| Letters
to the editor from this week's Chronicle:
To the Editor I truly enjoy the support I have received from so many people in our county! I would like to remind everyone, as we start into the final weeks of the campaign, that I am basing my campaign on the positive things that I would like to do as Sheriff of Idaho County! I would appreciate it if you advertise in the paper that you keep it on a positive note. I had nothing to do with the meme that was put in last weeks paper and I do not support that type of campaigning. Thank you Doug Ulmer Dear Editor I have known Doug Ulmer and his family for over 35 years. Doug is deeply rooted in this county and the local communities. He has proven himself many times over in is 30+ years as an Idaho County deputy and will make a great sheriff. He treats everyone fairly and knows how to make the quick, tough decisions necessary to keep bad situations from getting worse. I don't recall ever hearing a complaint about how Doug treated anyone or how he did his job. He respects people and it shows. Please give Doug Ulmer your vote for Idaho County Sheriff. Thanks Lucky Brandt Kooskia Letter to the Editor: Based on your last “Redneck Review” in this newspaper, it is thought that you, Jake Wren, would be an excellent leader and announcer for the “Give me Liberty or give me Death” of reopening Idaho with “Rallies” to take place at the front entrances of all rest homes, rehabilitation institutions, and long-term care facilities in Nezperce, Lewis, Clearwater, and Idaho counties in which you plan within the next two weeks. H. R. Yates Kamiah To the Editor When Idaho Governor Brad Little issued an order to “self isolate” on March 25, 2020, he claimed the authority to do so was found in the Idaho statutes, Title 46, sections 467-601 and 46-1008, providing him the authority to order the director of state health and welfare to issue the order. The authority to extend the order on April 15 was also based upon these sections of Idaho code. Thus the director of health and welfare claimed authorization to declare and enforce a lock-down according to Idaho code Title 56, Public Assistance And Welfare, chapter 10 section 56-1003, paragraph 7. There we read, the director, under rules adopted by the board of health and welfare, shall have the power to impose and enforce orders of isolation and quarantine to protect the public from the spread of infectious or communicable diseases or from contamination from chemical or biological agents, whether naturally occurring or propagated by criminal or terrorist act. However, according to Title 56, Public Assistance And Welfare chapter 10, section 56-1001, paragraph 4:“Isolation” means the separation of infected persons, or of persons suspected to be infected, from other persons to such places, under such conditions, and for such time as will prevent transmission of the infectious agent. Moreover, title 56, chapter 10, section 56-1001, paragraph 8 says: “Quarantine” means the restriction placed on the entrance to and exit from the place or premises where an infectious agent or hazardous material exists. Each of these definitions concern the isolation and quarantine of people who are sick. There is nothing about locking down the entire state. There is no authority granted to shut down businesses, to curtail freedom of movement or freedom of assembly and worship apart from a targeted isolation or quarantine of infected persons. Nevertheless, the order mandates the closure of bars, nightclubs, restaurants, cafes, gyms and recreation facilities and forbids gatherings outside the home for social, spiritual and recreational purposes. Prohibited activities include but are not limited to: community, civic, public, leisure, faith-based, parades, concerts, festivals, conventions, fundraisers, funerals weddings and similar activities. All are forbidden by an appeal to the right to impose “isolation” and “quarantine” as provided in Title 56, chapter 10 section 56-1003, paragraph 7 noted above. In addition, “failure to comply with this Order could constitute a misdemeanor punishable by fine, imprisonment or both.” In addition, the Constitution of the State of Idaho declares that our inalienable rights include; life and liberty; acquiring, possessing and protecting property; pursuing happiness and securing safety. We also have the guaranty of religious liberty – including the mode of worship. All of these rights – part of the State Constitution since its inception in 1890 – have been violated by the Governor’s order. The order was illegal. Governor Little should be held accountable. D. Eric Williams Cottonwood, ID To the Editor Does Self Isolate Order Violate Governor’s Oath of Office? Can you name 5 liberties in 1st amendment without looking? If not, how can you defend them…better