My name is Arthur Schaper, and I am the Field Director for
MassResistance, the international pro0family group that makes the difference.
On behalf of our activists throughout the beautiful State of
Idaho, I want to express my gratitude to State Rep. Heather Scott and her colleagues for hearing this common-sense, straightforward Resolution Against Obergefell v. Hodges.
For too long, the United States Supreme Court has made
decisions and imposed rulings that it did not have the right, authority, or
even the power to implement.
First of all, two of the justices who weighed in on this
decision had officiated so-called same-sex “weddings.” They were not impartial
triers of fact or law, and they should have recused themselves.
Second, United States v. Windsor, a previous Supreme
Court ruling, clearly established that legislation regarding marriage is not
one of the enumerated powers in Article One, Section Eight of the United States
Constitution. Obergefell never addressed that issue properly.
Third, The Tenth Amendment is germane to this discussion,
and the Supreme Court should have respected the Constitution and respected the
power to define and enforce marriage contracts to the several states and the
people.
Fourth, our constitutional republic is based on common law,
and for centuries, marriage has been recognized as the union of one man and one
woman. The Supreme Court had neither the right nor the reason to undermine the
fundamental tenets of Anglo-American jurisprudence when they issued their poor
decision.
Other problems with Obergefell include its disturbing
precedent that liberty and human dignity are gifts only bestowed by the state.
Nothing could be further in conflict with our Constitutional norms or our
Founding principles. The rights of men come from God, not the government, as
declared in the Declaration of Independence. They are not gifts that must
depend on the government or the state to be distributed. Such a flawed legal
theory will only invite more government tyranny at the expense of the rights of
the states and the American people.
Some will argue that revisiting and overturning Obergefell
v Hodges would also mean preventing interracial couples from marrying.
Nothing could be further from the truth. People are born of diverse ethnic or
racial backgrounds. However, there is no evidence that individuals are born
homosexual, and therefore such acts are behaviors, not identities. They are not
civil rights.
Furthermore, in the ten years since Obergefell was imposed
on the United States, an abundance of research has come forward indicating that
children do indeed need their mother and their father. One of the poor reasons one
of the justices gave to support redefining marriage was that he didn’t want
children not to have their parents. But Marriage as an institution is not just
about the husband and the wife, but about the rearing of children and the basic
cultural underpinnings which make civilization possible. Children need
mothering and fathering, not just mere parenting.
The State of Idaho should be commended for taking this bold
stance, and I urge the House State Affairs Committee to support this
Resolution.
Idaho MassResistance halts public library’s promotion of toxic LGBT “youth” event
Outrage joined by city’s state senator and conservative groups across the state.
Leftist Idaho media become unhinged over the state senator joining his constituents in their fight!
December 6, 2024
MassResistance made sure this got people's attention - and got results! (In photo: The only Idaho newspaper that gave a fair report!)
Since the November election, people seem bolder and are speaking out more! The public library in Nampa, Idaho recently found that out – and was forced to backtrack on a horrible LGBT promotion.
Background: Dangerous LGBT “youth safe space” events
The LGBT movement does many terrible things to make children comfortable with homosexuality and its related behaviors. Recently, parents have battled LGBT library books, drag queen events, “gender” ideology, and “gay” sex-ed.
But the most alarming are the “safe space” gatherings for “youth” sponsored by local LGBT groups. Young teenagers are invited to off-site events with older homosexual teenagers and “LGBT” adults in their early and mid-20s. Often the events promise pizza or other “fun” enticements (away from parents). They are sold to the public as “supportive” and “affirming” places for kids.
In fact, these are toxic opportunities for sexual grooming – and worse. Over the past two decades, we have had more tearful reports from parents about these kinds of events than anything else. Parents have described how their children were sexually molested and groomed into homosexuality and lesbianism. (And now, transgenderism is included.)
For years, MassResistance warned about these LGBT community groups and events (including “youth pride”) that mingled adults with underage children. In one case we investigated in 2007, a young “gay” adult even admitted that he engaged in homosexual sex with 14-year-olds, and that drug use went on. Of all the things the LGBT movement does with children, these “safe and supportive” events are by far the most alarming.
An off-site "affirming" event for "LGBT youth" in 2014. This has been a terrible problem for many years. [MassResistance photo]
At an off-site "LGBT youth" event in 2016. [MassResistance photo]
Man in women's clothes with young teenagers at LGBT "safe" and "supporting" youth event in Boston. They had fewer outdoor events after we began exposing what was happening. [MassResistance photo]
Disturbing flyer posted in the city’s public library
On November 14, 2024, a MassResistance activist in Nampa, Idaho was in the local library where he noticed a disturbing flyer targeting teenagers on the library’s “events” billboard. It was for a weekly “youth” event put on by a shadowy local LGBT group (“Clutch”) and held at a downtown leftist church.
