Use the fire to take the next step
It seems like so many are angry. The build-up has become so much that now people are stuck pointing the finger, and Democrats all of a sudden seem to be everywhere. But as a scapegoats for the changes that seem to go against our traditions, and people are mad as institutions are torn apart. Get mad, stay angry, but use the energy to drive positive change.
February saw a 245% increase in layoffs nationally. DOGE thinks that reducing government staffing will significantly affect the overall budget, which only equates to 3% of the national budget. However, here in Idaho, it means our cherished public lands now lack the park rangers and engineers that act as stewards. Imagine what a fire season will look like on a reduced budget. It will likely be touted as the clearing needed to set up the sale of federal land. Camping will be no fun when the restrooms overflow because no one is there to manage the camp.
Governor Little no longer answers to the people’s will. Despite the overwhelming turnout of people asking him to veto, Governor Little signed a bill that will reshape schools in Idaho forever. Forecasts and evidence from other states show it will only add to budget problems and close down schools in many of Idaho’s rural communities. Education is a promise that Idaho’s forefathers took with such significance that they included it in our constitution. It will only further the divide in equity among people, the most significant gap being some are not educated at all.
The Idaho legislature is following the example of its leader. Medicaid expansion is on the chopping block again. One of the best examples of democracy was the sweat and tears that went into using the initiative system to tell the legislature it was wrong the several years it denied Idahoans the coverage they deserved. Now, they look to remove it, drastically reducing the health coverage for many of Idaho’s working parents, veterans and seniors. It will result in death.
Even though it’s Republicans doing this, Idaho’s Democrats are often blamed. But consider who’s been “in charge” of the state for the last 30 years. The current situation resulted from complacency. Many voted to stay with the home team, but many did not vote at all. The battlefield has a significant imbalance. Idaho Democrats have been trying to on hold the line in protecting our rights and freedoms. Attacks on them allow extremists to claim victory. While we waste energy pushing back against each other, extremists continue to move on each step, gaining momentum.
Lock arms and move forward. Do not be afraid to take the first step. Take that first step to join your local committee. Take that first step to join a protest. Take the first step to make a call and tell your representative to stop pandering to extremists and start representing all Idahoans. It will take an effort, one by one. We all must be willing to take the next step.
Dan Barker, Master of Human Resource Management, is a local consultant and the chair of the Bonneville County Democratic Central Committee.