FINNEY: Stop with the lectures

I am personally offended by the letter to the editor from Gary Finney on May 17 regarding the directions on how to vote. I felt lectured by a father prior to my first voting opportunity. It was demeaning.

I am approaching 75 years of age. I cast my first ballot in 1960. To be told by Mr. Finney that I shouldn’t vote for someone who is simply “nice,” and that my vote should have “reasoning and logic behind it,” was a slam. I should not rely on “hearsay and misinformation” and “need to give great consideration and care in making the right choice.”

Mr. Finney encourages us to go directly to the candidate before assuming that the information we have is accurate. Well, Mr. Finney, consider the forums, mailers, websites, speaking engagements and doorknob literature. If candidates cannot express their viewpoints succinctly within those opportunities, they need to take a workshop or a class in effective communication. It’s not my job to seek out a candidate for “coffee chat.” That person needs to seek me out. I’m really disappointed in your lack of faith in our voters. Give us credit in studying the issues and doing our homework regardless of whom you personally support. The issues are well beyond Common Core…your highlighted single-item. What about budget, transportation, all curricula, health insurance, morale, volunteering and involvement in the schools, serving on committees, commitment, etc. We don’t need your Political Science 101 lecture any more. Please respect our abilities to be discerning.

JIM KEIZER

Coeur d’Alene