“Without freedom of thought there can be no such thing as wisdom; and no such thing as public liberty, without freedom of speech.”
– Benjamin Franklin

“a hill to die on”

The linchpin to all other liberties in this country, and the capstone to the active democracy necessary for our constitutional republic. The first amendment defines our fundamental freedoms of speech, religion, press, assembly and petition. Without it nothing else really matters. It affords us the right to set our own values and pursuits, and enact the changes needed to live freely and without fear of government intrusion, ensuring that our government should always be of, by, and for the people.

Our first amendment has been under attack for quite some time, but this was never more evident than during and after the covid years and election of 2020. Free speech, the right to worship, assemble, and even visit sick and dying loved ones was quickly curbed in the name of public safety. It is important to note, that all regimes who seek to set up totalitarian systems always seek to remove these basic human rights first. As leftist ideologies such as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Criteria, etc. continue their ultimate mission to remove this most essential amendment, now more than ever, we need to fight against these leftist ideologies at all cost! In my mind there is no compromise on this issue, and no emotionally deceptive narrative, phrases, or movements, will change that.

“a hill to die on”

States rights are essential for a reason. The 10th Amendment allows each state to decide, govern and maintain with policies and practices that work best for its citizens. We are watching “unelected officials” and “global elites” from outside our borders impose upon Idaho and her people destructive policies. Whether it be from the federal government, the World Economic Forum (WEF), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations (UN), or any other entity, these policies are seeking to erode almost all areas of security and liberty in regards to our citizens. The border, international health regulations, educational mandates, fiscal manipulation, just to name a few, are mechanisms being used to fundamentally transform Idaho, destroying its sovereignty and ability to maintain its own identity, laws, independence, and affairs. 

“a hill to die on”

The family is the unit or fabric that holds our society together. Starting in the home and reverberating out into the community, our schools, institutions, workplaces and ultimately the nation, what starts in the home has a lasting effect on the future. We have allowed too many politicians, out of touch with reality and traditional family values, to create poisonous policies at the federal level and then inject them into our local communities. There has to be a clear focus on protecting our children from these Marxist ideologies, groomer agendas, inappropriate materials in our schools (and libraries), race baiting division and any other “curriculum” that seeks to “socialize” our children instead of educating and preparing them for the future that awaits.

It is going to take vigilant and determined leadership to stand against the tempting economic incentives or even the strong arm tactics from the federal government. Decisions best for our children begin in our homes, move to the community and then the state level, not the other way around, and definitely not from the federal down. We have a common sense, and moreover, moral obligation to protect our most innocent in society to better ensure Idaho’s future.

an essential

While I believe most policies, the above included, bleed into economics, there is no doubt this is one of the fundamental issues of concern in our state. Spending, inflation, cost of living, out of control entitlements, open borders, reliance on federal funding, unsustainable federal deficits, lack of pursuit of energy independence, overregulation of the free market, etc. All these things are compounding into a financial disaster as we are watching the greatest job producer in our country, small business, rapidly decline. At the same time, corporations who now manipulate and shape national as well as local politics at an ever increasing rate, are advancing their interests and power without sign of slowing down. This is a larger view of an issue that affects each of us here at home in Idaho. 

As with much of our other issues that affect our day to day lives, change starts at home. We need moral and fiscally conservative leaders who are not afraid of making the tough decisions. Those who will not bow the knee to global corporatism, the federal government, and those who do not put their personal economic interests above the stability and future of our state and nation.