yet, how do you know they aren’t already gone? Fortunately, the Governor took an oath of office, “I do solemnly swear (or affirm, as the case may be) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the State of Idaho….” (59-401). Consider Self-Isolate (Stay at Home) Order. Currently this Order, with the stroke of the pen, seems to have struck portions of the Bill of Rights in U.S. Constitution, and Idaho’s Declaration of Rights in Idaho’s Constitution. The Order states: “All people in Idaho shall immediately cease…in all public or private gatherings…regardless of the number of people involved….” Areas with permission to peaceable assembly include liquor stores, grocery stores, hardware stores, and many others. However peaceable assembly for marriages, funerals (unless outside), “spiritual” or “faith-based” are not okay. Could Governor’s Order been written better: had the same effect without diminishing individual liberties? If so, as written, isn’t this a violation of the Governor’s Oath of Office to support the Constitution? Consider Racine County Sheriff in Wisconsin who will not enforce the Governor of Wisconsin stay-at-home order due to the Oath of Office. "The overreaching measures taken by State government will have dire lifetime consequences for businesses, homeowners, and families." "I took an oath to uphold the constitutional rights of our citizens and I cannot in good faith participate in the destruction of Racine County businesses or interfere in the freedoms granted to all of us by our Constitution." By observation, Sheriff Giddings in Idaho County took the same oath. In upcoming election, hopefully all those elected or re-elected will do the same. Scott Perrin Cottonwood To the Editor The Casualties of a public election campaign can be heartbreaking especially when you have known the candidate for pretty much all of his life. He and his family are under a microscope every moment of the day. Luckily, they are good, ethical, and morally strong people. I also know it has been difficult for anyone to truly come up with anything that would cast doubt on the fact that Doug Ulmer is more than qualified to be the Sheriff of Idaho County. Here are the reasons that I will vote for Doug Ulmer. 1. Doug has worked his way from the bottom of the department to the number three spot in the department (you can only get to the other two spots through election). By doing this he has worked in every area including jailer, road deputy, detective, and supervisor for twenty years. This gives him a knowledge base that many others never achieve. He understands our rights and he knows how to protect them and us! 2. Being an officer in an area where you grew up can't be easy. No one handles this better than Doug Ulmer. He has had to deal with many people that have found themselves on the wrong side of the law and has always done it in a fair and consistent manner. He knows that people make mistakes and Doug is not one to hold it against them. He will help you get through a situation and move on. I'm 100% sure most of the youth that has grown up around here in the last thirty years owe Doug Ulmer a huge Thank You for keeping them out of trouble and heading them in the right direction. 3. Doug and his wife came up the idea of the Upriver Rampage and the Camas Prairie Shootout which has loaded the county's foodbanks for the last ten years. He also started the Cadet program for the local high school seniors to teach them the ins and outs of law enforcement. 4. The most important thing is Doug Ulmer has been here for all of us. If you think of every crazy event that has happened in the Clearwater Valley, who was there, who ushered people off the hillsides during the fires, who rescued people from flooding waters, who dove into freezing waters to rescue people, not only once but several times? The answer is Doug Ulmerll know if I am ever in need of help, I want Doug Ulmer to come to my rescue. I strongly urge you to vote for the person that knows and understands the values that make Idaho County a great placed to live. Vote Ulmer 4 Sheriff. Kathleen Messenger To the Editor Homegrown Hero for Sheriff
I have known Doug Ulmer since I was a
teenager. Doug was a well-respected deputy amongst the community and
carried himself in a very professional manner. He was still a young
deputy when my mother passed away and he had to notify me and my family
of her death. He showed a lot of maturity and compassion in the way he
handled delivered the tragic news. He was a great example of a man and
