letters to the editor

'CHRISTIAN NATION': Cherry-picking evidence 

In the 24 May edition, T. Turrentine relies heavily upon Thomas Jefferson to support the notion that the United States is a Christian nation. I think that we can all agree that Christianity is a significant feature of American history, culture, and politics. 

However, that doesn't mean that the United States is a "Christian" nation. For example, we've had 45 presidents, 43 of whom were Protestants, and only 2 of whom have been Catholic — even though Catholics form 20% of the US population (Protestants are 40%). None have been Jews, none Muslims. Furthermore, there are as many "no religion" Americans as there are Catholics; we've never had an avowed atheist as President.

Jefferson himself is a complicated figure. He is a Founder of the Nation and the principal author of the Declaration of Independence, which begins, "We hold these truths to be self-evident; that all men are created equal." And yet Jefferson owned slaves, and it is clear that he sired children with at least one of them, Sally Hemings: the descendants are with us today. Jefferson was clearly skeptical of the Bible, famously razoring out passages that he found offensive. Jefferson also possessed a copy of the Koran. Most historians describe Jefferson as a Deist, not a devout Christian.

Jefferson, Madison, and others carefully constructed a Constitution, which has done pretty well *precisely* because it included an Amendment process, including the first 10 Amendments as the Bill of Rights. The very first Amendment contains the Establishment Clause which has been consistently interpreted for 200 years as requiring the separation of church and state. 

If you want to quote Jefferson, don't cherry-pick: Jefferson himself would have objected.

J. D. SAHR
Otis Orchards

'CHRISTIAN NATION': Jefferson misquoted

Recently the Press published a letter to the editor, claiming that the USA was a "Christian nation" and featuring a lengthy quote attributed to Thomas Jefferson. That quote was false, Jefferson never said those words. In fact, it was a claim written by Rev. Ethan Allen, who said he was told by a Mr. Ingle, decades after Jefferson's death. In fact, it is well known that Jefferson was a strong proponent of separation of church and state, as set forth in the First Amendment, which states that "Government shall make no law respecting the establishment of a religion," and protects people of all faiths. 

I figure faith is like sandwiches, and we each have our favorite. Some like tuna salad, some like peanut butter, and we have no obligation to be forced by our government to consume bologna.

ALYSSA C. SWARTZ
Coeur d'Alene

LOCAL GOV: Public involvement is necessary

Throughout much of our history, public offices have been widely viewed as a position of service. And as a position of service, citizen involvement and participation was considered part of the service. Elected officials understood that progress required cooperation, compromise, and a willingness to work for the good of the entire community. While disagreements certainly existed, many leaders recognized that their responsibility was to improve life for all citizens, regardless of social class, political party, or personal background. Holding office was generally seen as a selfless endeavor built on civic duty and public trust.

Today, many community members have become discouraged by the growing division in politics. Too often, political office appears to focus more on personal gain, power, and the advancement of one group rather than the well-being of the broader community. Public confidence has suffered as citizens witness constant conflict, partisan gridlock, and leaders who seem more interested in winning arguments than solving problems.

That is why it is encouraging to me to see signs of cooperation returning to local government in our town. There appears to be a renewed spirit of people trying to work together and seeking solutions that benefit all residents, not just a select few. Local government has the greatest opportunity to unite people because it deals directly with the everyday concerns of the community.

Hopefully, my positive feelings are well founded. That is also why it remains so important for citizens to stay involved, attend meetings, and let elected officials know how we feel. A strong community depends on engaged citizens and leaders willing to listen.

DAN BRONK
Post Falls

INEQUALITY: Share prosperity more widely

Wealth inequality in the United States has reached levels that should concern every American. While millions of working families struggle to afford housing, healthcare, childcare, and higher education, while a small percentage of the population continues to accumulate enormous wealth at a historic pace. 

Hard work should provide stability and opportunity, yet many full-time workers live paycheck to paycheck. At the same time, large corporations and the wealthiest Americans often benefit from tax loopholes and economic policies that widen the gap between rich and poor.

Historically, Federal income tax rates for the top earners in 1965 were 70%. Today the top federal rate is 37%, and the top corporate rate is 21%, a decrease from over 52% in the 1960s. These massive decreases in tax rates on the rich and corporations occurred under the Reagan, Bush and Trump administrations.

Extreme inequality weakens our democracy and undermines social trust. A healthy economy depends on a strong middle class, fair wages, affordable education, and equal opportunity.

We should support policies that empower workers, ensure fair taxation, expand access to healthcare and education, and create economic opportunity for everyone, not just those at the top.

America succeeds when prosperity is shared more broadly. It is time to address wealth inequality before the divide grows even larger. Please reach out to your elected officials and demand that they increase taxation of the rich and corporations to make it more equitable for all Americans, and pay down our massive Federal debt.

JON MILLER
Coeur d'Alene

KCRCC: Don't let these two take over

Toews and Padula, an Unholy Alliance?

Ben Toews was a primary sponsor of SB 1278 during the 2026 legislative session, a bill that would have significantly limited local governments’ ability to apply zoning and permitting requirements to housing projects on religious-owned property.

Padula leads a religious organization affiliated with local rehabilitation and transitional housing programs. SB 1278 was not the first attempt by religious organizations to seek exemptions from local rules governing rehabilitation, transitional housing, parole/probation, and homelessness-related facilities.

Had SB 1278/HB 801 passed, Coeur d’Alene likely would have become a major hub for religiously affiliated rehabilitation and transitional housing developments operating with substantially reduced local land-use oversight.

Many sources say these two individuals are now running for chair and co-chair of the KCRCC. Based on this record, I strongly oppose both candidates and do not believe their agenda reflects the conservative principles or local-control values that many Republican voters in Kootenai County expect from party leadership.

North Idaho is already experiencing increasing strain on public safety, community cohesion, and quality of life associated with homelessness, addiction, and transitional populations migrating from neighboring regions. We should not be advancing policies that further reduce local communities’ ability to manage those impacts.

TODD HOFFMAN
Coeur d'Alene

BEARS: Should be free

There is wildlife no matter where you go. We have cougars, deer, elk, coyotes, bears and bison. But that is a chance you take going out and exploring nature. Anything could happen, but you always have precautions you could and should take. 

Bears are just like us humans, protecting themselves and their young from danger. You mean to tell me you wouldn't protect your child? I would! These bears are only doing what's natural to them and their instinct. This isn't Nebraska, all wild animals were here before us humans were. They shouldn't be caged, and now we are complaining about them? They are called wild animals for a reason and God made them like that. 

How would you like to be caged up and fed certain food at certain times, no freedom like wild animals should have, with people looking and staring at you? Being locked up would be like being in prison all your life, and that's how it would be for these animals. They should be able to roam free, have mates, have babies, be free like God made them, protecting themselves and their babies and being left alone. 

They are doing what's natural to them how they were made. You can take precautions before going out in the wilderness, go on Google and look it up. Some are: going in a group, making loud noises, taking bear spray, watching for bear tracts. If you go out in the wilderness, that's all on you, not on these animals.

JAMIE ROVER, JENNIFER CLUM, JESSICA SMITH and KRYSTIN BOSANKO
Coeur d'Alene