GOP ASSAULT SPARKS OUTRAGE

This week’s top story has been all over the internet since Saturday: it is the assault on Teresa Borrenpohl by Sheriff Norris and plain clothed private guards from LEAR Asset Management at the GOP Legislative Town Hall. The terrible details are readily available with just a few mouse clicks. Here is an example from the Capital Sun: North Idaho woman forcibly removed from Kootenai County Republican town hall.

First, I believe that Teresa is resting well and recovering from the physical and mental abuse she suffered at the hands of the Sheriff and the hired thugs. For Teresa’s sake, please respect her privacy during this difficult time.

It was clear from the outset that dissent was not going to be tolerated. So, when opposing voices were raised, they were quickly shouted down. Things escalated when Teresa interrupted Rep. Ron Mendive who was taking credit for helping to take care of Idaho’s public lands as co-chair of the Resources and Conservation Committee. Immediately, someone projected a flashlight beam on Teressa’s face making it easy for Sheriff Norris to spot her in the darkened auditorium. He quickly moved in and initiated a confrontation. When Teresa refused to leave, Sheriff Norris called on the goon squad to forcibly remove her from the building. As a result of the incident, the opportunity to freely express our outrage to our elected legislators was severely undermined.

Initially, no one took responsibility for hiring the security team. Some sources even implied that they were volunteers. However, one report states that they were hired by Brent Regan, the Chair of the KCRCC.

CHANNELING OUR OUTRAGE INTO ACTION

Many of you have reached out to express your revulsion and dismay about this incident. Others asked for reassurance. Overall, there is a thirst for action. And despite what the town hall emcee said, our voices are not meaningless.

Regarding the details of this incident, I feel confident that the truth will come out once the witnesses and participants are interrogated under oath and business records are subpoenaed. 

The KCRCC Town Hall was just another example of the low regard MAGA legislators show for anyone who doesn’t take what they say at face value. Furthermore, the assault was not only on Teresa Borrenpohl but on our right to free speech. The intent of this GOP controlled event was to silence and intimidate anyone who disagreed with them.

After Saturday’s shocking assault, it took the Executive Committee a few days to regain our composure and collect our thoughts. So, what is our response? First, folks are waking up and they are not happy with the MAGA approach to governance. And we intend to leverage their outrage.

Here are the potential actions we considered.

1. Sponsor a First Amendment Symposium to focus attention on this fundamental right.
2. Organize a letter writing campaign to channel our outrage to our legislators in Boise.
3. Coordinate a public rally for First Amendment Rights.
4. Host a counter town hall to allow opposition voices to be heard.
5. Implement a coordinated messaging campaign to print, broadcast, and online media to expose the GOP’s efforts to silence their opposition.
6. Reach out to the Democratic National Committee for support and direction.

OUR FINAL Resolutions

Ultimately, we concluded that each option has merit. Yet, it was also apparent that the GOP’s anti-democratic actions are already well established. So, protesting them may not make a difference. Yet, our voices must be heard and that requires more people to engage in expressing their outrage and opposition.

Here are the two options that won out.

First, we are planning to sponsor a letter writing/phone calling campaign as a part of our regular monthly meetings. In support of this effort, expect to hear from your precinct captain who will be urging you to contact your representatives through the end of this year’s legislative session. This is still the most effective way to RAISE YOUR VOICE.

Even if you only write your representative a few times, it will allow you to say that “you were a part of the resistance.” Plus, you may also play a role in blocking some egregious legislation.

Second, we are continuing to coordinate a messaging campaign targeting the CDA Press and social media. At the same time, we will double our efforts to organize, educate, and mobilize Democrats in Kootenai County to add their voices to this campaign.

Until we end the Republican supermajority that strangles real participatory democracy in Idaho, these remain our best options.

FILLING THE OPENINGS ON OUR CENTRAL COMMITTEE

And finally, we are working to shore up the vacancies on our Central Committee Roster. Currently, there are twenty precinct captain positions open. If you live in an affected precinct, we encourage you to consider stepping forward. There will be more about this effort in the coming weeks.  

Till then, take care of one another, take care of yourself, and thanks for being Democrats.