FREEDOM: For all or just some?

I am an Idaho constituent who is very concerned with the state of our state. I have lived in Idaho for more than 20 years and have seen the changes that have occurred as polarity has seized the Republican Party.

On one hand I hear about individual freedom and liberty (a mantra that seems to be ingrained in ID culture); on the other hand, there have been very real attempts to limit both freedom and liberty by our own elected officials.

Idaho, of all places, should value an individual’s right to make decisions for themselves and their family. This includes valuing bodily autonomy of every man AND woman. This includes allowing parents to make the best medical decisions for their children without interference from the state. This should not be limited by one political outlook or one religious affiliation.

Liberty and freedom are a cornerstone to the Idaho way of life. That government was instituted for “equal protection and benefit” of the people is codified in our state Constitution (Article 1 section 2). This is all people…not just those that adhere most closely with your own moral, political and religious affiliations.

I implore you to uphold a woman’s right to make her own medical decisions as zealously as you fight to protect our right to keep and bear arms and speak out against the repeal of Roe vs. Wade.

Freedom and Liberty should be for all.

TATJANA ROBERTS

Coeur d’Alene