It was the classic LGBT “youth safe space” scheme. It’s for “teens” age 14-20. It advertised: “No pressure, no judgement, just you,” a free meal and activity, and “creating an affirming space” for “LGBTQ+ youth” where they will “feel loved.” It’s every parent’s nightmare. Should the public library be advertising this?
The photo of the flyer taken by the Idaho MassResistance activist - which went viral over social media!
The outrage quickly goes viral, and the library gets lots of pushback
MassResistance got the word out, and the outrage quickly spread. Within hours, many local citizens began calling and emailing the library. But that was just the beginning. The public library’s promotion of this event got a lot of attention across the state.
A library trustee in neighboring Eagle, Idaho shared our X post on it. The Idaho Freedom Foundation and the Idaho Freedom Caucus helped spread the word on their social media accounts and were strong in their condemnation of it.
The Idaho state senator from that district, Sen. Brian Lenney (R-Nampa), was very upset at this and began spreading the word. He posted copies of the flyer and contacted the library director to demand an explanation!
The manager of a prominent bar and restaurant near Nampa created his own video about the library’s promotion of the “youth safe space” that mixed teenagers and adults, and he also phoned the library himself.
The Nampa Public Library.
Flyer taken down. Library director responds.
The flyer was quickly taken down. But that wasn’t quite the end of it.
On November 18 – four days after the flyer was discovered – the library director sent out a public response, attempting to duck responsibility:
Hello All,
The communication you have identified is not a library program and not affiliated with the library in any way. We have two Community Events boards on our 2nd and 3rd floors. Someone, not a library employee, posted the sign(s) in an appropriate area on the Community Events boards that is governed by our Library Board approved Community Events Posting Policy (attached). The poster meets the conditions in our policy. Please notice that the policy states: “In providing public bulletin boards, the Library does not imply endorsement of the events or information posted.”
It is unfortunate that this inaccurate information was shared, hopefully this clears things up. I would welcome a discussion at any time.
Please Take Care,
Claire Connley Director, Nampa Public Library
But the points she made in her response are dishonest and misleading:
No one was suggesting that the event was affiliated with the library. The problem was the library was recognizing it as a legitimate event (reflecting community standards), and thereby promoting it.
She says that “someone” posted it, not a library employee. But the library is responsible for what is on its Community Events board.
The library’s Events board policy actually appears to agree with the parents. The policy bans: “Offensive materials (as defined in Idaho State Code 18-4105 or 18-1514), materials promoting illegal activities, or inappropriate materials.”
Those statutes describe material that is “harmful to minors,” which includes “normal or perverted” sexual situations “applying contemporary community standards.” People in the community certainly regarded the event in the flyer as being covered by that language. (Also, the fact that LGBTQ identities need a “support” center confirms they are not recognized as “normal” in this community.)
Moreover, a fringe sexual-radical group that promotes underage teens mingling with adults does not qualify as an “event of cultural and general interest to the local community.”
Saying “the Library does not imply endorsement of the events or information posted” is beside the point. By allowing an event so controversial (and likely against its own policy) to be promoted on its bulletin board, whether the library officially endorses it or not, doesn’t matter.
The Nampa Library's Events Board - after the LGBT flyer was removed. [PHOTO: KTVB-TV]
“Conservative” city councilor defends the library, attacks state senator
A constant problem parents have is that even “good” local elected officials will defend bad ideas and actions by city employees.
One of Nampa’s RINO city councilors, Natalie Jagula, defended the library and the flyer, and had a heated email exchange with Sen. Lenney about it. She said that he has no proof that this particular event is inappropriate because the organizers don’t say it includes anything sexual. Sen. Lenney strongly disagreed that the library should have anything to do with promoting an event like this, which is obviously sexual. Jagula later told the press that Lenney’s position on protecting children is “dangerous, irresponsible and un-American.”
Idaho (and national) “mainstream” media becomes unhinged, attacks Sen. Lenney for speaking out
The Idaho “mainstream” media became unhinged and went right into attack mode. This victory by MassResistance and regular citizens seemed to push them over the edge!
The newspapers mostly attacked Sen. Lenney, who refused to back down on this issue, referring to him as “far-right.” They praised Natalie Jagula for bashing him. Being lazy, the press basically reprinted two “news” stories, which were also used by a Spokane, Washington paper and Yahoo News.
Local library director writes vitriolic newspaper commentary
One newspaper got a library director in a neighboring town to write a vitriolic “commentary” attack on pro-family parents who want to protect children from sexual materials in the library. If nothing else, it reveals the truly depraved, irrational, and angry mindset that we’re up against.
TV station bashes MassResistance in shameful propaganda “news” report
On November 20, a reporter from KTVB-TV, the local NBC-TV affiliate in Nampa, called Arthur Schaper, our National Field Director, to interview him about the library flyer incident.
