Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Israelis and Palestinians, Their Origins

The current conflict between Israel and Palestine (or Hamas) prompted several conversations I have had. Rather than who’s right and who’s wrong, the crux of the discussions revolves around the origins of these two people. Both sides claim that the tiny piece of land is the land of their origin. But, both claims cannot be […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

The Truth About the Debt Ceiling

Earlier today, I received a message for me to sign a petition to Congressman Fulcher urging him not to vote for the Debt Ceiling, but instead “to push for a real deal.” I respect Mr. Fulcher, and I also signed the petition. Still, much about the Debt Ceiling is not understood or reported. To begin […]

Categories
News

How Efficient is Government Spending?

How efficient is government spending? Understandably, this question could lead to many discussions. To begin with, government spending can be in multiple forms: first, direct expenditure, such as the government actively funding a project or activity; second, incentives or subsidies, used to encourage certain activities; and finally, the prescribing of laws to outlaw something in […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Goals and Resolutions

Dear Editor, January 2023: A new year. A new beginning, new hope, and perhaps new resolutions. Unlike many people, I do not set New Year’s resolutions. I talked to many people that set resolutions, such as: to go to the gym, exercise, and lose weight. Most of these resolutions, unfortunately, will not last into February. […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Proper Role of Local Governments, Judges and Commissioners

This is the third and last part of the series on the Proper Role of Local Governments. Judges County Judges can be elected or appointed. I have seen both. It varies from state to state, and county to county. In Idaho, County judges are appointed. Nonetheless, the function of judges is clear: adjudication over cases […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

County Positions: Sheriff, Treasurer, Assessor, Coroner

Dear Editor, Take you wise men, and understanding, and known among your tribes, and I will make them rulers over you. So I took the chief of your tribes, wise men, and known, and made them heads over you, captains over thousands, and captains over hundreds, and captains over fifties, and captains over tens, and […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

The Proper Role of the Local Governments

Dear Editor What is the proper role of a local government? A quick review of the 9th and 10th Amendments reveals that the States and the People have most of the powers. The enumeration in the Constitution, of certain rights, shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people (9th Amendment) […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

How Can We Reach We the People?

During the November Liberty Dinner in Pocatello, there was a comment on how little participation there was in public forums. I have observed this to be true in City Council meetings, County meetings, School Board meetings, and many others. Since the mid-term elections are concluded, I heard many ask the question, “What is the Price […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Restoring Election Integrity

Dear Editor, The 2022 General Election has been concluded. There are still unsettling questions in Americans’ minds, such as: the red wave that should have taken place, Republican control of the Legislature, and the Arizona gubernatorial race. There is one more question though. In a recent statement, Kari Lake said that she would continue to […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Is America a Racist Nation?

During a recent volleyball game between BYU and Duke, it was reported that a BYU fan sitting in the student section was using the “N” word toward a black Duke volleyball athlete. Others present report that the incident never happened. It was a lie—but a lie that keeps repeating to advance an agenda. That America […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

What can We the People do about China?

Last July, I was privileged to attend the Idaho GOP Convention. While there, I met many good people. One, in particular, asked me about the Resolution that we would support Israel if it were attacked. My simple response was that the United States had an agreement with Israel, and we should honor it. Regarding the […]

Categories
Opinions / Op-eds

Could the Legislature Call Itself into Session?

Last Friday, April 29, I participated in a Meet and Greet organized by the Franklin County Republican Central Committee. I shared the stage with Mr. Jim Guthrie. We were asked the same questions. We took turns to respond with no follow-up opportunities. One of the questions focused on whether or not the legislature may convene […]

Gem State Patriot News