May 7, 2026 (Cover Image Credit: Gem State Chronicle)
Musings on Ideology
By: Brian Almon
Brian Almon
I’ve been pondering the concept of ideology lately and how it interacts with politics. I presume that most in our circles are motivated by ideology. We believe there are moral laws that govern the universe, put in place by our Creator, and that society should be structured in a way that supports those moral laws. We ban murder not because it is a net drain on the economy, but because it is morally wrong to wantonly take the life of another human being. We extend that principle to the unborn, recognizing that they too bear the image of God and that destroying them is morally evil.
Those of us motivated by ideology often find it difficult to evaluate political figures who are not. Yet it’s true that many in politics are motivated by other factors, such as pure pragmatism, economics, or simply maintaining their own power and prestige. It can be hard for ideologues to discern the motives of non-ideologues because we assume they are operating from the same perspective we are. Obviously, that is not always the case.
Yesterday, five of the seven statewide constitutional officers—Gov. Brad Little, Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Controller Brandon Woolf, and Superintendent Debbie Critchfield—expressed support for Sen. Jim Guthrie. To me, and presumably to many of you as well, that is mind-boggling. Guthrie voted with Democrats on numerous important issues, including keeping men out of women’s restrooms and protecting children from being socially transitioned without parental notification. He also boasted on the Senate floor this year that he voted against hundreds of millions of dollars in tax cuts. Yet Republicans in the executive branch still want to see him reelected.
Why?
It doesn’t make sense from an ideological perspective. But if you take ideology out of the equation, there is a certain logic to it. Guthrie has been around a long time and has surely built relationships with many of these figures. They probably know they can count on him to do what they believe needs to be done—even taking the blame for holding bills they would rather not see reach the Senate floor. How many favors have been traded over the past decade?
What I’m suggesting is that their political calculus is different from ours. I still disagree, don’t get me wrong. Kudos to Attorney General Raúl Labrador for publicly supporting David Worley, who I hope will unseat Guthrie and send him somewhere more suited to his views—perhaps the Idaho Statesman editorial board. But it is valuable to take the time to understand why people do what they do so we can better compete in the political arena. Remember: Patton beat Rommel by first reading his book.
Editor’s note: This article originally appeared in the Gem State Chronicle. I encourage our readers to visit their website and consider subscribing. Find this and other informative articles at the Gem State Chronicle here: About – Gem State Chronicle
On March 31, 2026, Rizzoli released Views of America: The Diplomatic Reception Rooms at the U.S. Department of State, a richly illustrated volume celebrating the fine and decorative arts housed in 42 rooms at the Harry S. Truman building in Washington D.C. These rooms, which are open to the public, are home to a significant yet little-known cultural collection.
Many of the objects in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms were created, owned, and used by the men and women who dreamed of self-government and who made independence a reality. The collection reflects the pride, craftsmanship, and spirit of 18th- and early 19th-century America.
Remarkably, the Rooms and their collection were constructed, amassed, and continue to be maintained exclusively through the private gifts of philanthropic and patriotic individuals. Collectively, they are a testimony to the civic engagement and generosity of the American people and to their desire to advance American diplomacy.
In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation, Secretary of State Marco Rubio penned the following foreword to Views of America:
Perhaps the greatest architectural symbol of American diplomatic hospitality is named in honor not of a Secretary of State or President but of one of our first diplomats. At first glance, the monumental Benjamin Franklin State Dining Room – with its gold-topped neoclassical columns, expansive and sumptuous carpets in the style of the finest 18th century British country estates, and magnificent views of our capital city – might seem at odds with the homespun reputation of the father of American diplomacy.
This porcelain group depicts Louis XVI of France in courtly martial costume, united with the American cause for independence, represented by Benjamin Franklin, plainly clothed and gesturing humbly.
But on reflection, besides being an appropriate tribute to an American hero, the room reflects the uniquely American perspective on diplomacy that developed even from Franklin’s vital diplomatic mission during the Revolutionary War, when he set sail for France in the months following our Declaration of Independence two hundred and fifty years ago.
In the Court of Versailles, Franklin presented an image of America that was cultured, literate, witty, and at the forefront of scientific research in its leisurely mid-eighteenth-century mode. At the same time, by intentionally setting aside the fashionable clothes he had worn in his earlier 1767 visit in favor of a more frontier-like demeanor, with a homely brown suit, spectacles and (famously) a large fur hat, he symbolized a new democratic polity. Franklin intrigued his audience in the court of Louis XVI through this synthesis of Old World charm with the virtues of the New World to create an American original.