Arthur was very precise and unwavering about why the event was harmful and should not be promoted in a public library.
In the 10-minute phone conversation, Arthur also grilled the reporter about the direction of the story. The reporter basically admitted that it would be that MassResistance is creating a false controversy about the effort to help “LGBTQ kids” feel comfortable. Furthermore, the group says there would be no discussion of sex or sexually explicit themes. The reporter proceeded to lecture Arthur that kids “are born gay” and they need help affirming their identities.
Later that day the TV report came out. It was a heavy pro-LGBT propaganda piece – unprofessional even by mainstream media standards. The seven-minute report was nearly all a friendly interview with the LGBT group’s director and a pro-LGBT tirade by the reporter. It included about 20 seconds from Arthur’s phone call, which the reporter dismissed as being an extremist rant. And of course, they bashed MassResistance.
In other words, Arthur and MassResistance won, and the reporter couldn’t take it.
This kind of strong principled pushback needs to happen across the country! As we’ve said many times, the leftist agenda and the media’s attacks are a house of cards. It can all be taken down with strength and perseverance.
The momentum is turning in our favor. But really stopping the destructive movements targeting vulnerable children requires regular people to get involved!
Please help us continue to do our uncompromising work!
Casey Whalen: "Arthur doesn't agree with me. That means he's 'controlled opposition'!"
I love my haters!
In Coeur D'Alene, Idaho, there is a lingering effort of white nationalist freaks trying for some degree of relevance.
The Idaho GOP is making great strides to keep Idaho great, and make the state a standard for other states to follow.
However, there are still some of those perverse, dishonest elements in Northern Idaho, who want to corrupt constitutionalism, conservatism, and common sense into more racialism and empty bigotry.
Check out the latest attempt by one of these types, an over-done, flabby Nick Fuentes "groyper" [the nickname that Nick Fuentes followers use to describe themselves] named Casey Whalen:
Exposing Mass Resistance
The organization Mass Resistance, formerly known as Parents' Rights Coalition, is showing its true colors. This is a heads-up for anyone in this network.
This org is not for freedom of speech and likely controlled opposition.
Normally, such hollow hit pieces don't deserve a response, but the allegations are so laughable, and the dishonesty is so great, and they are so easy to debunk, that I just couldn't resist commenting. It's like shooting fish in a barrel, it's so easy to trash. This was fun!
First, the notion that Whalen was "exposing" MassResistance is rather silly. Everything that he recorded my saying in that phone call, I have said in public as well as private. It's quite vindicating when people record you secretly, with the express attempt to shame you, only to further affirm your integrity and honesty to the general public.
I have dealt with a number of Israel First fanatics like Mr. Whalen, who have taken my private conversations, made them public, only to vindicate myself and put themselves to shame.
Here are a few other things that I want to point out:
1. Whalen calls MassResistance "Israel First." Huh? Not once did I mention Israel in my conversation with him.
2. When I called anti-Semite white nationalist Nick Fuentes a liar, he did not challenge me or correct me. There was no denial from Casey Whalen, thus in a broad sense, confirming my point.
3. Whalen cries that I do not support freedom of speech, or that MassResistance does not support freedom of speech. What he really means is: "You don't like what I am saying, and therefore you are silencing me." Such complaints are rather childish, immature. Part of freedom of speech is the freedom not to listen and not to associate with views which one finds offensive.
Never have I silenced or sought the cancellation of Mr. Whalen or his comments. He is free to post or publish whatever he chooses, provided he does not violate the natural rights of others. That is my stance on the issue.
Now, let's consider the comments that Casey Whalen made:
4. He asserts that the whole notion of cultural Marxism and thus transgenderism comes from "the Jooz." He sounds a lot like Joy Reid, who used to blame "The Jooz" for everything. Yes, there are passages in the Talmud from some commentators, who allege that there are more than two sexes. But those are opinions and discussions among many clashing views within that text. I do not read the Talmud, and most Jews do not read the Talmud. I have even read that most religious, observant Jews recognize that the Talmud is not inspired. I explained all of this to Casey.
More importantly, though, I pointed out to him that there are other wayward cultural views that have wrongly asserted that there are more than two sexes. Southeast Asian Indians believe that there is a "third sex" for people with dubious genitalia. Also, American Indians believe that here are more than two sexes. In fact, this false notion is quite widespread in my cultures and their myths of origin:
I shared this information with Casey, and he could not refute that, either.
Instead of answering my questions, he resorts to complaining and defaming me, defaming MassResistance.
5. I just loved the part when he talked about MassResistance, and he mentioned Brian Camenker, the President of MassResistance, who "admits that he is Jewish." He "admits" it ... as if it's something to be ashamed of or that he has to hide. Seriously?
