INITIATIVE: Give voters some credit

I read most of the letters to the editor and the editorials. Several have recently chastised the initiative process that resulted in the Medicaid expansion being placed on the ballot last fall. I read it passed by some 61 percent of Idaho voters.

Now there is a fuss about implementing the expansion. I see the initiative process and voting as two distinct entities. At least we the people don’t have to approve an initiative just because it is on the ballot? If we the people don’t want it, we don’t have to vote for it. There was no signature gatherer in the booth with me when I voted. What is this Idaho? I remember a past president, who wrote “Government of the people, by the people, for the people.”

Why are some politicians and some people trying to stifle the initiative process? Don’t the people have a voice? I am capable of deciding to vote either for or against any initiative. There was a lot of information available, both pro and con, about this initiative, before we voted. A voter who wants to be informed can be with a little work.

I encourage the process and say leave it alone. The people have voted. Our politicians should get busy and implement the expansion.

BOB SHACKLEFORD

Hayden