Jim Jones
December 2, 2019
Stories this photo appears in:
OPINION: How to tell who's a real conservative
See who most closely follows state, federal constitutions
OPINION: Say goodbye to dirty primary campaigns
Open Primary Initiative will clean up the mess
OPINION: Morality police won this round
But this book is far from over
OPINION: Idaho Constitution took hits this session
Many legislators bear blame
OPINION: Will Labrador stand up for his anti-abortion supporters?
Attorney General has rare chance to shine - or falter - before nation's High Court
OPINION: Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar’s
How Christ viewed separation of church and state
OPINION: Labrador's dereliction of duty impairs Legislature
Refusal to produce written advice is for political self-preservation
OPINION: This bill is a referendum slayer
Oppose HB 652
OPINION: Attorney General Labrador has no business meddling in election security
House Bill 470 would create an “Office of Election Crimes and Security” in Raul Labrador’s office. That would certainly be a waste of taxpayer dollars. The office staff would have little to do because Idaho elections have historically been fair and honest. The Attorney General’s sidekick, Dorothy Moon, who now chairs the extremist branch of the GOP, was never able to prove her wild claims that Canadians were coming over the border to vote in Idaho elections. The fraud claims of their friend, the My Pillow guy, were proven false. Where is the need for this new office?
OPINION: The school facilities bill is the right thing, done in the wrong way
The Idaho Supreme Court ruled in 2005 that the Legislature has the constitutional duty to provide for the construction and maintenance of safe public schools for Idaho children. The state has the primary responsibility for school facilities, not local property taxpayers. Those of us on the Court expected to see some legislative action to comply with the ruling, but little of substance has been done since then to get the job done.
OPINION: Labrador bets heavily on abortion in his gamble to win higher office
During his first year as Idaho Attorney General, Raul Labrador has placed most of his chips on the abortion issue in his quest for higher office. He has been aided and abetted, free of charge, by Alliance Defending Freedom, a powerful extreme-right legal organization in the nation’s capital that is intent on stamping out any perceived form of abortion across the entire country. ADF played a major role in overturning Roe v. Wade.
OPINION: Property taxpayers will have to foot the bill for the 'school choice' scheme
Every legislative session brings some new “school choice” scheme that is touted as a way to improve elementary and secondary education in Idaho by offering more choices to families. Sometimes the plan is called a voucher, sometimes a stipend, sometimes a grant, sometimes a savings account. This year the scheme is called a “refundable tax credit.” What every plan has in common is the use of taxpayer money to subsidize private schooling, including religious and home schools. Because of the chronic failure of our legislatures in the last several decades to adequately fund public schools, the cost of such schemes will ultimately end up being forced upon local property taxpayers.
OPINION: The extremist branch of Idaho’s GOP is producing a moving experience
Many people have literally been moved by the ugly performance of Idaho’s Republican extremists in recent years. That is, significant numbers of teachers, librarians, doctors and others have moved out of the Gem State to escape the false claims and oppressive legislation conjured by the dysfunctional branch of Idaho’s GOP, now presided over by Dorothy Moon. On the other hand, that same wretched conduct has caused like-minded folk from across the country to move to our state, attracted by headlines that portray Idaho as a sanctuary for political zealots of every stripe.
OPINION: Let’s not render Idaho’s domestic terrorism law useless
Idaho’s landmark Terrorist Control Act will be rendered useless by passage of a bill recently introduced in the Idaho Senate.
OPINION: If you pay peanuts for a job, you’re likely to attract monkeys
Judges are the heart of the American system of justice. Faith in our court system depends upon having judges who are competent and impartial. That, in turn, requires thorough vetting of judicial candidates to put the best qualified people on the bench. For over 50 years, Idaho has had procedures in place to ensure the appointment of highly qualified judges at every level of the court system.
