MOSCOW, Idaho -- Idaho Republicans are calling on Gov. Butch Otter to detail the state's economic ties with China.
The party's central committee passed a resolution Saturday urging the governor to highlight any involvement by China in his economic development plans.
The Lewiston Tribune reports that the resolution reads: "the stability of our form of government is being undermined by strategies used by the Chinese state-government-controlled entities through investments, corporate takeovers, intelligence operations and rare-Earth monopolization."
Otter led a trade mission to China last year, and a Chinese company has proposed developing a technology zone south of Boise Airport.
The governor has said Chinese investment is producing tax revenues and jobs, while being limited by state and federal laws.
NaturalNews) The Idaho State Department of Agriculture (ISDA) is launching its first ever "Idaho Organic Week" to be held from June 18-24, which will showcase the Gem State's growing and diverse array of organic fare. With over 250 organic operations throughout the state that offer vegetables, meats, milk, wine, and non-food crops like hay and barley, the state's organic initiative will help increase awareness of the availability of local organic products, and highlight some of the key players in the clean food movement.
According to a recent report in Capital Press, Idaho leads the pack in the production of ten key organic commodities, which includes cattle and calves, milk cows, beef cows, barley and grain seed, dry edible beans, potatoes, spring wheat, milk and onions. And in spite of a persistently-floundering US economy, Idaho's organic sector continues to burgeon, increasing by roughly ten percent a year.
"I think it surprises people to find out what is organically grown in Idaho," said Brandon Lamb, manager of ISDA's organic certification program. The program received accreditation from the US Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Organic Program back in 2002, and has built a strong reputation since that time, which has expanded both the out-of-state and out-of-country markets for the state's organic products.
"People are becoming more aware of what goes into their food in general, and so I think there's more consumer interest in buying things that maybe don't have the different chemicals ... on them," said Lacy Menasco, an ISDA trade specialist.
The ISDA is encouraging organic farmers and producers to plan special programs and events during the week to help showcase their fare, as well as teach the public about the benefits of organics. Farm tours, organic workshops, and food tastings are a few of the many options that farm participators may choose to conduct.
Roughly 111,000 acres of Idaho cropland, and 37,000 acres of pasture and range land, are now organic. Combined total sales of goods from these organic operations tops $71 million a year, and they continue to increase steadily year after year.
COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- Trustees for North Idaho College have unanimously approved a policy that limits the time, place and manner in which picketing and other free speech activities may occur on campus.
The five-member board passed the policy Wednesday, giving NIC's administration the authority to control where and when picketing, leafleting, speech-making and other activities take place. The Coeur d'Alene Press reports that college leaders began considering the need for such a policy when picketers from the Kansas-based Westboro Baptists Church visited NIC last fall to protest the play, "The Laramie Project."
NIC's new policy prohibits free speech activities if they impede walking or driving on campus, disrupt classes and other regular school activities, are too loud or if they are too close to exits, entrances, stairs, parking lots or roads.
BOISE — The Environmental Protection Agency said it expected elevated levels of radioactive material in rainwater following the incident at the Fukushima nuclear plant.
A report released on Saturday found levels of two kinds of cesium and iodine 131 in Boise’s precipitation.
Boise’s levels were higher than any other U.S. city in the report; most U.S. cities in the study had levels of cesium and iodine 131 that were not detectable.
Think Nampa First will join forces with the Treasure Valley Food Coalition on Sunday, April 17, for two showings of the movie "Food, Inc." plus presentations by local food growers.
Both showings will be at Northern Lights Cinema Grill, in Karcher Mall at 1509 Caldwell Boulevard, Nampa. A 4 p.m. showing is for all ages, and the 7 p.m. showing is for adults age 21 or older. At 6 p.m., there will be a presentation featuring Janie Burns from Meadowlark Farms, Debbie Vogel from Vogel Farms, Lonnie Shelton from Bitner Vineyards, and Chan Cabalo from the Kuna Farmers Market.
Tickets can be purchased for $5 in advance at the theater or in downtown Nampa at the Flying M Coffee Garage or White Pine Boutique. Tickets at the door will cost $7.
All proceeds will go to Think Nampa First, which supports locally owned and independent businesses in the city of Nampa.
The Minidoka National Historic Site in south-central Idaho where thousands of Japanese Americans were confined during World War II is expanding.