one of the reasons I chose to get into law enforcement.When I later went to work at the Idaho County Sheriff’s Office Lt. Doug Ulmer was my supervisor and mentor. He was the kind of deputy I wanted to be like. He had twice been recognized for his bravery and valor by the State of Idaho for displaying extreme courage in the line of duty. He was also very humble and polite in the way he worked with the citizens of Idaho County. Doug always puts the safety and concerns of the people above his own. On one such occasion I was able to witness his bravery firsthand as he jumped into the cold and swift moving river to save a little girl’s life. He was awarded the Idaho State Medal of Honor for that. He is a hero that inspires those around him to do more and become better. Over the years of working with Doug Ulmer I was able to learn a lot from him. I was able to get to know him on a personal level and know the personal side of Doug. He is a great husband, father, brother and son to his family. To me and my family he has always been a great friend and someone to look up to. In this messed up world we can all agree we need more heroes to look up to and help guide us through these tough times. When you get your ballot in the mail vote for Doug Ulmer, Idaho County Sheriff. Carlos Martinez To the Editor Time for a new sheriff It’s that time again for our primary elections, but this time everyone needs to request and return an absentee ballot. We have two candidates for the Republican ticket for Sheriff of Idaho County. Both candidates are staunch supporters of our 2nd Amendment rights, fully support and defend the Constitutions of the United States and Idaho, are against Federal interference and overreach, and have extensive law enforcement experience. The sheriff’s office has become a “status quo” and “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” organization. The current sheriff does not take too well to new or better ideas and is very clear that it is his way or you can quit. Any organization should not stifle the good ideas of subordinate leaders and always has room for new, good ideas and improvements. Under the leadership of Doug Ulmer, the sheriff’s office has the opportunity for growth and the betterment of service to the community. I had the privilege of working with Doug Ulmer for almost 4 years. He was my supervisor and patrol lieutenant. He possesses so many great leadership and moral characteristics. His knowledge of the law, the State and Federal Constitutions, and his general care and concern for the people of our community is unmatchable. I have known Doug Ulmer going on 8 years and he and his wife Tina are generous, kind, and approachable pillars of the community. As a 24 year U.S. Army retiree, I urge all Veterans and Citizens of Idaho County to get their absentee ballots and cast their vote for a new and better sheriff, Doug Ulmer. Tim Sokolowski, Kamiah To the Editor: I am supporting Doug Giddings for Idaho Co. Sheriff. He was drafted into the Air Force during his second year of college, where he was an MP in Vietnam. When he got out, he finished college and went into police work (range master and patrol). He was a school resource officer, then the large school district formed its own police department for which he was the chief of 10 or so schools. He was in charge of officers, security, events, legislation and contract negotiations. He’s been Idaho County Sheriff for 11 ½ years where he’s managed the department budget, overseen deputies, acquired new employees, managed the office and jail. His opponent has had little, if any, administrative experience. I think that proven administrative experience is a very important requirement! I’ve known Doug Giddings for many years and found him to be a Christian man of integrity and high moral character. He strongly supports life of the unborn! For these reasons, I’m asking you to join me in voting for Sheriff Giddings! Charlotte DeArmond Grangeville To the Editor My personal experiences Giddings vs. Ulmer I am a female senior citizen in Elk City, served my country as Army Captain in the Medical Corp planned a relaxing life in Idaho County. My neighbor had other ideas. He harassed and stalked me like an ex-spouse. He recruited others in the community. I ride mules daily on my property and local public roads. The neighbors declared their intent to drive me out of town. I was run off the road by ATV and motorcycles. The neighbors would just happen to "test" their firearms as I rode by to spook my mule. They would YELL AT ME TO GET THE F out of town. I was physically assaulted by another woman who jumped on my back. ALL this was reported to the Sheriff. NOTHING was ever done. The deputies were sympathetic, but always prevented by "Department policies" from taking action. I spoke to GIDDINGS who promised to look into and never did. Finally declared I was harassing him! Ulmer was kind and patient - he said when there’s a question about charges all they could do was submit the reports to the prosecutor. OK fine. So one day I'm riding on PFI Rd – which