woodward
May matters in Idaho, because the Republican who wins in the May 19 Primary is typically the winner in the general election. We are so fortunate to have Jim Woodward as our current Idaho senator. He carefully considers each bill on its own merits, and how it will affect his constituents and his stated goals of governance, rather than being swayed by getting a “good grade” from the Idaho Freedom Foundation like his opponent does. I have listened to Jim at his regularly scheduled town halls and been impressed with his long-range outlook, investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure improvements. At the same time, he is fiscally responsible, opposing cuts to income or property taxes that might sound appealing but will require cuts to important programs and services that have been mandated. Reducing taxes for popularity votes while causing a budget shortfall is just not responsible government.
Jim Woodward is vice-chair of the Finance and Appropriations Committee and serves on the education and transportation committees. He has many other important committee assignments as well, as he is a hard-working and highly respected member of the legislature. I urge you to vote for our current senator, Jim Woodward, on May 19.
Kate Painter
Bonners Ferry
Recent News
Recent headline topics: Trump to Iran: I will blow an entire civilization to bits with a deadline to make a deal. Just prior to the deadline, Trump and Iran agree to a two-week ceasefire and to open the Strait of Hormuz. Trump uses the Navy to blockade the Strait. The Navy begins sweeping for mines. The US controls much of the EU’s oil. The US only allows a few tankers per day through the Strait. Squeezing Iran. The US gets no help from NATO.
Trump signs Presidential Memo-7 which declares Antifa as Domestic Terrorist Organizations. Bondi leaves DOJ handing off 8K+ ongoing fraud cases. DOJ opens an antitrust exemption case against the NFL. DNI Gabbard declassifies IC official’s conspiracy in 2019 to impeach Trump. Buried for seven years: Declassified transcripts exonerate Trump’s impeachment story. The WH put a taskforce together to go State by State looking for fraud (I hope they don’t go in alphabetical order). Gabbard declassifies Dem’s plot to frame Trump on the Ukraine call.
Trump brokers a deal for a two week ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. The Strait is fully open and the Stock Market soars, fastest rise in decades. The Dealmaker.
Glen Pierce
Spokane/Cusick
Reelect Mark Sauter
We worked with Representative Mark Sauter this recent legislative session on a bill to clarify the Idaho Defense of Life Act. We found him to be honest, sincere and easy to work with. Mark was always ready to listen to our concerns. He will continue to work hard for his constituents. Get out and cast your vote for Mark Sauter in the Republican Primaries.
Stephen Schmid MD
Twin Falls
Robert Davis MD
Boise
Beware of false claims
No wasted words. Herndon, as usual, is spreading false claims and untruths. He brags about tax cuts when he actually only voted for one. Woodward on the other hand, voted for two income tax rate cuts, three tax rebates, an increase in the homeowner’s exemption and homeowners tax relief. He chose to vote no on last year’s tax cut as he felt it wasn’t in our (his constituents) best interest.
That proved to be right as that cut caused all kinds of problems this year.
Woodward always has our best interests steering his decisions on voting for or against bills.
Herndon wants to get rid of property tax. Now how ridiculous is that? No one likes to pay taxes, but unfortunately, it’s a necessary evil. He basically opposes school levies, another necessary way of getting needed dollars to properly run our education system, because the state does not fund education properly.
Beware of fliers filling our mailboxes telling us who to vote for. Many of these are again spreading false claims about why people should vote one way or the other. Please do your own research. But you must do it thoroughly. Don’t just go by what you hear. Check it out yourself.
Ernie and Helen Schoeffel
Priest River
What do local Christians think about Trump’s pictures?
Now that Trump thinks he is Jesus or that he and Jesus are picture buddies, what do the Christians in our community think of Trump’s social media picture posts? Are local church leaders thinking of putting Trump’s likeness above their altars?
Trump seems jealous of Pope Leo and has a running feud with him over bombing of innocent civilians living in Trump’s enemy designated countries.
Trump rails about Iran killing protesters but then drops bombs on the Iranian people killing non-combatants in his made-up war of choice. Please identify the Christian doctrine that mandates killing your enemies. You don’t need to defend your faith with guns and bombs. What part of “Thou shall not kill” requires theocratical nuance? Is it God’s will that you kill your enemies before they can kill you?
Trump imagines the office of president as some kind of religious or divinely inspired position. He is much like the Supreme Leader of Iran who believes that God gives the president or leader the right of life or death. Think about that when blindly supporting a president who wants to rule over the entire world.
President first and country last.
Pete Scobby
Newport
Letter writer doesn’t provide evidence
In response to the April 15th letter “Military kills on supporters behalf,” the author draws another false analogy this time a car dealership symbolizing Iran. It is uncommon for car dealerships to take disciplinary action against people protesting with negative remarks about the dealership. However, there is no credible evidence to suggest that such actions have resulted in executions of such protesters by the dealership. The assertion, “That requires using hundreds of nuclear weapons to kill all 93 million Iranian people,” lacks substantiation. The writer’s failure to provide evidence to support their claims screams of their constant inexperience in the subject matter.
“Trump voters have the blood of innocent civilians on their hands.” In this instance, the writer exhibits a cognitive bias through their use of a whataboutism. But it isn’t unusual for this writer as they have shown a constant ability to bow before the political golden calf.
“Our military kills women and children on your behalf, making you complicit in the act.” The absurdity of the unfounded statement boggles the mind. The accusation against our military forces intentionally targets civilian populations is vile and doing it for a particular voting public is truly ludicrous.
Renee Webster
Newport
History shows freedom doesn’t disappear overnight
After the recent rally, two signs held by attendees stayed with me because they reflected concerns many Americans share about protecting our freedoms and our families.
The first sign read: “Hitler didn’t start with camps.
He started with banning books, targeting the press, blaming immigrants, creating enemies from neighbors, controlling the courts and judges, attacking workers’ rights, spreading lies and conspiracy theories, using religion as a weapon, replacing truth with propaganda.”
It was a reminder that the erosion of liberty starts with limits on information, government overreach, and efforts to control what people can say, read, or believe. Historians have noted that these early warning signs often appear subtle until they accumulate into something more dangerous. The message was simple: stay vigilant in defending the Constitution, free speech, and the institutions that keep government power in check.
The second sign read: “If only children were protected like the Epstein files.”
Many Americans feel that children’s safety, education, and well‑being should rise above partisan fights.
Protecting kids should be a unifying national priority.
Both signs carried the same plea: pay attention.
Ask questions. Defend truth. Protect children. A strong nation is defined not by empty promises, but by the actions its citizens take to preserve truth and accountability.
Gloria Jean Wells
Newport