The Conservation Fund, the National Park Service and the Idaho Congressional delegation announced Thursday the protection of 138 acres of additional land to the roughly 300-acre site where historic buildings including a fire station still stand.
The Conservation Fund purchased the property in 2008 from a private owner and held it until recent U.S. legislation allowed the National Parks Service to buy the land late last year for $380,000.
National Parks Service Realty Officer Rick Wagner says the property would have gone to a private buyer if the Conservation Fund hadn't stepped in.
Saturday marks the 69th anniversary of the order for forced relocation and incarceration of Japanese Americans.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
While the U.S. Constitution stipulates that Native American tribes be recognized as sovereign entities, Idaho House Speaker Lawerence Denney wants to require tribes to charge sales tax to any non-tribe member buying cigarettes.
Denney's measure was introduced today, the latest in a series of moves that could see Idaho sales tax on a pack of cigarettes jump from .57 to $1.25. The Idaho Council on Indian Affairs took up the issue this morning in a special meeting at the state Capitol. But tribes have asked for additional time to consider the proposal, asking for it to be tabled until March 7.
Advocates for a higher cigarette tax, including the Idaho Oral Health Alliance, are sponsoring a legislative summit Thursday at Boise's Grove Hotel. Among the speakers, Republican Rep. Dennis Lake, chairman of the House Revenue and Taxation Committee.
BOISE -- A northern Idaho lawmaker has introduced a bill to legalize medical marijuana in the state.
Republican Rep. Tom Trail of Moscow earlier this week sponsored the Idaho Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act to establish a system for patients to legally obtain and use marijuana.
Trail says it's time for lawmakers to help reduce the suffering of seriously ill citizens.
If passed, patients would need a certificate from a doctor to get medical marijuana. Patients or their caregivers would also have to register with the state before they could obtain marijuana.
Only treatment centers licensed by the state would be allowed to sell medical marijuana, and patients would be limited to 2 ounces in a 28-day period.
MOUNTAIN HOME, Idaho (AP) — Air Force bases in Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico and Utah are being considered as beddowns for F-15 fighter jets owned by Saudi Arabia following that country's $60 billion U.S. arms deal.
The package includes 84 new F-15 fighter jets and upgrades to 70 existing Saudi F-15s.
The Mountain Home News reports local officials from this southern Idaho city and the Mountain Home Air Force Base have discussed bringing a training squadron to Idaho.
Mayor Tom Rist says Holloman AFB in New Mexico, Hill AFB in Utah and Nellis AFB in Nevada were also in the running.
Many countries with U.S.-made planes train here, as well.
A squadron of jets from Singapore already flies out of Mountain Home, taking advantage of the sparsely populated landscape, good flying weather and nearby training ranges.
BODY SCANNERS aren't about stopping terrorism, they are about making you submit to authority. Correct me if I am wrong, but the TSA has never stopped a terrorist attack. Did you know that VIPs and private jets aren't subject to the same humiliating treatment? Don't you think Osama Bid Laden can afford his own airliner? The man is a billionaire. At any rate, I don't think terrorists will be boarding commercial jets any time soon. But does that stop the dim-witted TSA agent from sticking his flashlight where the sun isn't supposed to shine? ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!
While I think we should opt-out every day, there is a national movement for a large scale protest on this day (Nov 24th). http://www.optoutday.com/ Being one of the busiest travel days of the year, we have a great opportunity to make an impact locally and nationally. Hopefully we can help some people think twice about these naked body scanners and educate them of their rights. Rights, by the way, are not negotiable.
I plan on doing some sign waving at the intersection near the entrance of the Boise Airport (Vista & Airport Way) in an attempt to raise awareness and teach people they have the right to opt-out of these naked body scanners. This is an important issue and a HUGE infringement of our rights (specifically, the 4th Amendment).
Is anybody else upset about these scanners? It's time to take a stand. Please come show your support of the 4th Amendment. I will have some extra signs available. If you can, please bring your own sign, just in case we don't have enough to go around.
WASHINGTON (AP) — President Obama has signed a one-year extension of several provisions in the nation's main counterterrorism law, the Patriot Act.
Provisions in the measure would have expired on Sunday without Obama's signature Saturday.
The act, which was adopted in the weeks after the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, expands the government's ability to monitor Americans in the name of national security.
