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Language manipulation
Reactions to the recent Supreme Court decision in the Louisiana redistricting case provides a showcase for how the media uses language manipulation to stoke “moral outrage.” Former President Obama, for example, stated in an April 29 X post that the decision shows “…how a majority of the current Court seems intent on abandoning its vital role in ensuring equal participation in our democracy and protecting the rights of minority groups against majority overreach.”
First of all, our system is not a “democracy” where the majority rules; it is a representative republic. Second, the phrase, “protecting the rights of minority groups” is just one of many that “mockingbirds” repeat to sound “righteous.” However, with regard to the Louisiana decision, it is an extraordinarily weak argument.
Minority “groups” do not have any special rights; individual citizens of all “groups” have rights under our Constitution. That means there is no legal concept of “rights of minority groups,” and therefore that concept is irrelevant to the Louisiana decision.
In my opinion, Obama exposed what Socialists wish was true: that the Constitution would privilege the “rights” of identity groups, which they would define, over the rights of individuals. Thankfully, the Constitution still prevails!
Kamori Cattadoris Newport
Dynamic duo
There they go again! Two cousins not related by DNA, just having an interchangeable mentality. They emit disparaging, imaginary thoughts and falsehoods purportedly to deal with their anger issues regarding the President of the United States.
This is not a rational mindset but has been present throughout American politics. Free speech is what separates our country from the rest of the world. Problems arise when uncontrolled hate influences weak minded individuals to perpetrate dastardly crimes, i.e. Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley, Kennedy, T. Roosevelt, Reagan, and Trump. (All Republicans but one) A prejudiced media is a major contributor to stirring the pot of hate.
It is rare these days that two individuals or groups coming from opposite camps can express their points of view and listen to the other side without blood pressure rising. The time is now for extending the olive branch. Try to understand someone else’s point of view. Agree to disagree needs to make a comeback.
K.C. Hunt Newport
A thought on preparedness in a digital world
After reading the recent article on cybercrime affecting Newport, I found myself thinking about how quickly the idea of “it won’t happen here” is disappearing.
The phrase that stood out most was “when, not if.” That’s a shift. Not just in technology, but in mindset.
We tend to think of threats as something distant—something that happens to larger cities or bigger systems. But what we’re seeing now is that smaller communities are just as vulnerable, sometimes more so.
What I appreciated in the article was the focus on layered protection and education. It wasn’t presented as a single solution, but as a series of small, consistent actions—training, awareness, verification.
That raises a question worth discussing locally: Are we, as individuals and as a community, taking that same approach in our daily lives?
Not just in government systems— but in how we handle emails, messages, and even the way we respond to urgency online.
It seems like the most effective defense may not be technical at all—but behavioral. Slowing down. Verifying. Asking one more question before acting.
That’s something all of us can do, regardless of background or position.
I’m not offering a solution here—just a point of reflection.
If the shift truly is from “if” to “when,” then the conversation probably needs to shift too—from reaction to readiness.
Saundra K. Park Newport
Current news
There appears to have been another attempt on Trump’s life. The media and politicians need to tone down the rhetoric about Trump. Some people hear ‘Nazi’ and ‘Dictator’ enough they apparently will act on it. Half the country didn’t like Biden but they didn’t try to kill him.
King Charles III just visited Trump at the WH. On a tour of the grounds they went by Melania’s bee hives. While they were standing there, a bee landed in the palm of Donald’s hand and rested there. Apparently there is historic significance to bees and leaders, at least in England.Also during the visit, King Charles addressed congress. The ‘No Kings’ Dems cult gave him a standing ovation. Interesting.
The UAE has left OPEC. Many others are talking about leaving as well. When the OPEC cartel crumbles, the restrictions on oil and price setting will fall. Energy will get cheaper.
Trump just handed Iran a 6B loss. The Navy turned back 42 oil tankers with the blockade. Trump is in no hurry, Iran has to make an acceptable deal that includes no nukes. Their economy won’t stand much longer. The clock is ticking.
Glen Pierce Spokane/Cusick
No growth means limited taxpayers
When I drive by the construction at the data center in Newport, I see our community becoming a jobless desert of wasted natural hydroelectric resources. Both crypto mining and now a data center suck the natural resource life from our community. Looking at the PUD contract for supplying electric power to Clark County and the excessive demand from electronic computing, no power is left for any future industry or businesses to locate in our community. Creating, storing and sending electronic data out of our community doesn’t create tax revenue or living jobs for our young workers. A computer isn’t going to walk into a business and buy anything, and computers don’t need human services like medical care and education.