6. Building on the point above, Casey shared an article from CBN, i.e. the CHRISTIAN Broadcasting Network, and the passage specifically which Casey highlights points to Brian's wish to defend CHRISTIANS from persecution. All of this hostility to "The Jooz" makes even less sense, and Casey really made himself look bad after sharing this.
8. I have to revisit this smear: "Israel First." Again, what is all this about? It comes down to this: if you don't like Nick Fuentes, if you do not share the groyper cult-like fascination/obsession with a spoiled bigot from Chicago and their hatred of Israel, that means you are not "America First," and thus "Israel First." All of those anti-American groypers have such an unremitting hatred of Jews, of Israel, of any demographic that is not "white." How that is "America First," has never been made clear to me.
Funny thing is, MassResistance has a number of Jewish people who support our work, but they do not support Israel. We even have ardent anti-Zionists who not only work with MassResistance, but have donated to our cause! Strange indeed that he calls us "Israel First."
9. Whalen wails that I might have--might have? great journalism there!--reported his website or his reporting to some left-wing smear machine like the Southern Poverty Law Center. He clearly has not done his homework. MassResistance, and myself personally, have been smeared, defamed, maligned, and libeled by the SPLC multiple times. I have actually taken steps and made strides to get the SPLC libel removed from major newspapers. But Whalen calls us "controlled opposition ..." Sure.
And a few other things ...
10. MassResistance is an international organization, not just national. We have worked with people in other countries, not just the United States, and we have had successes in those countries, as well.
11. My last name is "Schaper," pronounced "shopper," not "Sharper." I am really stunned how often people get that wrong, especially from someone like Casey Whalen, who calls himself a journalist,
Instead of exposing MassResistance, Whalen exposed himself, and his "scoop" backfired on him big time. Local activists in the Coeur D'Alene area shared their alarm with me when they saw Whalen's hit piece. They have had enough of the ethnic bigotry, the Jew-bashing, the anti-natural law sentiments which do not help, but rather hinder the fight against cultural Marxism. Whalen is free to wail, and I am free to keep fighting the good fight.
You can't fight the lies of the Left with more lies, though. I stand with Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, who boldly exhorted: "Live not by lies." Whalen chose to lie about me and MassResistance, and he has the freedom to do so. I am grateful for the freedom and opportunity to expose one more groyper, especially an older man who should think about serving his community, rather than acting like a child.
East Idaho “Pride” event was subdued and diminished – after organizers feared a MassResistance protest like last year's.
Fewer attendees; many vendors stayed away.
But Idaho MassResistance activists took a different approach this time!
June 27, 2024
This year it was mostly just a bunch of odd people walking around - quite unlike the depravity last year.
What a difference a year (and great activism) makes!
Last June in Rexburg, Idaho, over 100 local Idaho MassResistance parents protested at the LGBT “Pride Day” event held in the main city park next to a popular playground. Their main objection was to the use of a public venue to expose children to the range of deviance that this event brings. (Unlike what leftists do, our protest was completely peaceful.)
Last year, local Idaho MassResistance people peacefuly protested the LGBT invasion of their town park.
As we reported last year, the protesters’ concerns were warranted. At that Rexburg pride event sex kit packets were handed out (which included various types of condoms, lubricant for anal sex, “dental dams” for lesbian sex). There were perverted Drag Queens and other dysfunctional behaviors on display in front of the many children. Outrageously, several local businesses participated in support as vendors.
After the event, we published the photos of what occurred. It certainly raised a lot of concern in the Rexburg area!
Pride organizers feared that Idaho MassResistance would be back this year!
The Pride organizers were clearly rattled that local Idaho MassResistance protesters might be back this year. They put up signs at the entrances warning people about MassResistance, and telling people not to talk to us!
As people entered the area, these "warning" signs were posted!
Even though the Idaho MassResistance protesters had been completely peaceful in 2023, the LGBT activists pretended that they were terribly fearful for their “safety” this year and were afraid of violence! So seven sheriff's cars were at the event. The Pride organizers also hired five private armed “security” people to be there. (This is a common tactic of the Left to portray conservatives as threatening, hateful, and potentially violent.)
Armed security guards walked with groups of people to "protect" them. Of course, it was all nonsense.
They even brought in a professional photographer, apparently to document the “protesters” who showed up among the attendees.
The videographer team they brought in holds up a "crowd release public filming notice" for the attendees. Somewhat unusual.
The “Pride” event was quite subdued this year!
The citizens’ peaceful protest last year clearly sent a strong message!
Unlike previous years, this Rexburg Pride event was pretty tame. It was held in a smaller area. There certainly seemed to be fewer attendees. If there were any “sex kit packets,” it was not obvious. There was only one tepid Drag Queen. A few men were walking around wearing dresses, but it was less flagrant and deranged than last year.