Perhaps, Franklin was making the most of things in his own canny way. One suspects that he did not usually wear the rustic fur cap with which he charmed the Parisian salons when he was out and about on the streets of Philadelphia. But the contrast of these two missions to France, the rejection of a mere imitation and an embrace of the power of an authentic American perspective, reflects a deeper truth about the wellsprings of American diplomacy.
In the courts of the European powers, American diplomats faced key disadvantages. In the social milieu of diplomacy, rank, seniority, and access depended in part upon the personal rank of diplomats within the aristocratic hierarchies of Europe. Emissaries representing monarchs attained diplomatic privileges that those representing republics did not. The United States, a republic headed by a lowly citizen, ranked lower in diplomatic etiquette than the smallest European monarchy until well into the 19th century.
Many of the objects in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms were created, owned, and used by revolutionary Americans.
The United States did not have many diplomats from families found in the Almanach de Gotha or Debrett’s Peerage. So, what could this young country hang its diplomacy on? The answer that began to emerge, even in the waning days of colonial rule, was an emphasis on classical inheritance and excellence in all that we did.
The Founding Fathers and their generation did not believe themselves to be colonial subjects of one far-flung outpost of the British Empire. Rather, they understood themselves to be inheritors of a great tradition, the descendants (through a British common law branch) of Christian Europe and of classical Greco-Roman civilization. The foundations of statesmanship they learned in Plutarch, Cicero, and Aristotle were more ancient and prestigious than any European noble house, and they taught the virtue and dignity of republican government for the common good of a free citizenry. This classical tradition (as renewed and reclaimed in the work of Montesquieu, Locke, and others) gave the early leaders of our country confidence and pride in the American experiment in self-government, one that sustained them in the face of European condescension and disregard.
And one lesson, clearly conveyed in the Roman histories which our Founders knew intimately from their schoolboy days, was the central importance of virtue and merit to the long-term success of a republic. As Thomas Jefferson and John Adams agreed in their post-presidential correspondence, the United States needed to be led by a “natural aristocracy” consisting not of inherited wealth or privileged birth but of those who had been endowed by their Creator with the “virtue and talents” necessary for good government and successful enterprise. Meritocracy was, for our Founders, a vital ingredient in the “long and perilous contest for our liberty and independence,” an advantage against European states still hidebound by hereditary class and monarchical privilege.
This commitment to excellence without ostentation, rooted in our classical Western inheritance, defined American diplomacy, extending to the architecture and decorative arts of the places in which it was practiced. In this respect, the Diplomatic Reception Rooms are an outstanding symbol of the heart of a uniquely American diplomacy. In interiors crafted by classical architects inspired by the 1960s Americana revival, these 42 rooms pull together a unique collection of furniture, art, and artifacts generously provided by the American people through private donations to reflect the best of our traditions of craft and art.
This desk and bookcase was made by Benjamin Frothingham in 1753 when he was 20 years old. It is the first documented piece of bombé-shaped furniture made in America.
The excellence and craft that suffuses these rooms speaks to the dignity and worth of the American worker, and the ability of the United States to cultivate the best talent in the world. On July 4th, 1821, our 8th Secretary of State (and later president) John Quincy Adams gave a speech reflecting on what the young country had already contributed to the world in not yet half a century. While focusing on the glories of American liberty, Adams also extolled the industry, invention, and skill of America’s great craftsmen, artists, and entrepreneurs.
In a humbling way, the beauty of these objects contains a bitter lesson about the Americans we at the State Department are privileged to represent. At some point between the early years of the Republic (represented artistically and architecturally in the Diplomatic Reception Rooms) and the present, America’s foreign policy leaders lost sight of the everyday Americans they were called to represent. As we see throughout the Secretary of State’s office suite and the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, the Western tradition and a commitment to excellence are married in the very objects of our diplomatic practices. But the important industries that sustain that harmony have been destroyed by reckless policies. In the ten years after the U.S. lowered tariff barriers and agreed to let China join the WTO in 1999, more than half of the furniture makers in North Carolina lost their jobs. The halls of the State Department are still filled with furniture made in America, but today too few homes in this country or around the world can say the same.
As we celebrate the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation, let us rededicate ourselves to a foreign policy for the common good of the American people. Inspired by the art and architecture of the Diplomatic Reception Rooms, let us restore a diplomacy rooted in the Western inheritance and the cultivation of virtue. The essays and artwork of this volume are a noble tribute to our fine tradition of uniquely American diplomacy, and a fitting inspiration for the work remaining to us, to ensure a bright future for the next two hundred and fifty years of this great nation.
Marco Rubio was sworn in as the 72nd Secretary of State on January 21, 2025. The Secretary is creating a Department of State that puts America First.
