Why we're going to the dogs

Idaho is a special state. Most people are responsible, friendly and hard working. Independents, Democrats and Republicans alike, really share a Libertarian commonality that creates a more self-reliant attitude than in any other state that I have lived or worked in. I was born in Montana, moved to Spokane, lived in Sandpoint, married my only wife, transferred to Seattle and spent 13 years there, raising three kids. External special interests now run those states and there is little community spirit because you can never really get a handle on the culture.

Idaho is different in that regard. We are fiercely protective of our privacy and independence. We are creative and resourceful citizens. Washington, D.C., has little to offer us. Most everyone supports Gov. Otter's stand against Obamacare. I hope it isn't too little too late.

Idaho is without a doubt the most Republican state in the Union. By default, that would make us the most conservative 84,000 square miles on the planet. Think about it. We as Idaho citizens had/still have the opportunity, through our free will and inherent character, to demonstrate to the rest of the country that true independent principles are the key to success and insuring our liberties.

Our leadership is failing. We are failing. Our business climate is marginal. Our energy policies are non-existent. Our per capita income is below average. Our crime and drug prevention is in crisis. Our health care system is broken and sadly, our schools are engaging in malpractice. As Idaho "conservatives," we have demonstrated little to separate us from the rest of the glad handers and trough feeders on our borders. We need to start by rebuilding schools and community, then our state and maybe show other states, by example, how to pull us all out of this trap.

Many people move here to escape the cancers that ate their previous communities. It must be such a relief to have that fenced acre and a Rottweiler. Safe at last. Insulated from the crap and confusion.

You've got the kids in private school, attend the best church, vote Republican now and everything's just fine. Then one day your wife is mugged while shopping, by a 23-year-old with a ninth-grade education, a drug addiction and a rap sheet. The same iron fence that kept those bad elements from invading your life are actually prison bars that kept you from engaging in it. What do you do now? Dig a root cellar? Buy gold? Guns? Non-hybrid seeds? Perhaps build a wind turbine and get another Rottweiler? Or, you could get involved with your community. May I suggest that you first address the issue; the kid who beat up your wife didn't get the education and support that YOU paid for. We should be held responsible for child neglect.

Most violent criminals have no high school diploma and come from a single-parent home. They cost us $30,000 per year to incarcerate, have no job skills and will likely not live up to their own expectations.

There is a battle for the minds and hearts of our children. Their education has been hijacked by America 2000 (Bush Sr.), Goal 2000 (Clinton), No Child Left Behind (Bush 2) ... and what's comin' next? You guessed it. Obama is ready to transform and change your children's and grandchildren's world too. Many people reject the federal government's intrusion into our public schools and all the mandates and politics that coattail with it. Why then, would we tolerate the U.N. in our schools? They can't run a free food program that is ... free! You must get involved. Our public schools need help. Our Idaho children are failing just like those kids in the community you ran from.

Statistics show that community involvement increases student achievement, raises personal income, reduces crime, improves health and promotes creativity.

Had the kid that mugged your wife and the thousands like him in our criminal justice system been effectively educated or trained then the aforementioned failures would not be critical issues in our community. Nothing nurtures self-worth like success. Nothing.

There are good people trying to help at your school board meetings and community venues. Go there, listen to their stories and see the information for yourselves. Give them, teachers and your local schools support.

But if you decide to get another guard dog instead, please try the shelter first.

S.W. Reid is a Coeur d'Alene resident.