This was their "Drag Queen" this year. Pretty lame.
Even the cross-dressers were unimpressive.
Publishing the photos of last year’s deviance clearly had an effect. According to local news reports, several of the sponsors subsequently pulled out or “put distance between themselves and the event.”
Like last year, the attendees were mostly young adults dressed in weird clothes, colored hair, piercings, etc. – the usual LGBT adolescent “rebel” attire for these events. Like last year, they paraded through the event space, apparently to show their “pride.”
Parading around the area. (Note the children's playground at left.)
Instead of condoms, dental dams and sex kits, they were giving away krispy treats.
In many ways it was sad to watch. Normal people don’t carry on that way. The LGBT attendees seemed almost too eager to show their “happiness” and “pride” – while celebrating self-destructive behaviors.
Of course, every LGBT event still has tables and resources for mental health and "crisis" issues. (Not surprising in light of the federal Dept. of Health and Human Services 2023 SAMHSA report documenting higher levels of mental health issues and substance abuse among the "LGB" population.)
And no LGBT event would be complete without at least some weird sex literature.
Here’s what Idaho MassResistance did this year – they set up an information area!
The leftists all assumed that we’d be inside their event protesting. A few days before the event, a snotty local reporter even contacted us to ask questions about our upcoming protest – then published our purposefully vague response on their website – in a hostile article full of untruths.
But we didn’t hold any protests that day.
Instead, our Idaho MassResistance activists reserved a pavilion with a stage that was in the same park a few hundred feet from the Pride event. They put up a large banner, “Prideful no more” – a slogan of ex-gays and ex-transgenders.
A few hundred feet away, the Idaho MassResistance reserved this pavilion.
Almost immediately, people came up to hear what was said, ask questions, and offer support.
On the stage was a couch, two upholstered chairs, and a large TV screen playing a continuous video of “detransitioners” (people who have left transgenderism) talking about their experiences. We had a few activists on the stage, and other activists on the ground.
Throughout the afternoon, many people – especially many young people – came to the pavilion to talk. It seems that the signs at the Pride event warning people about MassResistance may have actually steered people over. Most of them had never heard our information before. Several of them thanked us for being there. No one was hostile toward us or our message!
Final thoughts
A key to winning “culture war” battles is having innovative strategies. Nobody was expecting this, and we brought a message to the “Pride month” event that people there needed to hear. All in all, it was a very successful day.
Please help us continue to do our uncompromising work!
This week in San Francisco a foreign national was sworn in as an official on the elections commission.
What the hell is going on?
This is not merely a frustration, not a minor political problem to worry about, this is an absolute outrage, an existential crisis for our nation!
America is in danger like never before. Why is this happening? Who is responsible? We are sick to death of hearing platitudes like “secure our border”. Our leaders have no intention of securing our border, and it’s time we ask ourselves why?
It’s reckless, it’s dangerous, and it’s expensive. Yet it gives Washington elites and the Biden administration — or whoever is running the White House — more power.
How?
Illegal immigration takes power away from law abiding citizens. It makes a mockery of the rule of law, giving power to those who intentionally break our laws. If you value freedom, law and order, and our cultural heritage, you should be outraged. If you respect our nation, the greatest ever to exist in human history, then it’s time to ask what the hell is going on?!
Illegal immigration takes jobs away from law-abiding Americans. It threatens the safety of our communities. It dilutes our voter base, taking away the sanctity of your vote.
You might think the problem is far away from here. Let Texas deal with it, let the federal government worry about enforcing the law. But it affects Idaho too, that’s the plain truth of the matter. Millions of illegal immigrants pouring into our country year after year affects all of us. Illegal immigration brings crime, drugs, sex trafficking, terrorism, and more. When we stop enforcing our laws, we’re telling all the bad actors in the world that we are defenseless, that they can come here and do whatever they want.
It doesn’t have to be this way. There are enough laws on the books now to take care of this problem, and House Republicans passed a strong border bill last year. National leaders can solve this crisis today if they wanted to, which means they want it to continue. It’s time to say enough is enough. It’s time for patriotic Americans to stand up and say WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON?
We need as many legal precedents as possible to protect children from sexual perversion, including the corruption LGBT agenda.
Let kids be healthy, normal, and real. Stop pushing abuse on them, and stop grooming them to kill themselves!
We need to chip away at this madness every step we can!
Friends,
In a major victory for Idaho children, U.S. District Judge David Nye has ordered that our law requiring students to use school restrooms consistent with their biological sex will go back into full force and effect next month.
Senate Bill 1100 – which was drafted by Idaho Family Policy Center and sponsored by Sen. Ben Adams (R-Nampa) and Rep. Ted Hill (R-Eagle) – had originally gone into effect in July. However, the following month, Judge Nye issued a temporary restraining order blocking its enforcement pending further court review.