OPINION: Moon’s GOP dances to the tune of the Idaho Freedom Foundation
Dorothy Moon’s branch of the Republican Party is so entwined with the inaptly named Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) that it is hard to know who is calling the shots. Both are extremely far to the right. Both have sought to divide Idahoans by stoking fear and outrage over fake culture war issues. Neither has shown much interest in working on actual problems facing the state, such as water policy, adequate funding for pre-K through higher education, property taxes, infrastructure and important social programs. The IFF has established a strong grip over many GOP legislators since it came on the scene in 2009. The closing of the GOP primary in 2012 supercharged its efforts to populate the Legislature with extremists and control their votes.
OPINION: Sandra O’Connor was a remarkable Supreme Court Justice
Sandra Day O’Connor, who died on Dec. 1, was an accomplished jurist who demonstrated that women lawyers and judges are every bit as good as men. Although there were very few job openings for women when she graduated with honors from Stanford Law School in 1952, her remarkable example has brought about a dramatic change in the legal profession. Women have not been handed equality in the legal workplace, they have earned it. I won’t say they have achieved full equality, but there has been tremendous progress over the years. O’Connor helped to forge the way.
OPINION: Idaho voters can be trusted to responsibly exercise their initiative rights
It was a bit surprising to read an opinion piece that Representative Lance Clow (R-Twin Falls) has circulated to media outlets around the state, warning Idahoans against signing the Open Primaries Initiative. He accused the supporters of the initiative of having “ulterior motives” with the goal “to give the Idaho Democratic Party an increased opportunity.” If that is the goal, one might be left to wonder why Butch and Lori Otter, former Senator Denton Darrington, former House Speaker Bruce Newcomb, former JFAC co-chair Maxine Bell and a host of other Republicans from across the state have come together to urge approval of the initiative.
OPINION: Senate Pro Tem Chuck Winder has had his fill of incivility in the ranks
Senator Chuck Winder, the leader of Idaho’s Senate, is a good and patient man. I often disagree with him on issues coming before the Senate, but I don’t question his ethics, temperament and dedication to serving the public. He has watched a decline in civility in the ranks of the Senate and recently took action to bring some of the instigators up short. He deserves the support of fellow Senators and of the wider public. Legislative business suffers when there is continual internal sniping among the members.
OPINION: What can individual Idahoans do to honor America’s veterans?
Americans can commemorate Veterans Day twice this year. The official observance is Nov. 11. It dates back to the armistice ending World War I, which went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It was originally called Armistice Day, but renamed Veterans Day in 1954. Nov. 11 falls on Saturday this year, so the state and federal holiday is observed on Friday, Nov. 10.
OPINION: Bad news keeps coming for the extremist branch of the Republican Party
The past few weeks have not been kind to the Dorothy Moon faction of the Idaho Republican Party, which has taken over party control since the GOP primary was closed in 2012. Reasonable Republicans have chafed at censures handed out for not going along with extremist ideas, the extremist structure has had to deal with the growing popularity of the Open Primaries Initiative (OPI) and the extremists’ newly-elected Attorney General has suffered some remarkable defeats in federal and state courts.
OPINION: What the 2022 Alaska elections can tell us about ranked-choice voting
The Dorothy Moon faction of the Republican Party has enlisted Sarah Palin to speak in Idaho Falls on August 19 about the supposed evils of ranked-choice voting. Palin’s 2022 loss of her statewide race for Congress should provide a ray of hope to the vast number of reasonable, pragmatic Idaho Republicans who feel they have been pushed out of their party by Moon’s narrow, super-committed extremist branch of the GOP. Palin did not lose because of ranked-choice. Rather, she simply fell out of favor with Alaska voters.
OPINION: A law firm should not malign the judge for its own bad lawyering
The publicist for Attorney General Labrador recently maligned federal judge Lynn Winmill for his July 31 decision prohibiting the AG from prosecuting doctors who refer patients to other states for abortion pills and services. Labrador sent an opinion letter to a legislator on March 27, saying that Idaho doctors could be charged with a felony for doing so. For reasons unknown, Labrador withdrew the letter seven days later.
