Nation's conservatives are N. Idaho's liberals
On Feb. 7, 2013, the Bee published a letter warning us to not let the liberals destroy North Idaho.
According to voting results, North Idaho is one of the most “red” areas. How could this area be in danger of being overrun by liberals? Right-wing thinkers dominate this area. A right-winger defines himself as conservative and then labels anyone who disagrees with him as liberal.
Right-wingers claim to want government off their back but then want government to enforce their moral values. If those values come from religion, that makes the cause more righteous.
They claim to be against government spending and want government power reduced but they promote large police forces and encourage military spending. Everyone understands that police and military are the power arms of government. The claim to believe in democracy but support a one-party government and vote the team.
They claim the media is too biased promoting un-American values but they tune in to the one news network with big financial interests outside the USA, is the propaganda voice of only one party and is dedicated to making the USA a one-party banana republic. Assault weapons are encouraged as these weapons represent power.
Probably the most conservative area I have lived in was Wyoming. Right-wingers were a small minority and few of us were labeled liberal. The Democratic Party was recognized as a major party in this nation and someone with a D after their name could, on occasion, be elected. Guns were part of the dress code. There were guns in most cars and multiple guns in most homes. I remember teaching my wife to shoot and pushing her to practice until she could compete with me.
Although everyone supported gun ownership, all the weapons were hunting, or defensive weapons. I can’t remember anyone claiming to own an assault rifle although in those days most men my age had completed military training and had a medal in some drawer certifying we were qualified to use one.
Because of my conservative lifestyle, most friends in other parts of the nation think of me as conservative. They think I am teasing when I explain that in right-wing North Idaho, I am labeled as the liberal.
HARVEY PINE
Sandpoint