In the decision handed down last night, Judge Nye upheld the law, writing, “The state of Idaho has an interest in protecting the privacy and safety of its youth while at school. [Senate Bill 1100 achieves] that goal, while also mandating a reasonable accommodation for any student who feels he or she cannot follow the law.”
We’re thrilled that the court affirmed what we’ve been saying all along—that Senate Bill 1100 is substantially related to the important government interest in protecting the privacy rights of all public school students.
After all, every child deserves safety in vulnerable places like school bathrooms, changing rooms, and showers.
“Why is
the credit card bill so high?”, “What happened to the car?”, “Why can’t I
go to the dance?”. Questions come up all the time. But when those
questions involve City Government you are allowed only 2 minutes to explain
your concern and NO TIME is allotted to the answer.
…2
minutes ...Sit down ...NEXT
It has
been decreed by Mayor Blad to allow the subjects in his kingdom 2 minutes each
to speak on Monday October 16th. After 9 months of NO COMMENT his
subjects are restless.
If that
sounds rude and ridiculous then continue to read.
Three
months ago King Blad allowed an hour for a Town Hall meeting. ”NO
COMMENTS” had been the policy for 6 months and roughly 100 TAXPAYERS attended
that Town Hall meeting where they would be allowed to speak .. for 3 min.
Unaccounted
for in that 1 hour was the time it takes to hold an official meeting: greeting,
pledge, prayer, introductions, short announcements .. and oh yes, 15 minutes to
read the rules. The public’s time was now 20 minutes. There were
100 people at that meeting.. but did King Blad extend the time to speak?
NO, like a lottery, he randomly drew 6 names.
Mayor
Blad must have been concerned about allowing only 6 speakers, because he
reduced the time for each speaker at the next meeting to 2 minutes so more
people can speak (2 more). Can you imagine the outcome of having a budget
discussion with your spouse in 2 minutes.. or on why there’s a dent in the car
or a change in weekend plans? TAXPAYERS have a right for their concerns
to be heard.
Whether
you are left, right or center of the political aisle.. you should be enraged.
If you care about your taxes, the budget, parks, roads or city planning
come at 6:30 on October 16 at City Hall … Your presence will
SPEAK LOUDLY. This is an insult to our intelligence.
There is
a CITY COUNCIL election in November… come to the Town Hall and show by your
presence that you will be happy to replace them ALL if needed until they once
again work for the taxpayers.
Idaho is one of the reddest, most Republican states in the union. Following the excellent primary election results in May of this year, it's now becoming a more conservative state, too, at least in the legislature. With all things being equal, Raul Labrador, one of the fiery House Freedom Caucus reps, will become the next Attorney General. Other statewide incumbents lost their bid for re-election in 2022, as well.
But the work has only begun in Idaho. There is so much wasteful spending and misuse of funds. Governor Brad Little is one of the biggest spend-thrift RINOs in the country. He often signs off on cultural conservative legislation only because of great pressure from the legislature and the voters.
According to a lawsuit filed against the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (IDHW), the agency has been using the Medicaid program to fund hormone replacement therapy for gender transitions.
One of the plaintiffs — identified as MH throughout the brief — alleges that he has been receiving feminizing hormone treatments since 2019. Now he and another plaintiff jointly want Idaho taxpayers to fund the removal of their male genitalia so they can pose as females.
Previously, the IDHW has been mute regarding its policies about whether they will fund gender transitions and hormone therapies. Agency Director Dave Jeppesen even noted earlier this year that the department has “no policy related to authorizing surgeries or hormone therapies for gender dysphoria and there are no current plans to implement one.” If MH’s claims are true, Idaho would join 25 states that fund this type of treatment through their Medicaid programs.
It is likely the IDHW assumed its policy for remaining neutral on the issue would prevail as the safest legal avenue for mitigating gender transition claims to the Medicaid system. However, providing approval for hormonal treatments opened the door to questions about why the department won’t fund more invasive medical procedures.
The complaint stresses how the department denied “medically necessary” care on the basis that it is cosmetic according to the Idaho Administrative Code. This is in spite of the fact the policy says it will only fund reconstructive surgery designed to “restore function of the affected or related body part(s),” thus excluding the prospect of adding new or removing functional body parts.
Contrary to claims made by the plaintiffs, the efficacy of using transition surgeries is far from settled. A 2020 report in the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP) had to be corrected to reflect the fact that gender transition surgeries do not reduce the need for mental health counseling, hospitalization, or medications. If the whole argument is that sex changes preserve life because they prevent transgender suicides — as the complaint appears to assert — then the updated findings of the report from the AJP suggest that this treatment is purely cosmetic and should not be funded under the program.
