Category Archives: Uncategorized

Leverage The Senate follows rules from a different century. I am not sure if they serve the current one. The argument that “this is how we have always done things” has never sat well with me. Still, these rules serve … Continue reading →

Church and Message I stayed in Boise last weekend to attend some state Democratic Party functions, particularly the Frank and Bethine Church Dinner. It was sunny and pleasant here and snowy on the Palouse, but I still missed my home. … Continue reading →

Sometimes irony is everywhere. We had a full agenda in Agricultural Affairs this morning. I did not expect such a hubbub over raising fees for brand inspections. But such is senate life. Brand inspections are done by state brand inspectors. … Continue reading →

I have heard this term used with respect to our federal government and the degree of debt we face as a nation. It sounds alarming. I wonder if alarm is the intent. I remember the frugal ways of my parents. … Continue reading →

When we think about supply and demand we tend to think demand drives supply, but it can go both ways. Sometimes, if you create a supply, demand will follow. Think of high fructose corn syrup. The supply was created and … Continue reading →

          We had a visit from Senator Risch last week. He had been a state senator, then Lieutenant Governor for a long time. He assumed the Governor’s office when Kempthorne moved on to his DC appointment. Now Risch has been … Continue reading →

Sometimes I forget Boise is a small town. Heck, Idaho is a small state. Everybody seems to know everybody within a degree or three. I have been staying out east, off Warm Springs Avenue. It is a short ten minute … Continue reading →

Labor and Lazy I have never been in a union. This may make me less sympathetic or less passionate than those who have. Still, I think I understand the importance of valuing the working person and if unions are the … Continue reading →

Last Thursday I took lunch in the cafeteria. We are often entertained for meals by agencies or lobbying groups that provide a spread and make a pitch. But this day I wanted to just sit for a bit. Coming into … Continue reading →

A veteran colleague on the Health and Welfare Committee tells the story of setting regulations for Day Cares about 8-10 years ago. He refers to the process as the “Day Care Wars”.  Strong feelings and passionate testimony surrounded the details … Continue reading →