If you don’t know the answer, just Google it. Nowadays, we simply turn to the wonder of internet searching to find the answers. Many of us and myself use that vast electronic encyclopedia on a daily basis to get answers to our questions. When it comes to politics, what could be more convenient? Newsflash: that may not guarantee ultimate truth or objective results each and every time.
When searching “how we can participate in government,” one of the consistently top answers includes some form of talking to our elected officials. Those forms come in different shapes and sizes.
Here in Idaho, one way we can do that is to go to Boise and meet them face to face. What could be more Idaho? The good ‘ol fashion handshake and “nice to meet ya.”
One such opportunity was hosted by Reclaim Idaho this past Monday at the Capitol. The “Not a Dollar More” Lobby Day brought everyday Idahoans together from the northern Panhandle, the southwest Treasure Valley, Eastern Idaho, and everywhere in-between.
Average people advocating for responsibly funded public education versus big money, out-of-state special interest groups, not to mention the misuse of taxpayer dollars for the benefit of a minority who want their own way.
That’s not choice as is claimed by some and that’s not Idaho; that’s just plain selfish.
My writing here could focus on the obvious injustice of this irresponsible use of tax dollars or the agenda of those trying to replace democracy with authoritarianism (under the disguise of “choice” or their own morals over actual freedom). My goal though is to highlight the people who were part of Reclaim Idaho’s Not a Dollar More Day. Their grassroots effort is to prevent any further expansion of private school vouchers/tax credits, which those out-of-state special interest groups will certainly try to advance, at the cost of our Idaho taxpayers, families, and children.
There was the school teacher and mom advocating for public education. She has seen first-hand how poorly funded public schools disadvantage Idaho teachers and children, especially those who will not get the same chance as others. That chance could be due to lack of private schools in rural areas, special needs such as intellectual disability, or lower income.
There were the retired grandparents, traveling to our Capitol on their own expense to share their experience as long-time Idaho residents. To share their insight that the long-term success of our state rests on the foundation of well-funded public education that is accessible to all Idahoans.
These kind-hearted people also spoke to their understanding, borne from their years of lived experience; they plainly see the injustice of big-money special interest groups trying to convince us that what we see and know to be wrong is somehow right.
There were the Democrat and the Republican legislators. Talking to them in-person reminded me that these are everyday Idahoans, just like us. It can be all too easy to see them as just a bunch of politicians, far-removed from their constituents. But when you meet with them, face-to-face, either one-on-one or in a small group, you quickly realize they are human just like the rest of us.
Sure, there are political positions, and these can range from left to right. But the perspective that can be shared in those intimate meetings offers hope that We the People are still the best way to govern our democracy.
Idaho’s public education is the key to our future as a great state. That has always been and always will be a true Idaho value.
Folks on both sides of the aisle agree on this, as evidenced by the common ground and productive conversations we all shared at Reclaim Idaho’s Not a Dollar More Day. We the Idaho People will not be fooled by the cozy relationship a smaller number of misguided individuals have made with high dollar nationalist groups, targeting our Idaho way of life.
Power always has been, and always will be, in the hands of We the People of Idaho. And we collectively say, “Not a Dollar More” to private school vouchers.
