GOP: Where are you?

The Republican Party has been hijacked in North Idaho. A more befitting name would be the North Idaho Taliban as their views and efforts reflect the most far-right fringe, conspiracy theorists of our community. The latest ill-conceived proposal is House Bill 203 by Representatives Mike Green and Vito Barbieri. These two are shining examples of just how far crazy and extreme Kootenai County Republican Party has slipped into the abyss.

HB 203 would allow anyone 21 years and older with an enhanced conceal carry permit to enter any K-12 school in Idaho. Disclosure of the fact, that they are carrying a concealed handgun, even if asked by an administrator is not required, and to boot, they need no permission to conceal carry by the school.

In addition to the North Idaho Taliban’s achievements, all but one Kootenai County representative helped to squash the no brainer Idaho Child Marriage bill that would have protected youngsters under the age of 16 from getting married. The bill would have set the minimum marriage age at 16 and required 16-17-year-olds to get written consent from both parents and the courts. I can only wonder about the sexual proclivity of legislators who think 13-, 14- and 15-year-old children should be allowed to marry. Thank you, Paul Amador, for siding against the party line and voting for this common-sense legislation.

To my Republican friends and colleagues, where are the centrists of your party? Too many of you are standing silent. You have failed to do your research and simply vote the party line without realizing the North Idaho Taliban has taken over your party.

TEREE TAYLOR

Coeur d’Alene