You’re invited to attend a public meeting to learn about projects on I-15 near Blackfoot. This is an opportunity to learn more, ask questions and provide feedback! Drop in anytime between 4 – 6:30 p.m.:
Fort Hall: Tuesday, May 12 • Shoshone-Bannock Convention Center (777 Bannock Ave.) Blackfoot: Wednesday, May 13 • Ridge Crest Elementary School (800 Airport Rd.)
(Idaho Parks and Recreation Department Press Release, May 6, 2026; Cover photo credit: Idaho Parks and Rec)
Be part of Idaho history as we celebrate the opening of Twin Peaks Ranch State Park, the first new Idaho State Park in 30 years!
Join us in the wide-open mountains just outside Salmon for a one-of-a-kind celebration in a place defined by big skies, rugged peaks, and unforgettable views.
Set on 677 acres of stunning high-country landscape, Twin Peaks Ranch State Park is your gateway to adventure featuring access to over 2,000 miles of trails, incredible wildlife viewing, peaceful fishing ponds, and sweeping views of the Bitterroot and Lemhi mountain ranges. It’s a place where elk roam, stars shine brighter, and Idaho’s wild spirit truly comes to life.
And now, it’s officially yours to explore.
Event Details
Twin Peaks Ranch State Park (20 miles south of Salmon, Idaho)
Saturday, June 27
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Mountain Time)
This isn’t just a ribbon cutting it is going to be an incredible celebration you will not want to miss.
Come help us make history as we cut the ribbon, explore the park, tour the lodge and cabins, and experience this incredible new destination firsthand. From scenic overlooks to backcountry access, this park offers a rare kind of quiet and connection you won’t find just anywhere.
Bring your friends, bring your family, and come ready to celebrate the future of outdoor recreation in Idaho.
Everyone is welcome so spread the word far and wide!
We’re proud to create spaces like this for our community, and we can’t wait to celebrate this milestone with you.
(Idaho Secretary of State Press Release, May 8, 2026)
The Primaries are coming!
There are two ways to remind Idahoans that the Primary Election is almost here:
ride through town yelling from horseback… or launch a statewide ad campaign.
We chose option two. (Paul Revere was unavailable.)
Our new America 250-themed campaign is designed to help Idaho voters know when, where, and how to vote ahead of the May 19 Primary Election. If you haven’t caught one of the ads during a commercial break of Jeopardy! yet, you can check them out here.
And while the campaign may be fun, the information is important.
Early voting is underway in many counties across Idaho, and today [May 8] is the last day to request an absentee ballot. Whether you plan to vote early, absentee, or on Election Day, VoteIdaho.gov is your one-stop shop for election information.
Learn more about Idaho’s voting process and election security
One of the most useful tools available to voters is the personalized sample ballot feature, which allows you to see exactly what will appear on your ballot before heading to the polls.
This year’s primary ballot includes races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, State Senate, State House of Representatives, county offices, judges, precinct committeemen, and local races and measures across Idaho.
So, whether you vote early, absentee, or at the polls on May 19, now is the time to make your plan.
The Primaries are coming, so get out and vote!
Phil McGrane
ABOUT SECRETARY PHIL McGRANE
Phil McGrane was elected Idaho’s twenty-eighth Secretary of State and took office on January 2, 2023. McGrane served as elected Clerk of Ada County from 2019-2022.McGrane holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, a juris doctorate, and a Master of Public Administration. As a fourth-generation Idahoan, Phil has dedicated his career to making elections in the state of Idaho accessible, secure and transparent.
The American Legion’s monthly steak night, held on the 2nd Friday of each month, will be held this evening, May 8, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Bannock County Veterans Memorial Building, 300 N. Johnson Avenue in Pocatello.
For $20 per person ($12 per person for the medium meal) you can enjoy a hand-cut ribeye steak cooked over a charcoal fire, baked potato, assorted vegetables, baked beans, and their famous apple crisp with ice cream.
All proceeds help support programs sponsored by Pocatello’s American Legion Post 4.
Dorothy Moon, Chairwoman of the Idaho Republican Party
You know, people are always asking me how to tell a real Republican from a fake one, or how to identify a true conservative. Are there Democrats masquerading as Republicans? Libertarians? As chair of the party, I can’t unilaterally declare who is or isn’t a “real Republican”—that’s ultimately up to the voters—but I can tell you what to look for.