This case has the potential to open a new demographic of clientele interested in getting their free (that is, taxpayer-funded) gender transition procedures and treatments. Despite this being a policy that would receive much support from the healthcare establishment, it serves as yet another example of the medical community saddling patients with a lifetime of expensive therapies, medications, and surgeries to chase symptoms while ignoring the underlying cause of the disease.
What should upset taxpayers most is that the cost of the Medicaid program has already exploded in recent years due to the 2018 eligibility expansion. The lawsuit suggests at least one of the plaintiffs is a beneficiary of the expansion.
Should the verdict go against the IDHW, Idahoans can expect to fund gender transitions for all expansion beneficiaries. It is unclear how much IDHW is spending on hormone therapies and how many people are receiving them, but an unfavorable ruling would only add to the cost. The IDHW has not responded to a request for more information on this matter.
Idaho has faced a suit like this before, albeit against a different department. In 2019, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Idaho must pay for the gender transition surgery of Andree Edmo, an inmate incarcerated in the Idaho Corrections System for molesting a child. Legislators must do something to prevent taxpayers from having to foot the bill for such audacious requests.
In 2022, lawmakers attempted to make moves in this policy area. The Idaho House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed House Bill 675 to ban the gender transitions of children only to be stopped by anti-conservative leadership in the Senate. After a resounding win for conservatives in the May election and encouraging races shaping up for Republicans this November, it is likely that revisiting legislation on such matters would be possible once again in 2023.
Once the Legislature goes into session in January, lawmakers could push for legislation that clearly defines that the Idaho Medicaid program will not fund gender transition surgeries or hormones. Texas and Alabama are the only two states to explicitly ban spending Medicaid dollars on such procedures.
Idaho should work to join them by protecting Idaho tax dollars from abuse.
At a time when our country and state are in disarray and crisis mode, I am reassessing how I will spend my time and energy to improve government and keep our great Republic intact. Each of us should do this now, if we want to leave a lasting and positive legacy to future Idaho generations. I still believe all governing power is in the people and when exercised in positive and purposeful ways, it is still the most powerful tool to overcome any societal issue. We should never be waiting for a government fix because it is always more expensive, incredibly time consuming, and it discourages interpersonal dialogue. We need to look no further than this “pandemic” to see how ineffective government can be with its “one size fits all” solutions loaded with hidden agendas and consequences.
In an effort to move towards more self-reliance and less government reliance, I have developed the following list of 110 suggested steps you can start doing today to make a difference and keep our Republic. These are meant to be a starting point and I am sure each of you will think of more. I encourage you to pick three things to start with and attempt to accomplish them before the November election. Please vote in November, since the fate of your state and country depends upon it.
110 Things You Can Do Now by Rep. Heather Scott
Understand where your rights come from, what they are, and what unalienable means and be able to explain this to another person.
Stop supporting any and all biased media or social networks that distort the truth, censor facts, and stifle free speech.
Support local businesses who provide local jobs, help local communities, and respect your rights.
Work to change the political campaign finance laws by pressuring your legislators for change and exposing special interest groups and lobbyists who use their influence money to promote increased government regulations, stifle competition, breed crony capitalism, and buy elections.
Understand and believe that our Constitution works because all power is in the people, not government.
Remind your elected officials regularly that they are there to serve you, the people. You are their boss, and when necessary use your vote to remove them from office.
Stop worrying about what others are not doing, or what you think they should do, and take action and responsibility for yourself.
Host or be a catalyst for regular gatherings to discuss current issues and solutions with friends and neighbors and develop a plan of action for uncertain times.
Turn off your TV and consider opening your Bible.
Understand the jurisdictional boundary of every government entity that collects tax or fee money from you to run government programs. Start by looking at your property tax statement.
Be educated about your local politics because these issues impact your life much more than national issues.
Take a state or federal Constitution class.
Respect, and demand respect from your elected officials and unelected bureaucrats, even if they don’t agree with you.
Take a civics class.
Donate to a candidate who shares your values.
Learn what legislative district you live in, who makes the decisions on your behalf at that state level and study their voting records.
Learn who your federal congressional representatives and senators are and what congressional district you live in.
Meet an elected official for coffee and begin developing a relationship.
Attend a school board meeting, observe if and how they respond to public input, and check out their school policies.
Take the lead on an issue that needs fixing.
Understand regional government and be able to identify regional governing bodies that are making decisions for you.
Share your knowledge and skills with others.
Know where your line in the sand is when it comes to defending your rights.
Build a network of likeminded neighbors and friends so there is strength in numbers when issues arise.
Learn how to communicate with elected officials.
Learn the state process of making law.
Understand state sovereignty and why it is critical to the future of our Republic.
Meet your sheriff, understand his authority, and make sure he understands it.