Three sections of the Patriot Act that stay in force will:
• Authorize court-approved roving wiretaps that permit surveillance on multiple phones.
• Allow court-approved seizure of records and property in anti-terrorism operations.
• Permit surveillance against a so-called lone wolf, a non-U.S. citizen engaged in terrorism who may not be part of a recognized terrorist group.
Obama's signature comes after the House voted 315 to 97 Thursday to extend the measure.
The Senate also approved the measure, with privacy protections cast aside when Senate Democrats lacked the necessary 60-vote supermajority to pass them. Thrown away were restrictions and greater scrutiny on the government's authority to spy on Americans and seize their records.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Recently, I wrote a letter to Ada County Sheriff Rainey expressing my disappointment at the lack of presence of any local law enforcement when Sheriff Richard Mack, member of Oathkeepers, came to speak in Boise back in late August 2010. I further asked if he was aware of the oathkeepers and if he had read the material and what his thoughts were about this organization, if he supported them, and if he took his oath to to uphold the constitution seriously. This is the response below that I received back from him on September 7, 2010. I followed this up with a reply asking Sheriff Rainey if the Ada County Sheriff Department was particpating in any joint ventures with federal law enforcement and I also expressed my concern over an incident where a joint heavily armed sting operation complete with FBI, local law enforcement, and black hawk helicpoter was carried out at The Landing back in Feb 2009 that was blacked out by our local media. It will be interesting to see his reply to those questions.
Hello Mr. Misner,
I received your question about Oathkeepers and keep putting off my response because it would take so long to write it all out. It’s been long enough though, that I need to let you know I didn’t forget you – so here it is.
Here’s some basic bullet points of what I believe in regards to this.
First premise: “They” – the federal government – are not a distant body beyond our control. We are a republic and we are the federal government by the power of our vote. It is disingenuous for people to talk about the government as something foreign, like an enemy. In my opinion, it is our general apathy as voters that, by an omission of a vote, allow our government to do things we don’t want them to do.
I believe in the Constitution and the principles upon which it was created. Fundamental states rights and personal liberties will be what keeps our nation successful. The Oathkeepers message about this is very true.
There are several groups and individuals running around right now stirring people up about the Constitution and individual rights. I’ve talked to many of them in the last several months. Where I differ with the rhetoric is that it oversimplifies the issues and makes it seem like all we, as elected officials or me as sheriff, need to do is to threaten the “feds”, offer violence or arrest against them to protect the people, and if done properly, all will be fine. When I ask what “feds” they’re talking about, no one yet has been able to say. When I ask what actions by the “feds” have happened here in Ada County before that make this threat a realistic concern, no one yet has been able to say. When I ask for unembellished examples of instances where the violations they speak of have happened, people so far have only been able to cite unconfirmed stories.
It’s not that we shouldn’t be concerned. We should be scared as hell! Actions like Ruby Ridge point out what happens when we fail to put checks into place against the Federal government’s power – be it law enforcement power or otherwise. The people who ensure the checks will happen are us – the voter and local official who look out more after our local concerns than the federal government does. That’s where I come in as sheriff and one of your elected leaders.
The biggest problem is that people are focusing their fear on the wrong things! Where we (in my humble opinion) really need to be concerned is in the federal government’s ability to coerce our rights away. The “feds” won’t come to our door and take our guns. What I believe they will do is tax away our ability to purchase ammunition and eventually guns. The “feds” won’t come to our bank and seize our money. They’ll create tax structures that divert the money to people or causes supported by the power structure of D.C. Maybe most of all (in my opinion), they will continue to spend money we don’t have, driving our country deeper in debt and causing us eventually to be economically dependent upon foreign sources – setting us up for the fall.
So, these are just the highlights of my thought as I try to squeeze a response in between meetings. I’m sorry that I can’t offer more at the moment, but I’m certainly open to follow-up e-mails or discussions. This is a very important issue. I just differ with some of the assertions that everything will be fine if certain people make claims that they’ll uphold their oaths. It diminishes the much deeper conversation that goes to not just my oath of office, but the vote of everyone and real change in the future of government.
Best wishes,
Gary
p.s. – No proofread, so please forgive the typos that are surely here!