The Republican Party was founded in a little schoolhouse in Wisconsin in 1854 by men and women who believed slavery was evil and incompatible with the truths laid out in our founding documents: that all people are created equal and possess the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
In the nearly two centuries since, Republicans have built a philosophy centered on limited government, low taxes, individual liberty, and the enduring importance of faith, family, and freedom. In Idaho, that philosophy is reflected in the Idaho GOP Platform, which every federal, statewide, and legislative candidate was invited to affirm, or at least explain where they disagree.
So how do you know who deserves your vote in the Republican primary?
In Idaho, nearly everyone claims to be conservative. Almost every Republican candidate says they’re pro-life. But what does that actually mean? Is that candidate working to weaken Idaho’s abortion ban? Do they support the initiative to legalize abortion? Do they hide behind left-wing euphemisms like “women’s healthcare” or “reproductive health”?
The same goes for the Second Amendment. Plenty of candidates talk tough about gun rights. But do they support red flag laws that allow firearms to be confiscated without due process? Do they echo left-wing talking points like “common sense background checks”?
And every Idaho Republican says they support small government, low taxes, and reduced spending. But pay attention. Did your candidate boast of voting against tax cuts? Do they support expanding the welfare state—taking from those who work to give to those who don’t? Do they act as though your paycheck belongs to the government first, and you should be grateful to keep part of it?
Listen carefully to the words candidates use. Do they sound like Republicans, or Democrats? Do they sound like people you’d meet on a Magic Valley farm, a North Idaho construction site, or in a diner in Salmon, Challis, or Preston? Or do they sound more like the editorial board of a Boise newspaper?
Finally, watch how they treat people. When families flee states like Washington, Oregon, California, and Colorado—escaping high taxes, overregulation, and woke politics—does your candidate welcome them? Or dismiss them as “cowbirds” and outsiders?
Your vote is your tool to build a government that represents your values and preserves the principles upon which the Republican Party was founded. Early and absentee voting is already underway. Vote today, or make a plan to vote May 19. The future of Idaho—and America—depends on it.
A Completely New Direction for Idaho Schools Our current Idaho students may become the remnant that preserves this Republic for the next 250 years!
By: Idaho Representative Heather Scott
Idaho Representative Heather Scott
For most of my time in the legislature, I’ve been a vocal critic of the direction our Idaho education system has chosen to take and have actively encouraged parents to home school or find alternative options to educate their children. I was discouraged when Common Core standards were snuck into our curriculum, and when public education openly welcomed the wokeness of DEI in our classrooms. Our schools appear to be indoctrinating with un-American influences more than educating.
Many Idahoans have been waiting for a public education course correction and have lost confidence in the system.
The state legislature is required by our constitution “to establish and maintain a general, uniform and thorough system of public, free common schools.” What this is supposed to look like has sadly been left in the hands of bureaucrats for way too long! Dumping more and more money into a broken system has got us nowhere, certainly not smarter students or training future American leaders. The woke teachers’ unions have bullied the education system for way too long.
This is why I wanted to share something exciting!
This session, the Idaho Legislature passed Senate Bill 1336 (sponsor Rep. Barbara Ehardt), which is a step toward refocusing education back to some of the key American foundational principles. In many ways, this may be one of the most important underappreciated pieces of legislation passed in decades to help re-direct our kids in public education towards a more positive direction.
This 7-page bill directs public school teachers on what is required to be taught in our schools. It expands and formalizes civics & history instruction, adds specific required content and themes, creates new rules for curriculum materials and tightens civics testing and graduation expectations. I encourage you to read the bill in its entirety HERE.
Here is a summary of what will be be required of our government run public education system starting on July 1st:
A stronger focus on “virtues” in education with a new requirement to ensure students develop character qualities including Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Moderation and Patriotism. This new requirement will promote responsibility, citizenship, and moral reasoning and reinforce shared civic values.
A new directive to teach specific political & philosophical principles requiring students to understand concepts like natural law over government, consent of the governed, role of morality in government, federalism & separation of powers. This requirement will increase civic literacy and help students understand how government works.
A new expanded list of required historical documents to be taught including: the Magna Carta, Federalist Papers, Declaration of Independence, Tocqueville’s Democracy in America, Lincoln-Douglas debates, and the Idaho Constitution. This will encourage primary source learning and deepen students understanding of foundational history.
More detailed American History content will be required to make sure the inclusion of the following:
Influence of Western civilization & Christianity
Founding principles like natural rights & liberty
Role of Anglo-American heritage
Symbols (Gadsden flag, Liberty Bell, etc.)
Anti-slavery framing during founding of our country
This will provide clear structure for curriculum and reinforce understanding of our shared American origins.
