PARANOIA: Press 'fails its readers'

I was disappointed in the content of Jeff Selle’s May 17 editorial “Political Paranoia” — and that the Coeur d’Alene Press chose to run this piece as “news” on the front page! Mr. Selle is entitled to his opinion. However, when the Coeur d’Alene Press runs this article as news, it demeans and marginalizes citizens who hold sincere concerns about the security and financial stability of our state. Is the Coeur d’Alene Press trying to squelch free speech?

Instead of Mr. Selle quoting a 1964 Harper’s column, he could have examined the facts of refugee resettlement in Idaho. He could have reported on 53 percent of Twin Falls residents who are “very concerned” about the resettlement of 300 Syrian refugees, and the reasons for their concerns; insist that Dr. Bill Smith define “successfully resettled” — as the majority of refugees remain on public assistance programs for years, costing their communities millions; the GAO and ORR reports on the costs of refugee resettlement being shifted to the states, diverting taxpayer funds from helping the communities’ own poor; or Rep. Peter King calling for a Congressional investigation on the security ramifications of admitting Syrian refugees.

Rather than investigate, report on facts and let the public debate proceed, Mr. Selle and the Coeur d’Alene Press chose to stereotype those with legitimate concerns as “paranoid.” They have failed their readers and the people of Idaho.

BETTINA FULLER

Rathdrum