My Turn
See the latest My Turn columns here!
MY TURN: North Idaho College is proof voting works
There will always be a need to safeguard the gemstone of our community.
MY TURN: Conservatives' 'grassroots energy cannot be stopped'
I was disappointed to see that I was named in Christa Hazel’s latest article regarding the political consulting firm McShane LLC and its involvement in Idaho politics.
MY TURN: Regan and the Idaho Freedom Foundation insult and undermine voters
Wow, Brent Regan has managed to insult everyone in Coeur d’Alene and more generally in Kootenai County. I am addressing his "Opinion: For the kids screed" from April 14.
MY TURN: Our local jewel within our gem of a state
As I returned to Coeur d’Alene in August 2018 to retire, I realized that my life was taking a new turn. One year later a friend asked me, “How do you like retirement?” I pondered briefly, responding, “it is weird…g…
MY TURN: Combating the opioid crisis in Idaho
Opioids have been part of the medical culture for thousands of years, with ancient cultures using them for various medical and religious purposes. Morphine, fo…
MY TURN: Some common-sense solutions
"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it". — George Santayana, The Life of Reason, 1905. From the series Great Ideas of Western Man. Great quote by George Santayana, and I completely agree wit…
MY TURN: No, librarians are not sharing porn
Libraries in North Idaho are under pressure to withdraw or restrict the display of certain books — especially those with LGBTQ subjects — with the argument that they are making "pornography" available to juveniles …
MY TURN: For good or for ill?
America, land of the free? Not if you're a female in your child-bearing years. Not if you're LGBTQ+. Not if you're a member of any minority. Not if you're a parent trying to protect your child from being murdered i…
MY TURN: Does this make sense?
A very small group of people is working closely with two Kootenai County Commissioners on an action that threatens the safety and health of the Spokane River and everyone who values this precious resource.
MY TURN: Save the Spokane River
We've lived on the Spokane River for eight years. My disabled son and I got injured when we were both thrown out of our seats in our boat as we came up to an excessive wake made by a wakesurf boat for the very firs…
MY TURN: Ukraine, a war of tanks or troops?
The war in Ukraine is raging in its second year. Comrade Putin is relentless in his quest to reunite Russia’s former countries of the USSR. But while doing so…
MY TURN: Heart and soul of Kootenai County?
Like thousands of us who live in Coeur d’Alene, I LOVE living here and am determined to do my part to keep it a vibrant, welcoming place in which to live and raise a family.
MY TURN: 'Don't listen to the lies'
As a lifelong North Idaho resident and public education advocate, I am completely devastated following the March 14 levy losses in the Coeur d'Alene School District.
MY TURN: In defense of children, not libraries
Coeur d’Alene Library Trustee Steve McCrea recently claimed libraries are being challenged by a small number of people in the community who believe the library is blatantly sexualizing and grooming children.
MY TURN: Deception through omission
Deception occurs either through the dissemination of information that is factually incorrect or the omission of information that is integral to the issue at hand. The latter tactic is on full display in Brent Rega…
MY TURN: Why I'm leaving teaching
Friday, Feb. 10, I turned in my formal resignation. Come June, I will end my teaching career. After 12 years, no more. There are multiple factors that contributed to this gut-wrenching decision.