I have often heard comments about our rural quality of life which depends on residents doing business and trading with each other. How do we trade with a soulless electronic machine that devours electrons?
No offense to the handful of people connected with electron consumption, but a truckload of contempt for the elected commissioners who approved it. The no-growth policies our commissioners adopted will force limited existing property taxpayers to pay for around $100,000,000 in school and hospital bond levy requests.
Pete Scobby Newport
Blue line flag to honor law enforcement, firefighters
In last week’s Viewpoint, a letter writer asserted that an American flag with a colored stripe not present in the original American flag is a desecration of the flag. The writer states that the people who fly a “desecrated” flag with a blue or red line don’t support law enforcement or firefighters and that these people only want to “own” liberals. How can the letter writer know this and state this as truth?
Ironically, after the letter writer bemoans the desecration of the flag, he suggests his version of desecration is justified. It appears the justification is that he is sincere about his beliefs regarding his suggested version of a desecrated flag, whereas anyone who flies a blue or red line flag is not.
I fly two flags: a traditional American flag and a blue line flag. The blue line flag is not to own anyone, but is in remembrance of my deceased younger brother, who was a dedicated law enforcement officer. I suspect there are many others who fly blue or red line flags in sincere honor of law enforcement and firefighting personnel. Please stop with broad-brush aspersions. At times, it’s hard to take this letter writer seriously.
Kirt Shaffer Newport
Woodward true citizen legislator Some reasons why I support Jim Woodward and will be voting for him May 19.
Jim listens to his constituents, represents their interests well, is a life-long Idahoan that knows and understands Idaho values. He is the type of Republican that built the Idaho that makes everyone want to live here.
In the senate he has made decisions that we expect our Senator to focus on. He voted against the 2025 tax cut passage because he had the foresight to see what was coming. He said out loud that we were getting out in front of our skis. He was right and even with the difficult budget balancing he faced this year he fought for essential services like Trooper pay and wild land firefighting.
He voted against the 2025 $50 million school choice tax credit because the Governor himself admitted it lacked accountability. That vote was not against school choice but about accountability for taxpayer’s money which is one of Jim’s core values.
Jim is an involved community member and a true citizen legislator. He spends 3 months in Boise representing us , then comes home to run his business and still takes time to listen to the people of Bonner and Boundary counties.
Vote Jim Woodward May 19th Bob Boeh Sagle
Don’t ever forget the Durst disruption
I was the music director for the West Bonner County School District for seventeen years. I watched good teachers arrive and stay because they loved their community. I watched what happened when politics invaded a school district.
Scott Herndon talks about education freedom and parental rights, yet he personally endorsed Branden Durst to our District. Durst did not have the proper state qualifications, yet Herndon called Durst a personal friend and praised him publicly.
I had retired by this time, but remained in contact with parents and teachers. It was devastating to watch the West Bonner County situation unfold. A third of the teaching staff quit and the junior high closed. The board members who voted to hire Durst were recalled by a 60% majority. Scott Herndon gave those board members money to support their potential recall.
Taking no accountability for the disruption, Herndon later told his supporters he had “literally nothing to do with” what happened there. Jim Woodward was raised here. He understands the importance of education and the community that our schools build. I encourage you to vote for Jim Woodward on May 19th.
Barbara Fournier Sandpoint
MARK Sauter is the Right Republican Sauter
Mark Sauter is the right candidate for right thinking residents. Mark makes time to listen, works hard to resolve issues, and promotes thoughtful legislation that balances small government and protects our freedom and quality of life. He promotes local control and “live and let live.”
Mark actually engages with all of the residents and returns calls. I’m afraid that certain caucus candidates simply vote to score high on an index. I have had zero response from members of that caucus. A Representative is more than just voting an ideology. Mark puts the work in and is not owned by anyone.
Mark’s opponent pledges allegiance to a caucus platform that includes: 1) repeal of property taxes with no plan to fund public schools, 2) elimination of the PUC that protects consumers, and 3) drastic statewide regulations including personal choices and prescribed ideologies.
Mark has worked hard the past two terms and is well respected in the Capitol. Let’s keep the momentum going with the Right Sauter. Please vote Mark Sauter – State Representative for District 1A.
David Frohnen Sandpoint
Woodward steady, honest, accessible
“I am seventy-two years old and have lived in Bonner County my entire life. Over the years, I have seen many politicians come and go, and I know the difference between a true public servant and a self-promoter.
