Freedom applies to Democrats, too

I am a lifelong Idaho Democrat.

The past few years, I have been confused and alarmed by the growing animosity toward my party. Confused because the Democratic Party has minimal influence here and does not warrant such attacks. Alarmed because I no longer feel entirely safe or valued in my community.

My alarm and confusion only grew when I read Kaye Thornburgh's article discussing Dan Bell's proposed plan for the KCRCC. According to the article, Mr. Bell desires to infiltrate the Kootenai Democrats. The plan is underhanded, unsavory, and, as far as I know, illegal. It is also unnecessary; we are not an enemy that needs to be destroyed.

I have liberal views, but I understand the importance of compromise.

Growing up in North Idaho, I know guns can be used responsibly. I want to stop gun violence; I don't want to take your guns.

I want to protect victims of sexual violence and women's health through reproductive choice; I don't want to murder babies.

I think libraries should be places of knowledge and that their patrons should decide what to read and what not to read. I don't want to force an LGBTQ+ agenda on you; I do want those books available for people who seek them.

I want schools to teach age-appropriate, accurate American History, including the impact of race on our society. I understand that not everyone agrees; I don't want your pundits deciding my child's education any more than you want my pundits deciding yours.

I can empathize with the opposing view on all of these issues, and I can compromise and work for solutions that benefit everyone. Why is it that so many voices within the KCRCC seem unable and unwilling to do the same?

Idaho's overarching value has always been individual freedom, a core value of the Republican Party. But now it seems the KCRCC wants to take that freedom from people like me.

There are individuals in the KCRCC that don't trust Idaho teachers to make proper judgment calls about their curriculum. They don't trust Idaho parents to curate the content their children are exposed to. As a result, they want to control our schools and our libraries.

They don't trust Idaho Republicans, who have held power easily in our county for decades, to maintain that strength without underhanded tactics. They bully and harass and, on occasion, threaten with violence.

No one's goal in politics should be to silence opposing views. America is a democracy, and democracy not only allows dissent; it encourages it. If your goal is to stifle dissent, especially via violence, then your activities are, by nature, unAmerican.

I grew up as a minority voice in a small community, yet I've coexisted peacefully with my conservative neighbors for decades. Vote against me at the ballot box, but please don't try to silence me. Please think about what you are voting for.

Are you really protecting your freedom, or are you taking freedom from others? Are you truly putting power in the hands of the individual, or are you giving more power to the state to enforce your views? Are you trusting Idahoans to make our own decisions, or are you putting someone else in charge of what we read and teach and learn?

Democrats are not infiltrating your town; we have always been here. We don't have to agree to live together peacefully. Please stop trying to force us out. You lessen yourself and our community when you do so. You are better than this.

And we are not leaving.

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Diana Braskich is a Coeur d'Alene resident.