Recently, I sent an inquiry to all of our Idaho U.S. Representatives referring them to ae911truth.org and bringing to their attention the world wide Architects & Engineers for 911 Truth press conference that WeAreChange Idaho particated in on September 9, 2010. Furthermore, I asked them to review the latest findings by ae911truth.org and give me their opinions as to whether a new investigation was warranted based on these alarming discoveries. Below is the canned response I received back from Senator Mike Crapo on Friday, October 22, 2010(one month later). I have yet to receive a response from any of our other fine Idaho U.S. representatives. It will be very interesting if their responses are identical form letters.
October 22, 2010
Mr. David Misner Boise, Idaho 83703
Dear David:
Thank you for contacting me regarding concerns raised over the findings of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks on the United States (9/11 Commission). I appreciate hearing from you and welcome the opportunity to respond.
The shocking and horrific events of September 11, 2001, have naturally elicited a wide variety of emotions and questions regarding both how and why human beings could cause such massive destruction to happen. In an effort to address these important questions, the 9/11 Commission was created and tasked with examining the causes of and reactions to the 9/11 attacks, and with making recommendations to help our nation guard against future threats.
The unanimous adoption of the commission's report was welcome news. The report showed that prior to September 11, 2001, our nation had a poor understanding of the capabilities of terrorists and the threat to our homeland. It also contained many helpful recommendations on ways to further improve our nation's capabilities and defenses.
Nevertheless, because many of the events of 9/11 were so unprecedented and illogical, it is not always simple to develop a logical explanation for each event. However, in the time since 2001, both government and private experts have attempted to address all credible theories as to how and why the events of 9/11 took place. At the federal level, along with the review by the 9/11 Commission, the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) conducted an investigation into the World Trade Center Disaster. These findings may be found online at http://wtc.nist.gov/. In addition, many private scientists and other experts have collaborated in investigations performed by organizations like Popular Mechanics and the Discovery Channel, seeking to address the specific concerns raised by 9/11 groups such as those you mention in your correspondence.
In the post 9/11 climate, we as a nation must remain vigilant and resolute. We must continue to carefully scrutinize situations that could put American lives at risk and work together to make our nation safer. Please rest assured that I will continue to work with my colleagues in Congress to commit the resources necessary that will ensure a strong national security.
Again, thank you for contacting me. Please feel free to contact me in the future on this or other matters of interest to you. For more information about the issues before the U.S. Senate as well as news releases, photos, and other items of interest, please visit my Senate website, http://crapo.senate.gov <http://crapo.senate.gov/> .
Supreme Court will consider ending rights lawsuit against ex-Attorney General Ashcroft
The Supreme Court will consider an appeal by former Attorney General John Ashcroft to throw out a lawsuit seeking to hold him personally responsible for improperly arresting a Muslim U.S. citizen after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
The justices on Monday stepped into a dispute that, at its roots, concerns the Bush administration's aggressive moves against Muslims and Arabs in the United States following the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.
Abdullah al-Kidd was one of at least 70 people detained under a law aimed at insuring that witnesses would be available to appear in court and testify at trial, according to a study by civil liberties groups. Like many others, al-Kidd was never called to testify before a grand jury or in open court and was not charged with a crime.
He sued Ashcroft, asserting that his arrest in 2003 stemmed from a policy announced by the then-attorney general less than two months after 9/11. At that time, Ashcroft touted the use of material witness warrants to detain suspected terrorists when the government did not have sufficient evidence to hold them on criminal charges.
We Are Change Idaho will host the first annual "Freedom Fest" on 9/11/2010 to honor the first responders from 9/11. Please join us at Ann Morrison Park at the "Old Timers Shelter" from 5-9 pm. The Old Timers shelter is located off of Royal Blvd. We will have music, a potluck, speakers and free information and dvds on topics such as the plight of the 9/11 first responders, vaccines, fluoride, Oath Keepers and our monetary system. All donations raised will go to the Fealgood Foundation, a fabulous organization that has been working tirelessly over the past 9 years to assist sick and dying 9/11 first responders. As of today there are over 52,000 first responders who are affected by the toxic elements they were exposed to at Ground Zero. These heroes were there for America in our country's time of need, now it's time to let them know we haven't forgotten them. Please join us and invite all you know, let's show these heroes that Idaho will NEVER FORGET! You can read more about the Fealgood Foundation at their website: www.fealgoodfoundation.com.
