My Governor is a backwards idiot

If you've been reading my blog for a while, or if you're new, you may have noticed I don't talk about politics much. This doesn't mean I'm not interested in it, that I don't pay attention. I just don't usually want to get into any debates about it on my blog.

But this past week, Governor Butch Otter has made several mistakes, one of which has made Idaho a laughing stock. Not that we weren't already teased a little by other states, but this time he went too far. I'm sure you've at least seen something on Idaho's most recent gubernatorial debate as the primaries get started in Idaho. You can find some commentary on it here. I feel he only did it to humiliate the two fringe candidates and make himself look better, a feeling shared by several Idahoans.

Then there was the stay he put on the marriage equality ruling that was made earlier in the month. He's struggling against the tide here but he wants the appeals court to help uphold his desire to prevent same sex marriages in Idaho. Here is an article talking about the situation.

I am so angry at him right now. I have no idea how he keeps getting reelected. No, actually, I do know. This state is so full of backwards thinking people that it's not even funny. The Republican party dominates Idaho with an ultra conservative bend to their thoughts that it makes those of us who want a more open minded and less conservative way of doing things look small and insignificant.

If I could vote (I can't register due to some logistical issues), I'd be one of those who want a fairer and more liberal Idaho voting him out. I want him gone. I want Idaho to break free of the Republican choke hold and stop being the butt of jokes throughout the rest of the United States. I want to be something more than the “potato state”.

Is it ever going to happen? Probably not. But it's a nice dream.

Tuesday Travel - Kuna, ID

Kuna, Idaho.

Kuna is a small town. As of 2010 the census has it standing at 15,210. It is only 17 miles from Boise, so most of the residents commute into town to work. There are some wonderful small businesses in Kuna, and the people who live there are rather proud of their small town.

One of Kuna's main attractions is actually south of the city, the Kuna Caves. The Kuna Caves are an underground lava flow cave. People explore them on a regular basis. Indian Creek runs right through town. It's a great seasonal waterway and is a favorite with locals for swimming.

Kuna originated as a railroad stop with coach transport to Boise. It is popularly believed, as cited by the Kuna Chamber of Commerce, that the translation of the name "Kuna" means "the end of the trail", but Charles S. Walgamott cites the origin of the name as a Shoshone Indian word meaning "green leaf, good to smoke".

Kuna has a large park and is not far off from the Snake River Birds of Prey Wildlife Preserve. You go just a little ways out side the city and you get to a sheer drop off and a magnificent view of the Snake River.

Tuesday Travel - Boise, Idaho

Welcome to Boise, the City of Trees. My hometown and one of the prettiest cities in Idaho...at least, I think so.

Boise is situated in Ada County and has a population of over 210,000 people. We're not a large city by the standards of the metro areas of Seattle, Portland, and New York City, but we're big enough to suit us. We're large enough to have the amenities of a large city, but small enough to still have something of that small town feel when you visit.

Boise has several parks. You have Julia Davis Park, Ann Morrison Park, Katherine Albertson Park, Barber Park, Camel Back Park, and as you get up above us you've got Discovery Park and Lucky Peak Reservoir. The city is full of trees and the Boise River runs right through downtown, so walking on the Greenbelt which leads you over and around and through many of the parks is a pleasure in the greener months.

Another landmark for Boise is our BSU football stadium. If you watch college football you'll know that the Boise State Broncos have had a good showing these past few years. Here is the "Smurf Turf" that is our home field. It's done in the school colors of blue and orange and is recognizable by anyone who's seen the Broncos play. Some people find it a little embarrassing. I find it amusing.

Boise downtown, or BoDo as it's now called, is where the action is. Clubs, restaurants, businesses. You name it, it's downtown. We also have historical districts where small businesses thrive. The most popular historical district in town is Hyde Park. It's a beautiful collection of houses and small businesses and the people in the area are very proud of their part of town.

In Boise, you can go fishing, hiking, and biking all within the city limits. There are a number of beautiful spots around this city where you can go camping. Boise is a phenomenal city and one well worth visiting if you ever come to Idaho.

Travel Tuesday - Shoshone Falls

(photo courtesy of Twin Falls, ID info page)

Let me tell you about one of the most gorgeous waterfalls in Idaho. It's located five miles east of Twin Falls, ID. This is the Niagara of the West, as it is one of the most spectacular waterfalls out here. Shoshone Falls is 212 feet high (45 feet higher than Niagara Falls) and 1000 feet wide. In the spring, the water is so plentiful it just showers everything with spray. Later in the year, much of the water is diverted for irrigation so the best time to see it is in the spring. This waterfall is one of the major landmarks of the Snake River.

There is a park, owned and operated by the City of Twin Falls, that allows you a good view of the falls. There is also a picnic area where you can spend time eating and watching the falls. There's also a boat ramp and a swimming area near the falls in the park maintained by the city. There's a lot to do and see around Shoshone Falls. If you're ever in Idaho, I recommend taking time to go and see this natural wonder.