The words coined by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence should be familiar to all: “… that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” Jefferson enumerated this phrase; life is superior to liberty, liberty is superior to happiness. For without life, one cannot have liberty, and without liberty, one cannot pursue happiness.

However, Representative Heather Scott and Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler, in their condemnation of the temporary and life-saving COVID-19 restrictions, would have you believe that liberty is superior to life itself. So if you think Scott and Wheeler are pro-life, think again. They only use the pro-life mantra to pursue their libertarian and greedy self interest. Being pro-life is a seamless garment and is more than just being anti-abortion. Sadly, no reasonable Republican is challenging them in the upcoming elections.

DANIEL HALEY

Sandpoint