Many years ago, while passing through Lake Tahoe, I decided to play a little blackjack in a Nevada casino. I got a couple of hours of entertainment out of $40, which was all I expected. Later, I realized that because I tipped the dealer every time I had a half chip, she actually walked away with more money than I did.
That memory came back to me last week as I thought about who really benefits from all the outrage bait and hysterical rhetoric that fills today’s political discourse. Lobbyists, PACs, and other organizations claiming to serve high-minded ideals often get paid whether or not those ideals ever turn into policy.
That’s why I’ve chosen to focus on productive politics rather than ragebait. The next time you get a flier or fundraising email, ask yourself: are they truly working for change, or are they just getting paid? There are lots of figures and groups with great-sounding words, but how many have a record of action?
The Chronicle is reader-supported, of course, but my mission is always front and center: empowering you to make positive change here in Idaho. That’s why I continue to provide resources like Idaho Insider free of charge. If you find that valuable and want me to keep building it, I welcome your support. If you aren’t able to support my work, that’s fine! I hope you still find it valuable. I’m working to ensure the Gem State remains a free and prosperous place for my posterity—and yours—for generations to come.
Paid subscribers via Substack get bonus notes with some articles, giving me an opportunity to share behind-the-scenes thoughts with supporters, as well as early access to podcasts.
Do you have a small business you want to advertise? I’ll put your ad on the top of the Chronicle homepage, on the article sidebar, and will shout it out on any podcasts I release during the sponsorship. I’ll also write an article on behalf of sponsors, whether about a particular issue or just sharing their story. Send me a message and we’ll get it done. Take the time to visit my regular sponsors, Lynn Bradescu’s Keller Williams Realty and Money Metals! I appreciate the support!
I’ve relaunched the Merch Store with a couple of new branded items. Let me know if you have any ideas for items you’d like to see made available.
Make sure you’ve bookmarked Idaho Insider, your one stop shop for everything you need to know about your elected officials. I recently launched a new resource with links to every county’s elections website, so check that out too!
The past week at the Chronicle…
On Tuesday, I examined the issue of online identities, and discussed ways to keep yourself and your family grounded in an increasingly unreal world.
On Thursday, I looked at the city council race in my hometown of Eagle.
On Friday, I reported my thoughts following the first and only meeting of the COVID-19 Response Study Committee. Will we have accountability?
Also Friday, regular contributor Savanna DeHay published a well-sourced article about the potential benefits of a carnivore diet.
I also published a slough of op-eds and newsletters from Sen. Jim Risch, Idaho GOP chair Dorothy Moon, an update from the Idaho State Tax Commission, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, another from Sen. Risch, and Congressman Mike Simpson’s weekly newsletter.
Whether we agree or disagree with our elected officials and influential political figures, I think it’s important to hear what they have to say. The Gem State Chronicle is a resource for as much information as possible to help you be more effective and engaged.
If you would like Gem State Chronicle to publish your work, please submit it to editor@gemstatechronicle.com. We are pleased to provide an outlet for a wide variety of figures in the world of Idaho politics to share their own messages.
In other news…
Substacks:
Sen. Brian Lenney and Wayne Hoffman engaged in an interesting point/counterpoint over how much government should regulate online pornography. Read Lenney’s post and Hoffman’s response.
Local Yocal Idaho examined the effects of the government shutdown on Idaho.
Sen. Lenney had another post this week on the potential detrimental effects of libertarianism on Idaho.
Rep. Rob Beiswenger shared his thoughts on the COVID committee for the Idaho Freedom Caucus Substack.
Bill Colley shared his perspective on the changing face of news media.
Videos:
Michael Malice had a hard-hitting conversation with journalist Lara Logan, who has seen some of the worst that this world has to offer and come out stronger than ever:
In what was almost a response to my article on revival last week, Idaho’s own Pastor Doug Wilson explains that revival is insufficient for America right now:
Tucker Carlson sat down with Larry Sanger, who co-founded Wikipedia, to discuss where that platform went wrong and how to put it right:
Upcoming Events:
Rep. Josh Tanner’s golf tournament is coming up in a week. I think there are still spots available:
The Ada County GOP is hosting a fundraiser dinner featuring Mike Baker on October 17. Check it out:
Thank you all for your support as I continue to bring you news and analysis that empowers you to make positive change in Idaho. Make sure to subscribe, follow me on Twitter, and follow the Chronicle on Facebook, Telegram, YouTube, and Rumble. Have a great rest of your weekend, and may you be renewed for the days to come.