I have supported Jim Woodward since he first ran. When I saw the claims in Herndon’s fundraising letter, postmarked from Virginia, I will admit — it gave me pause. That did not sound like the Jim Woodward I know. So I did what too few people do anymore: I picked up the phone and called Jim.
He answered and calmly walked me through the claims, setting the record straight. He was direct, respectful, and simply shared the facts, allowing me to draw my own conclusions.
That conversation confirmed everything I needed to know — not just about the claims, but about Jim’s character.
A few days later, the “Official Republican Voter Guide” arrived in my mailbox. I read it cover to cover, then used it to start a bonfire. It served its highest purpose.
Herndon’s ridiculous tactics haven’t changed in four campaigns and Jim Woodward remains steady, honest, and accessible. That is the kind of senator North Idaho deserves.
Vote May 19th.
Pat Gunter Sagle
It was never about deportation
Trump campaigned in front of rally goers holding up signs saying “Mass Deportation Now,” and when interviewed, the typical Trump supporter would say he wanted to see the government arrest and deport the criminals that Biden opened the border to. After a year of the ICE process paying out, there are some conclusions that can be made.
According to the DHS website, around 675,000 arrests since the beginning of the crackdown of which only 30,000 made the worst of the worst list. Barely half of those arrests were actually removed from the country, the rest are being housed in inhumane conditions at “detention centers.” These privately run (for profit) facilities represent another scam perpetrated by this government. Who pays for this? Taxpayers do, that’s us and is a result of the Big Bill that Baumgartner voted for. The bill provided $38 million just to purchase and renovate existent empty warehouses never designed as housing. Think water, sewer, garbage and other infrastructure costs offloaded onto local communities. That’s on top of ICE overpaying for these empty warehouses, sometimes 300% more than their market value.
So, never about deportation, always about redirecting public money to private prisons.
Roger Haick Loon Lake
Voting for Mark Sauter
Mark Sauter deserves your vote.
I am a Sandpoint native and local physician, and I have followed Mr. Sauter’s work in Boise as our District 1A representative over the last four years. He has voted to promote education and support local and rural healthcare in Idaho. He supported SB1453 (the bill that establishes the Idaho Rural Health Transformation Fund of $186 million for our State). He has been an available constituent who makes time to listen to voters. His goals to work efficiently and for the people are evident in his work as representative.
I strongly encourage the re-election of Mark Sauter, who is a level headed and logical representative for Bonner and Boundary County. I encourage you to do the same.
Jillian Klauck MD Sandpoint
Vote in Republican primary, send a message
Victor Orban was elected for a two-year term as prime minister of Hungary in 2010 as an opposition candidate. Pledging to end corruption and improve the lives of the people, he quickly changed the courts, constitution, and voting regulations so only he could win re-election. Aligning himself with Vladimere Putin, he soon became very rich, corrupt, and supremely powerful. Sound familiar?
Peter Magyar overwhelmingly defeated Orban on April 6, was confirmed immediately and will assume office in mid-May, maybe sooner. He hopes sooner so Orban can be arrested, convicted and jailed before he can leave the country with all the money he has stolen from the now impoverished and politically dispossessed citizens after 16 years of corruption!
Voters in the USA must take a lesson NOW! Everyone, regardless of party affiliation, should register and vote in Republican primaries to replace existing congress persons, and vote blue on all national and state midterms. Relax, it will only take two years to remove Trump, stop the insane destruction of our democratic republic, begin trying to make repairs, and send a clear message to the Republican party that they need to change their ways if they ever want to get re-elected!
Jay Omundson Cocolalla
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
Who benefits by switching parties?
Many Democrats temporarily register as Republicans—not because their values have changed, but to influence Republican primaries by supporting more liberal candidates. Then, after the primary, they switch back to vote Democrat in the general election.
The real question is: who are they trying to help?
Stop Idaho RINOs is an organization that tracks and scores legislative voting records. According to their published data, Mark Sauter voted with Democrats 83.9% of the time in 2025 and 74.3% in 2026. While he disputes these numbers, the data is publicly available. Review it for yourself at VotesWithDems.com and see exactly how the scores are calculated.
This is why Jane Sauter is running.
Jane believes District 1 deserves clear, consistent, conservative representation, not someone whose voting record aligns so frequently with the opposing party. A lifelong Republican, Jane has spent over 30 years actively serving in the party and standing for its principles.
Jane is not driven by power or personal gain. She is grounded in integrity and committed to doing what’s right for the people she represents.
If you want a representative who reflects Idaho’s conservative values, the choice is clear.
JaneSauterforIdaho.com Vote Jane on May 19th.
Annette Thompson Hope