OPINION: An unwelcome primer on Idaho’s one-subject rule for legislative measures
Believe me, the last thing I want to do is drive readers to distraction by delving into an obscure and frequently ignored provision of Idaho’s Constitution. Article 3, section 16 of that revered document says that every legislative act “shall embrace but one subject and matters properly connected therewith.” The one-subject rule also applies to initiatives proposed by the people. It means you can’t combine two or more separate subjects into the same proposal. For example, it would clearly violate the one-subject rule for a bill to set both speed limits and property tax rules.
OPINION: Their hearts belong in the sky. Idahoans can help them soar
When Afghanistan fell to the Taliban in August 2021, Afghan aviators were ordered to fly their aircraft out of the country to keep them from falling into enemy hands. Over 300 pilots flew to surrounding countries, most of them having to leave their families behind. Many of those pilots have been resettled in the U.S., including 14 who now live in Idaho. They have been working multiple jobs in order to support themselves and their families back home. They would do much better if they could put their aviation skills to work.
OPINION: Why file a lawsuit over deceptive initiative titles?
It is said that you can’t judge a book by its cover, which often turns out to be true, but you have to read the book to learn the truth. However, if the cover is the only thing you ever see, it can give you a false impression as to the content of the book. The same thing happens when voters are asked to sign an initiative petition. The titles, which Idaho law requires to be true and impartial, may well influence whether voters will add their signature to the petition or vote for it on election day. Misleading titles can help sink a worthy initiative. That's why Idahoans for Open Primaries (IOP) has filed suit to change the deceptive titles that the Attorney General’s office conjured up for the Open Primaries Initiative.
OPINION: Idahoans must show that the Gem State is too great for hate
Back in the early 1980s, when Idahoans in the Coeur d’Alene area were confronted with a growing number of dangerous hatemongers at the Aryan Nations compound near Hayden, the community swung into action. Father Bill Wassmuth, Tony Stewart, Norm Gissel and many other good people formed the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations to counter the hate group and protect local citizens. The Task Force was able to rid Idaho of the hate group after a contentious struggle lasting more than a decade.
OPINION: Strolling down memory lane to the Stanley Redfish Trail
Two recent news reports brought back memories of a time when important figures of both political parties could work together to achieve important public objectives. In the summer of 1966, Idaho’s two U.S. Senators, Len Jordan (R) and Frank Church (D), were working on the language of the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. The legislation was intended to protect pristine river stretches from development and degradation, including some on the Salmon and Clearwater Rivers.
OPINION: NIC debacle demonstrates the dangers of extremism
The political extremists who took control of North Idaho College in the 2020 trustee election wasted little time trying to destroy what had been the jewel in Idaho’s community college crown since its founding in 1933. The hostile take-over of NIC’s board of trustees was engineered by Brent Regan and his collection of far-right extremists. They falsely claimed in the election that NIC was run by a bunch of radical liberals who were essentially brainwashing the students. Nothing could have been further from the truth but Regan’s candidates carried the day.
OPINION: Sen. Len Jordan reflected the values of Idaho’s traditional Republicans
Former U.S. Senator Len Jordan served Idaho with distinction from 1962 through 1972. He was a conservative Republican who brought courage and individualism to the Senate. He differed with Idaho’s other Senator, Frank Church, on a number of issues, but they worked together in harmony on issues affecting Idaho. Both were dedicated to safeguarding democracy They had a relationship of mutual trust and respect.
OPINION: Will the Legislature be able to financially starve the courts into submission?
No doubt about it. A large swath of the legislature is still honked off about the Idaho Supreme Court’s 2021 decision overturning a raw legislative power grab. In reaction to voter approval of Reclaim Idaho’s initiative to expand Medicaid coverage, indignant legislators passed a law designed to make it virtually impossible for the people to ever again exercise their constitutional right to legislate. The Supreme Court issued a well-reasoned opinion, affirming the constitutional right of Idahoans to make laws they want when the Legislature stubbornly refuses to act. Legislators have retaliated by denying cost-of-living pay raises for our judges.
