I applauded Gov. Jan Brewer the other day when she vetoed the “right to discriminate bill,” the measure disguised under a cloak of religious freedom. Whether Brewer acquired common sense or she was afraid Arizona would lose the Super Bowl doesn’t matter, because she did the right thing.

Now I’m appalled and ashamed by Idaho’s passage of the “Ag gag bill,” which more appropriately should be named the “right to abuse your animals” bill. This legislation was promoted by Bettencourt Dairy, where employees stomped, beat and sexually abused cows and were secretly filmed by an animal rights group.

Cows aren’t cuddly or cute, and they probably aren’t especially intelligent, but they do feel pain. And, if one thinks about it, they are the most productive employees this farm has and should, at the very least, be treated kindly. Bettencourt placed all blame on the employees, whom they fired. However, if this animal abuse was a one-time occurrence, Bettencourt shouldn’t need the “Ag gag” law. Idaho has a $2,500 fine for treating your animals cruelly, but now imposes a $5,000 fine on the messenger who reports you. Supporters of this bill worried about damaging the reputation of Idaho farms. This bill only serves to damage the reputation of Idaho.

All of our North Idaho representatives voted in favor of animal abuse except Shirley Ringo. She is a politician with intelligence and a heart. What a welcome, positive representative of our state in the United States House of Representatives she will be.

JANET CALLEN

Coeur d’Alene