March 31, 2023
Dear Editor:
My name is Master Sergeant Bethany Stanley, U.S. Army, retired. I served faithfully at home, abroad, and in combat. I now live in Pocatello.
War changes a person. We now keep our heads on a swivel teach our children to always be on the lookout for harm. I am the wife of a two-time combat veteran and mother to two young beautiful daughters that are 10 and 7.
My experience, and my husband’s experience, have created fighters out of our young girls. My husband and I have taught them some basic self defense. We have taught them their firearm safety rules. We have taught them the concept of Run-Hide-Fight and the necessity for immediate obedience. We have prepared them as best we can at their tender ages to protect themselves from harm. They also know that if anyone were to ever touch them, and they say “No” or “Stop”, that they are allowed to fight back by any means necessary. In no way are we going to allow them to be victims of a hostile place or person.
Imagine our shock at learning that such a safe haven and sacred place as the library could actually lead to long-term harm. My husband and I adamantly oppose the books that were discussed at Tuesday’s Town Hall meeting. They have no place in a public library and easily accessible to children. I took a look through the library on Monday and was appalled at the literature that is available to teen and “young readers”. No wonder we have a mental health crisis in our nation! Now, multiple leaders and politicians throughout Pocatello are willing to let disgusting books that many would call pornographic, despicable, and grooming in nature be available to children. This filth has no place in our public library, a place that should be safe for our children.
Bethany Stanley,
Pocatello
