REBUT: A test of credibility

In the Aug. 26 "Letters" section of this newspaper, Mr. Ronald G. Johnson of Rathdrum questions my credibility using misquotes and misinformation. How incredibly ironic to be questioned by someone whose lack of credibility leaves no question.

Perhaps Mr. Johnson thought that by responding to a "My Turn" I wrote back in March instead of the Aug. 20 column he questions no one would check him for accuracy, but I can tell you that I stand 100 percent by the veracity of both columns. I challenge anyone to go back to the column I wrote in March and find where I stated "Luna's educational plan isn't welcome here." Yet Mr. Johnson quotes me as having written those words. I didn't even imply them. In fact, that whole column was devoted to the exact opposite. I was frustrated that our legislators did welcome the plan. I also praised local Republicans Keough and Broadsword for opposing the plan, but Mr. Johnson conveniently avoids quoting me on this point.

I also challenge any reader to find in the Aug. 20 column where I "bad-mouthed" our state officials, though Mr. Johnson claims I did. I devoted that whole article to the antics in D.C. and did not mention Idaho once, nor did I criticize any official.

I did have some harsh words for the Tea Party, whether local or national, and I still do. I also have some harsh words for anyone who accuses another in a public forum of lacking credibility: Be credible when you do it. I used verifiable information, like the fact that Republicans have raised the ceiling debt 49 times compared to the Democrats' 29 times since 1960. But my critics seem to avoid the verifiable points and invent statements they can dispute.

I can take criticism, as long as it is accurate. In civil discourse mistakes can be made, and I will accept a public apology as well as offer one in case of an honest error. However, these misquotes do not appear to be mistakes but an unfair attempt to undermine someone who opposes much of the right wing's ideology.

MIKE RUSKOVICH

Blanchard