Upholding Republican Values

Thomas Jefferson once said, “If you want something you have never had, you must be willing to do something you have never done.”

Our community stands at a critical juncture. Drawing from my experiences as a committed Republican and an Idaho public servant, I find it necessary to address recent disconcerting trends that threaten the core values our party and community uphold.

The incidents of harassment recently faced by female athletes and students in our state are not merely unfortunate events but symptoms of a deeper malaise from a past we've worked hard to overcome. Such actions echo the discrimination of the 1920s and divisive ideologies that have no place in a society built on respect and unity.

The Republican Party, under the ethos of Abraham Lincoln, has long rejected all forms of bigotry and intolerance. So, it is disheartening to see some within the Bonneville County Republican Central Committee align with or defend ideologies that stand in stark contrast to our foundational beliefs of liberty, justice, and equality for all.

Recent associations with consultants and individuals who promote hate and division challenge our moral and civic duties. Their involvement in local politics, advocating for divisive issues, represents a departure from the principles of decency and respect that define us as Republicans, Idahoans, and Americans.

The essence of our community and the integrity of the Idaho Republican Party are at stake. This is not a mere political divide but a moral imperative to reject bigotry and racism unequivocally. Our actions must reflect our commitment to the values we cherish, necessitating accountability and a return to principled leadership within our ranks.

As the upcoming primary election approaches, the role of precinct committee officers becomes ever more crucial. They are the architects of our local GOP's future, tasked with fostering a climate of service and respect. My compliments to the many individuals who are following Jefferson’s counsel to, “Do something you have never done,” and getting involved in this way. It is imperative that we, as a community, choose leaders who embody the values of freedom and integrity, steering the Republican Party of Bonneville County back to its noble roots.

In urging friends and neighbors to reject the currents of division, we not only honor the legacy of Abraham Lincoln but also forge a path toward a more united and prosperous community. The power of change is in our hands; let us embrace it with the courage and conviction that define our American spirit.