FACTIONS: They're a part of liberty

In his Federalist Paper No. 10 (1787) Constitution framer James Madison wrote, “Liberty is to faction what air is to fire, an aliment without which it instantly expires.” In effect, Madison felt that the right of the individual citizen to form factions, based on his/her opinions and beliefs, was an essential element of a free and liberated society.

While I do understand that we cannot always be in disagreement with one another, and indeed, compromise is often necessary, we must cherish our “factionalism” as an unalienable right of a free people unhindered by an oppressive government. I call on all citizens to use their voices and their pens, to vote in all elections, and to know that only a truly free society can allow every person the right to express themselves without discrimination. I am proud to call myself both an Idahoan and American, and I hope that we can all say the same, despite what troubles we may feel are weighing down this great nation.

CHRISTIAN SCHWALBACH

Rathdrum