Understand the role of your county prosecuting attorney and how they prosecute or defend the current laws.
Attend your county commissioners’ regular budget hearings.
Help a home school parent with knowledge or a skill you have.
Get out of debt and stay out of debt. Live within your means.
Attend a town hall meeting.
Read your state constitution.
Attend a rally, protest, or event to fight for a cause you believe in.
Organize an event to educate.
Know what precinct you are in, who your committeeman is, and where you vote.
Educate your elected officials on your concerns through the sharing of concise facts and real experiences.
Run for an elected office or serve on a committee.
Support good elected officials that share your values with your time and resources. Recruit people who you trust to represent you at all levels of government.
Apply to be a poll watcher or poll worker.
Look at your county, city, school, and state budgets and provide input.
Look at the state executive budgets and provide input on spending.
Treat everyone as an individual, don’t stereotype or group people.
Help a candidate that shares your values through the use of a special skill set you may have.
Register to vote.
Vote.
Stop complaining about politicians that are outside of your jurisdiction.
Help an elderly or handicapped person get to the polls.
Spend a few hours a week with someone under the age of 25 and mentor them.
Research your current local elected officials and understand their voting record on all issues.
Do a records request to get information on government actions, government contracts or memorandums of understanding for regional agreements.
Understand the importance and difference between primary and general elections and share that information with two other people.
Understand how long the terms of the elected officials in your area are and when they meet.
Join a special interest group or political party that promotes a policy or cause you care about.
Home school your children.
Read the Declaration of Independence.
Work on talking about politics or religion in a respectful way.
Attend local meetings: city council, county commissioners, library taxing districts, etc.
Volunteer at a local charity and meet new people.
Rely on various legitimate media sources to inform yourself on the issues and performance of elected officials.
Read a book on history or civics. History will repeat itself so know and understand it.
Respect others thoughts and decisions, even if you do not agree.
Write a letter to the editor about an issue that concerns you or a candidate you support.
Sign wave for a candidate.
Help register a new voter.
Trade, barter, or share your skills.
Put a political sign in your yard.
Learn the structure and role of a state agency. There are plenty to pick from in Idaho!
Try to help yourself with an issue before running to an elected official (government) to fix your problem.
Attend a planning and zoning meeting and look at your county zoning maps.
Compare an elected official’s or bureaucrat’s words with his actions and demand an explanation if they conflict.
Speak the truth.
Stand up to bureaucratic bullying.
Encourage your church leaders to teach the whole Bible and address civic, cultural, and political issues.
Don’t be afraid to question comments, actions, or policies from elected officials or bureaucrats.
Understand “Critical Race Theory”, how it is destroying our country’s foundation and why it is being taught in most of our law schools and government run schools.
Educate yourself on who is influencing a candidate’s platform or voting record by looking at their campaign finance reports at the Secretary of State’s website.
Publicly expose corruption and crony capitalism any time you encounter it.
Put a bumper sticker on your car to promote an issue or candidate.
Strengthen your local neighborhood by focusing on issues you agree on, not disagree.
Don’t be discouraged when you realize how upside-down government is. Be patient and learn the process.
Try to focus on the system of government as much as you focus on the issues in government. The system needs maintenance!
Learn to navigate the legislative website to email or call your legislators to let them know how you want them to vote.
Build a relationship with a veteran and share their stories with others.
Help organize a homeschool co-op or alternative leaning center or donate your location for use.
Don’t get bullied by a bureaucrat. Stand up. #EndBureocraticBullying
Don’t ignore the little battles, stand up for what is right.
Push back on government overreach and do not submit to tyranny.
Remain vigilant.
Learn to be self-sufficient and provide for others.
End your support for businesses who don’t share American values
Understand what administrative rules are and how you can change them.
Understand how to influence your elected official.
Start being the leader you have waited for.
Simplify your message to bullet points.
Promote healthy conversations and debate.
Offer solutions, not problems.
Donate a book of stamps to a candidate or help them stuff envelopes.
100. Write a bill to change or eliminate a law.
101. Know what the law says and where to find it.
102. Understand the limitations and the authority of the elected official you are asking help from.
103. Visit your courthouse and sit in on a few trials to better understand the judicial system.
104. Establish your credibility by offering good, truthful information.
105. Defend our country.
106. Report disrespectful treatment by government workers to their supervisors.
107. Let government officials and bureaucrats know when they are doing a good job.
108. Don’t complain about things you are not willing to work hard to change.
109. Stop waiting for someone else to tell you what you should be doing, take initiative, and lead.
110. Pray for our country and state and our elected leaders daily.
Ultimately, we are the government, and we will get the government and society we allow. We owe it to our founding fathers, our veterans and our families to do everything in our power to avoid violence or a civil war. What will we give to the next generation?
.jpg)
.png)
