Open primaries will give Idaho better representation

In response to the letter titled, “Proposition 1 Mythology” a sincere thank you for your service is proffered.

My experience in the U.S. Air Force from 1969-1974 vividly pointed out to me that NCOs were the backbone of our military, no matter the affiliation with National Guard service. To denigrate anyone willingly entering to serve in the National Guard does a disservice to our volunteers.

I was with former F-100 pilots assigned to roles as 02-A pilots while serving in Korea. In April 1972, the North Vietnamese initiated an Easter offensive surrounding the town of An Loc only 60 miles from Saigon. I was tasked with directing air strikes against the NVA. One pilot opted out of flying. Another had problems with night vision and was eliminated from night flights over the besieged An Loc. Along with the tactical air support squadron at Tan Son Nhut, over the next three months, the NVA were defeated, eventually returning north for another three years. Nothing was ever perfect and we did what was needed to fly in support of our allies and our troops.

Having lived and voted in North Idaho since 1984 we enjoyed voting for good candidates from either party. Thirteen years ago that changed to our state’s detriment and we had to limit our range of choices.

It would be beneficial to allow voters to participate in all our publicly funded elections with an open primary system. Let’s not restrict voting but rather allow voters to have better representation with all the “cards on the table.”

BARNEY BALLARD

Sandpoint