There is new requirement for mandatory teaching about failures of totalitarian systems requiring students to learn about communism & fascism failures and include events like the Holocaust, Stalin’s purges, and Mao’s Great Leap Forward. This will teach children the historical consequences of authoritarianism and help them understand the benefits of freedom vs. oppression.
New curriculum content rules will require all instructional materials must be factually accurate, use primary sources be academically rigorous, and inspire patriotism which promotes moral character. Western civilization heritage, and the appreciation of U.S. government will also be mandatory coursework. This will raise quality standards and encourage source-based learning.
English/Language Arts must now incorporate founding-era texts and Revolutionary-era literature. This will reinforce civics across subjects and build historical literacy through reading
There will be changes to Civics Testing Requirements and students must now pass a civics test and take government/history coursework. The test must include Constitution principles, Federal powers, Electoral college, and the branches of government. This will ensure baseline civic knowledge and standardized expectations statewide.
There is a new requirement to encourage (not force) George Washington portraits to be displayed in classrooms. This will reinforce historical awareness.
This new law gives me hope and may signal a shift back toward stronger curriculum, clearer standards, and a renewed focus on what truly matters in American education. It is a real opportunity to redirect our classrooms back toward knowledge, truth, citizenship and accountability. With its passage, we will finally be taking a meaningful step in the right direction.
Our current Idaho students may become the remnant and future foundation that preserves this Republic for the next 250 years!
(Idaho Department of Lands Press Release, May 6, 2026)
Boise, ID — Starting May 10, Idaho residents outside city limits are required to obtain a burn permit for most outdoor burning activities. The annual closed burning season runs through October 20, ensuring compliance with Idaho law (Idaho Code 38-115) and the reduction of unwanted human caused wildfires.
Who needs a permit: Individuals living outside city limits anywhere in Idaho, who plan to burn for any reason including yard waste and crop residue must obtain a burn permit. Recreational campfires do NOT require a burn permit.
How to get a Burn Permit: Visit the self-service website https://burnpermits.idaho.gov/ Permits are available seven days a week and are immediately issued and valid. A permit may also be issued by your local IDL office. Burn Permits are free and good for 10 days. You must have your permit with you when burning. No matter where you want to burn and what you plan to burn, our system will either issue you the burn permit you need on the spot or tell you which entity to contact for alternate or additional permits. Using burnpermits.idaho.gov also connects you to tips for safe burning practices.
Why get a Burn Permit: Obtaining a burn permit lets fire managers know where permitted burning is occurring so they can respond more quickly, potentially reducing the liability of the burner. Permits also help prevent false runs to fires that are reported to dispatch, saving firefighting resources for instances when they truly are needed. And it is the law.
How to know if burning is allowed: Visit burnpermits.idaho.gov to learn about the types of burning allowed in your fire protection district. Some types of burning may not be allowed at times due to heightened wildfire risk. Additionally, some local jurisdictions and counties may have other burning requirements or restrictions in place. Always check with your local fire department or county sheriff’s office before lighting.
Air quality restrictions: Ensure your burn complies with air quality regulations. Visit the Idaho DEQ website at https://www.deq.idaho.gov/air-quality/smoke-and-burning/ for more details or contact your Tribal government if burning within Reservation boundaries.
Additional assistance: If you have questions about Burn Permits and requirements, contact Idaho Department of Lands Fire Management in Coeur d’Alene at (208) 769-1525.
(Bannock County Press Release, May 4, 2026; Cover photo credit: Bannock County)
April has been a busy month at the DMV. With warmer weather and current water levels, we’ve seen an increase in boat registrations—sure signs that summer is on the way. We know many of you are looking forward to the season ahead, and so are we.
Our team has also been working through spring training with ITD to stay current on updated processes and policies. We’ll be attending additional virtual trainings in May and June covering upcoming legislative changes and how they will impact DMV offices statewide. I’ll share more on that soon.
Scam Alert
I also want to remind everyone about ongoing scam text messages posing as DMV communications. These messages continue to circulate every few weeks and are becoming more sophisticated, often referencing legal terms like “district court,” “license suspension,” or unpaid fees (remember, Idaho has no toll roads). When these go out in waves like this, our phone lines get very busy here, so we appreciate your patience when contacting us or visiting us.
A new round began on April 29, 2026, and is still circulating. These messages may come from various phone numbers or email addresses. Please do not click any links or share personal information. If you have already interacted with one of these messages and provided financial details, contact your financial institution right away.
While ITD does have the option for you to receive email or text reminders for your vehicle and driver license renewals, they would never contact you in regards to an infraction or fine via text. ITD isn’t who would send those out in the first place, and it would be sent in letter correspondence format if you actually had something pending.