OPINION: The Idaho House has voted in favor of sticking its head in the sand
The Idaho Legislature took a bold step to improve the efficiency of state government in 1994. Tired of being blindsided by poorly performing programs, the Legislature established an independent, nonpolitical Office of Performance Evaluations (OPE) to evaluate the effectiveness of governmental operations. The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee (JLOC), with bipartisan membership, directs the work of OPE. It has produced outstanding reports, pointing out governmental deficiencies and suggesting options to address them.
OPINION: What an Idaho school funding lawsuit might look like
It is not inevitable that the Idaho Legislature will invite a school funding lawsuit, but legislators appear at the present time to be heading toward provoking legal action.
OPINION: We can pay respect to our fallen by being better Americans
Memorial Day is a time set aside for Americans to honor and mourn U.S. military personnel who died in service to their country.
OPINION: People should not be discouraged from exercising their lawful rights
We often hear of folks who take advantage of tax breaks that some would view as unfair, but they can’t be faulted if the law specifically provides for the break.
OPINION: The IPTV debates have disclosed the serious candidates
The Idaho Public Television debate among the three Republican candidates for attorney general produced some unsettling takeaways. For one, it appeared that Art Macomber and Raul Labrador were more intent on running against Gov. Brad Little than challenging incumbent Lawrence Wasden.
OPINION: The attorney general debate should worry Gov. Brad Little
The Idaho Public Television debate among the three Republican candidates for attorney general produced some unsettling takeaways. For one, it appeared that Art Macomber and Raul Labrador were more intent on running against Gov. Brad Little than challenging incumbent Lawrence Wasden.
OPINION: Running the state’s largest law firm takes a proven, courageous leader
Raul Labrador recently expressed some crankiness toward me for questioning his understanding of what the Idaho Attorney General’s job duties are. Based on what he says, you would think that the AG just devotes his time to helping extremist lawmakers draft their legislation and signing onto legal briefs written by AGs of other states.
OPINION: Voters will soon have a chance to take Idaho back from the troublemakers
Idaho’s government has been plagued in recent years by many office holders who are more interested in creating chaos and division than serving the public. The so-called Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) and its followers have thrived on creating political discord by advancing legislation to address non-existent problems.
OPINION: Idaho Freedom Foundation provides a roadmap to responsible governing
Leaders of the so-called Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF) have provided voters a handy roadmap to responsible government. Doyle Beck and Bryan Smith both serve on IFF’s board of directors. They are also instrumental in running the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee (BCRCC), which was recently called out by the State GOP Chairman for making improper contributions to candidates competing in the May primary election.
Op-Ed: Lawmakers retaliate against Constitutional truth tellers
Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has accumulated quite a cadre of political enemies in the Idaho Legislature for giving honest, accurate legal advice on legislative bills that contain fatal constitutional flaws.
Op-Ed: Many lawmakers retaliate against Constitutional truth tellers
Attorney General Lawrence Wasden has accumulated quite a cadre of political enemies in the Idaho Legislature for giving honest, accurate legal advice on legislative bills that contain fatal constitutional flaws.
Op-Ed: How to wreck the Idaho Attorney General’s office
It would not hurt for Attorney General wannabe Raul Labrador to spend a little time learning what the AG does.
Op-Ed: Idaho is once again shamed by its Lieutenant Governor
Lt. Governor Janice McGeachin has again put the national spotlight on Idaho.
Op-Ed: Legislators failing constitutional duty with schools
Sometimes you wonder if certain members of the Idaho Legislature have even read the Idaho Constitution.
Op-Ed: We should heed George Washington’s warning against partisanship
George Washington, America’s first President and one its greatest, was born on the 22nd of February 290 years ago.
Op-Ed: Take Back Idaho is a lifeline to those yearning for responsible governing
Idaho’s primary election day, May 17, may provide cause for great celebration for the many Idahoans who are sick and tired of the ugly politics that have invaded our great State in recent years.
Op-Ed: Idaho should not let big property managers victimize hard-pressed renters
The Idaho House of Representatives has handed large property owners and managers a significant victory that will come back to bite many hard-pressed residential renters.
