Dear Editor,
I recently visited Idaho for a summer vacation. While the water and the woods defined our active adventure trip, here are some other observations:
Idaho is gorgeous! Northern Idaho in particular, with a ton of water, lakes, rivers and streams, and pine forests everywhere!
Idaho is very clean. There is no visible trash all over the highways and roadways.
Idaho roads and highways are in excellent condition.
Cannabis is not “legal” in Idaho; there are no dispensaries. Drug (or cannabis) possession = arrest.
There are few to no homeless, drug-addicted people in Idaho. *There are many over the border in neighboring Washington.
Idaho is not a sanctuary state. If you are not legal while in the state and have an encounter with the law, you are automatically deported.
Idaho is tough on “law and order.” Commit a crime, go to jail – or get a good attorney. This form of “deterrence” seems to yield “good behavior,” keep the bad guys away in neighboring states that are known for being “soft” on crime, practice early releases of prisoners, etc.
Idaho allows guns as protected by the US Constitution – the “right of the people to keep and bear arms.” There is little to no debate over “gun control” in Idaho (and a lot of bears!)
There are separate girls’ and boys’ bathrooms; there are no gender neutral, shared bathrooms.
Boys are not allowed to play on girls’ sports teams. Biological sex defines “gender.”
There are no tampons in the “men and boy’s” bathrooms in Idaho’s beautiful state parks, or in any state of Idaho buildings.
Idaho schools are focused on the basics of reading, writing and math.
There are no “ethnic studies,” no focus on skin color, no “equity” banners, no gender ideology teachings, no assignment of pronouns, and in Idaho, parents are in full control of their kids, not the state, school boards, or teachers.
The “Idaho Stop” prevails. This is ideal for us as bike riders. Everywhere, cars yield to cyclists on the road, in the bike lane. What a feel-good feeling!
Idaho is not focused on growing government. State and local leadership focuses on less government, less government intrusion, and less spending and fewer taxes. (The Governor routinely reviews and does away with outdated and unnecessary regulations and laws.)
Idaho really does feel like the “home of the free and the brave.”
Idaho is said to be one of the safest states in the nation: “Idaho continues to be one of the safest places to live, work, and raise a family, and the latest crime report is another testament to our commitment to public safety. Despite being one of the fastest-growing states in the nation, Idaho has seen decreases in nearly every major category of crime,” Governor Brad Little said.
“This progress does not happen by accident. It is the result of the dedication, professionalism, and sacrifice of Idaho’s law enforcement officers, first responders, prosecutors, corrections workers, and community partners who work every day to protect our neighborhoods and keep Idahoans safe.”
While Idaho is far from perfect, it was refreshing to be in a place where “normal” is “normal” again (compared to California).
And where common-sense policies prevail; where local, county, and state government is focused on the primary duties of government, little more…
Elena Thompson
Leucadia
