OPINION: Consider the alternative

Winston Churchill is credited with saying “Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the others.”

Successful politicians know that politics and politicians are imperfect.

President Biden frequently tells Americans: “Don’t compare me to the Almighty. Compare me to the alternative.”

Perfection is almost always out of reach in elective politics. Too many people think of political affiliation as a marriage - till death do you part, and fire and brimstone for the unfaithful. 

In reality, political affiliation is like riding public transportation. It might not deliver you to your doorstep, but you should choose to ride the bus that is going the right direction. 

Perfection can be the enemy of success in politics. We have to give a little to move forward.

If everyone feels only 75 percent happy with election results, democracy has worked.

Consensus and compromise are the best ways to maximize peoples’ happiness in a democracy.

Let’s see how that applies to the U.S. and to Kootenai County. 

In the last two years the U.S. economy created 2.7 million jobs, wages and wealth are higher than they were before the pandemic, and inflation is down to 2%. 

Medicare can now negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical corporations, and the cost of insulin is capped at $37/month.

In Idaho alone, infrastructure legislation has provided $1.7 billion for airports, roads, buses, EV charging, and more. 

Democratic state legislators provided the votes and consensus to get popular LAUNCH grants across the finish line. They passed legislation that protects renters. And preserved the arts by pointing out fatal flaws in proposed legislation (https://youtu.be/cZFhqB_MV0s?si=G2fgJxrFvo78lOIo). 

Locally, Democrats have collected money and supplies for schools, food banks, and veterans. We have energized our communities, and filled precinct captain positions.

These are all big benefits to everyday Idahoans that Democrats gave us because we are willing to be the party of progress. 

Now let us look at the other alternative. In what direction would the GOP take us?

Backwards.

Government control of your personal decisions is increasing.

Restricted and criminalized abortion has limited obstetric services and endangered the lives of North Idaho women.

Chaos continues at North Idaho College, and it is likely the college will lose its accreditation unless the board of trustees changes its ways quickly.

Efforts to control what kids can read at the Community Library Network expand from one month to the next. 

The county assessor drives off his staff, secretly records all office personnel in conversations, and does not effectively perform the duties of his job.

The Republican Central Committee is behind all these misadventures. They should be happy. But how does that leave you feeling?

We do have real alternatives.

Dysfunctional college trustees can be replaced by true education leaders. 

Shortsighted library trustees can be petitioned to stop their book banning, and open their minds to well informed library stewardship.

Performative politicians who campaign for reelection instead of doing their jobs can be voted out of office.

Kootenai County politics are far from perfect. Voters should consider their alternative. 

This year let’s work together to build a more perfect union.

• • •

Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democratic Central Committee.