Two weeks ago, as a member of the Boise and Idaho communities, I felt compelled to alert decision makers to the problem posed by protesters disrupting the homes of our elected officials. We have collected nearly 2,000 signatures in the hope of gaining the attention of those who make decisions about protecting the public and those who serve it. 

This issue gathered interest quickly, here and elsewhere, and the city, under the watch of the national press, is engaged in discourse about acceptable forms of protest. This is a time that, while not necessarily as unprecedented as many claim, is fraught with social and political discord. Since launching this petition, we have heard many perspectives. While I, and I would argue that epidemiological science itself, may vehemently disagree with certain points of view regarding the pandemic and our actions to keep one another safe against it, none of us must abide incivility or threats of violence.

The right to express one’s view without fearing for one’s safety (whether by implicit or explicit threat) is one of the important beliefs setting our democracy apart from other societies.  This right must be protected for all.

While those who signed the petition would no doubt agree with this call for civility, I hope they would also join me in challenging our elected officials to open avenues of discussions for all citizens who agree and who disagree with the goal of community wellbeing. 

Let us work together to now allow the discourteous acts of a few further divide us. Thus closes the work of this petition, though the work of ensuring civility continues, as does the pandemic that has consumed our attentions. Watch for this discussion to persist among members of Boise’s City Council, as well as other elected officials.