is used by the public and half a dozen owners. And ICSO sends two deputies up here and cited me for TRESPASS! I told them the road is public, plus I had express invitation and permission. I inform GIDDINGS of this ridiculousness. His response? Send another Deputy out to issue a SECOND TRESPASS ticket. I now have to go to TRIAL and face possible JAIL TIME. OUTRAGEOUS. I am in the same position as the Idaho woman who was ARRESTED for having a YARD SALE or the other mother who was ARRESTED for TRESPASS for letting her children PLAY in the park. ALL WRONG. Don't re elect this loser, this bully/COWARD has NO business being sheriff. Let a REAL MAN be our sheriff - Elect ULMER - He reminds me of Sheriff Andy of Mayberry -- perfect - that's the kind of man we want for sheriff Melina Palkin Elk City Redneck Review! No. 261 - 4/27/2020 Well, I guess I have survived RNR #260! The one which began with my "PLEA FOR HELP!" Also admitted here is that the first part of the article must have made me seem a callous old man, out of touch with reality, when the First Amendment's "Right of the people to peaceably assemble" was cited, followed shortly by Patrick Henry's "Give me liberty or give me death!" My plea concerned the several statistics which followed which cited the researched data which showed the Corona "Death to Infection" rate is about 5%, or 5 of 100, a stat obviously not to be ignored. But simple research also shows that the Corona "Death to Population" ratio is a miniscule 1 to about 8250, a fact that makes the threat a lot less in my old mind! Since the average increase in our U.S. population is around 2 million, a person would not expect the 1 to 8250 ratio to change significantly in the future. And can anyone deny that 1 to 8250 ratio is immensely safer than an unborn child's chance of being aborted; a whopping 1 of every 6! But the trade off involved forces me to reexamine a topic that shows up in economic classes. Studying the goals most economies attempt to achieve, a time will come when the goal of SECURITY comes into focus along with a second important goal, that of EFFICIENCY! Most everyone would agree that an economy should promote both of these goals. Security definitely has to do with a person's living conditions: whether there is a general atmosphere of peace, well being, and confidence in the future. Just knowing that food will be available, that housing will be adequate and affordable, that neighbors can be trusted and in general are friendly, all are important factors in building feelings of security in a country. But efficiency is also a very vital goal. No person is comfortable living in a country which is constantly threatened with destruction by its enemies. Nor is it acceptable that the goods produced, the food on its farms, the quality of its medical care, are shoddy and incapable of satisfying wants, or competing with similar products from other areas. One might even say that efficiency at least to a point, is necessary if the goal of security is to be achieved! Let's look at a simple examle. Consider a football team, at any high school, or even one at the professional level. To achieve the goal of winning, efficiency is a must! At every position, the individual who can best perform must be the one who is positioned there. Bluntly, there is very little security involved! A star one year may quickly find the bench his resting place; simply a better player comes along! And a team with a big hearted coach who can not make the tough decisions based on efficiency can quickly find itself dispensable! Then security for the entire team disappears in a flash! Thus it is true, that security is very much dependent on efficiency! And is it not also very true, that the same challenge exists for anyone in business today? Now what does all this have to do with our handling of the Corona crisis? Simple, I say! Is it not obvious that we consider the SECURITY of our citizens more important than the capacity of our nation to EFFICIENTLY care for normal needs? One treads on dangerous ground to even suggest that we might allow more risks to people to better keep our economy functioning! What is happening now could well be far more disastrous than deaths from Corona! News reports today claim government will spend nine TRILLION dollars to combat the problem. Already all kinds of problems are creeping up with the choices being made! Many in government say we need even more! Do we have any idea what the long range impact of this is? History and common sense suggest that the cure will be more lethal than the disease itself! And we may soon find that the "One size fits all" solutions of government will bring on disaster once again! It has in the past, it is happening now in other parts of the world! Could it be happening herep? Jake Wren |
 |