Op-Ed: Some statewide candidates come into better focus and it ain’t pretty
As the primary election approaches, we have gotten a better picture of some of the Republicans running for statewide office.
Op-Ed: Freedom Foundation politicians are gunning for Idaho public schools
The Idaho Freedom Foundation (IFF), an extremist political outfit that draws dark money support, is dedicated to getting rid of public schools in Idaho.
Op-Ed: Our legislators should take a budgeting lesson from struggling families
Even before they blew into Boise for the 2022 legislative session, Idaho legislators were rhapsodizing about the gigantic tax cuts they were going to bestow upon their voters — $350 million, $400 million, $600 million, the sky’s the limit in an election year.
Op-Ed: The Legislature is violating its constitutional duty to Idaho’s public schools
Idaho has an historic $1.6 billion revenue surplus, much of which can and should be used to finally satisfy the Legislature's constitutional duty to provide adequate funding for Idaho’s public school system.
Op-Ed: Idaho loses 'a force of nature'
Writer pays tribute to newspaper publisher Hartgen
Op-Ed: Resolving to be civil
It also happens to be the best way to win an argument.
In digital universe, these were 2021's most-read Press articles
This year was not like the others.
Op-Ed: Thanks to America’s medical community for developing life-saving vaccines
If we were not still in the grip of a deadly pandemic, with the seven-day average death toll from the coronavirus hovering just over 1,100 a day, I probably would not have thought of giving thanks this year for the medical researchers who have given this country protection against many life-threatening illnesses.
Op-Ed: What we learned from the ill-fated special legislative session
As legislators departed the Capitol following their tumultuous and unconstitutional special legislative session, many Idahoans wondered: “What’s up with that?”
Op-Ed: GOP leadership test drives full-time Legislature
Make no mistake about it, the reconvening of the 2021 legislative session is a test to see whether the Idaho Legislature can get away with meeting throughout the year, without having to amend the Idaho Constitution.
Op-Ed: A cradle-to-grave Supreme Court does not serve the public interest
There are a number of problems with the present-day structure of the U.S. Supreme Court, but the number of seats is not one of them.
Op-Ed: Proof of massive election fraud finally emerges
But the proof won't make deniers of 2020 results happy.
Op-Ed: Law applies to these candidates, too
Macomber, McGeachin ignored AG's advice and now are paying for it.
Op-Ed: Idaho’s former Chief Justice Burdick has not slowed in retirement
Many Idaho court watchers figured the former Chief Justice of the Idaho Supreme Court, Roger Burdick, would slow down to smell the roses when he retired at the end of June.
Op-Ed: Biden’s 'most egregious and tyrannical' action
A convergence of three unsettling headlines appeared for my morning reading the day before the nation observed the 20-year commemoration of the tragic deaths of almost 3,000 Americans on Sept. 11, 2001.
Op-Ed: Can Idaho doctors be disciplined for spreading COVID misinformation?
Dr. Ryan Cole of Boise has been accused of spreading misinformation about COVID-19 vaccines, discouraging life-saving vaccinations and touting unproven remedies for the virus.
Op-Ed: Another third-to-half a million of public money down the drain
The Idaho Supreme Court delivered a resounding blow for democracy of, by and for the people on Aug. 23, declaring the Legislature’s bill to throttle the initiative and referendum to be unconstitutional.
Op-Ed: The fall of coronavirus in Idaho: Once more unto the breach!
The valiant struggle of today’s healthcare workers against the coronavirus hearkens back to one of the toughest enemies George Washington faced while fighting for American independence: Variola, the smallpox virus.
Legislative measures to hamstring the Governor are ill advised
When the Legislature blew into town last January, there was lots
Former Senator Len Jordan stood up to a vindictive President
Senator Len Jordan, who served in the U.S. Senate from 1962 to 1972, was a rugged individualist who used his own brain and moral compass in representing the State of Idaho. Unlike our current office holders, Jordan was unafraid to stand up to a president who abused his power.