This is a great newspaper that will no longer be publishing. Although many will miss this alternative press, the gift they have given history and the future will not be forgotten.
Sarah from Idaho speaks out about the dangers of water fluoridation on the Alex Jones show on August 6, 2010. Please visit her blog at http://mothersopposingtoxins-ss.blogspot.com
SANDPOINT -- The Sandpoint City Council has voted to quit adding fluoride to the municipal water system that also serves communities from Kootenai to Dover.
The 4-2 vote last week followed comments by more than a dozen people arguing against fluoridation at the meeting.
Some who spoke out against fluoridation said they were being medicated against their will.
Fluoride is added to drinking water to help reduce tooth decay.
The Department of Defense said Monday that it will send 2,700 members of the 116th into Iraq as part of "Operation New Dawn," a new name given to the conflict by the Obama administration to reflect the reduced role U.S. troops will play.
About 1,500 of the soldiers are from Idaho. Others are from Montana and Oregon.
The 116th leaves Sept. 17 and will spend about two months training at Mississippi's Camp Shelby, followed by about 10 months on the ground in Iraq, said Col. Guy Thomas, commander of the 116th.
The brigade's mission includes operations like convoy security, force protection and entry-point security in different areas around Iraq, Thomas said.
"It's because of the support our soldiers get from their employers and families they are able to do what they do," Col. Guy Thomas, commander of the 116th Cavalry Brigade Combat Team said. "I'd just like to thank them."
BOISE, Idaho - Ernest Hemingway, one of Idaho’s most famous residents, once said that “Courage is grace under pressure.” In an America being incrementally taken over by the federal government, the state where Hemingway spent much of his time is showing that courage and fighting back in a big way. Recently, the Idaho legislature and many of its citizens decided to supplement talk with action. This action is steeped in a deep tradition in self sufficiency; where many of Idaho’s citizens want to be free to do as they please while living a peaceful life in the Rocky Mountains. Idahoans have always voted for and enjoyed limited government, and thus the state is traditionally regarded as a guaranteed win for many Republican candidates in various levels of government. However, Idahoans can also smell trouble coming, and as the RINOs (republican-in-name-only) grew stronger under the Clinton and Bush presidencies, Idaho became known in the patriot movement as a state where libertarian ideologies of being socially liberal and fiscally conservative could prevail. It is this mindset that has been at the core of several recent occurrences in Idaho politics, and these events have captured the attention of patriots across America.
In 2008, Ron Paul’s libertarian minded presidential campaign received 24% of the Republican primary votes in Idaho, which was Paul’s best showing in any state in the 2008 primaries. During the Ron Paul campaign, downtown Boise was alive with Dr. Paul’s supporters, who spent Saturdays waving signs and discussing the campaign with anyone who would listen at intersections and coffee shops. Apparently, Dr. Paul did not forget where his support was; the Texas congressman is paying a visit to Boise State University’s Morrison Center to speak this Saturday, March 27th.
In recent months the Idaho house passed the “Firearms Freedom Bill.” This bill allows Idaho to produce its own firearms that are exempt from federal firearms background checks and dealer licensing regulations. Idaho’s neighbor to the Northeast, Montana, passed similar legislation in 2009. However, Montana’s bill is currently under attack by the federal government, Idaho must prepared to defend its legislation with all the guts and gusto it can muster.
A bill that would allow Idaho to sue the federal government over its authority to regulate firearms made and sold in state is facing questions from lawmakers concerned about legal costs. Members of the Senate State Affairs Committee on Wednesday approved the measure, but suggested amendments to legislation sponsored by Republican Reps. Dick Harwood and Phil Hart. The bill would exempt guns and ammunition made or sold in Idaho from federal regulations like...
BOISE, Idaho (AP) - The House has approved a measure limiting the use of X-ray body scanners at security checkpoints in Idaho airports and government buildings.
Under the bill passed 58-9 Thursday, security officers could only operate the machines to scan people who have failed a prior security test, such as a metal detector.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the members of the First Regular Session of the Sixtieth Idaho Legislature, the House of Representatives and the Senate concurring therein, that the state of Idaho hereby claims sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States over all powers not otherwise enumerated and granted to the federal government by the Constitution of the United States.
A bill to allow citizens to pay their taxes with silver medallions gains support. Goldbugs are watching closely.