I believe that the so-called Serenity Prayer is central to any human endeavor:
God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.
The true cost of anything, whether time, energy, or capital, is the opportunity to have done something else. Every moment we spend following national stories that are completely out of our control is a moment we could have put toward actually changing things in our own state and communities.
That’s not to say we should never take a break from political work—goodness knows we all need it. Rather, it’s a reminder to focus on priorities that actually matter.
As Sen. Glenneda Zuiderveld put it in a Substack post yesterday:
And now is the time for practical action. If you want honest government, fiscal restraint, and leaders who answer to YOU, not to lobbyists, not to party bosses, and not to federal strings, then join me. Talk to your neighbors. Show up. Vote. Volunteer. Support candidates who refuse to sell Idaho’s future to the highest bidder. The only thing standing between Idaho and political overreach is an informed, courageous, and engaged people.
Or, as Idaho GOP chair Dorothy Moon wrote this week:
Benjamin Franklin said we have a republic if we can keep it. National news may dominate the headlines, but local politics is where the real work gets done. It’s time to step up, get engaged, and do your part to keep our republic.
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The past week at the Chronicle…
On Monday, I dove into the complex web of public utility monopolies—private companies, sometimes even partly-owned by firms like Blackrock, which are nevertheless tangled up in government.
On Tuesday, I checked in on the costs for renovating ITD’s State St. campus. Was holding on to the building a good deal?
On Friday, I laid out how political machines work, using Gov. Brad Little’s operation as an example. When facing an organized system like that, we can either complain, or play the game better.
I also reported on Will Eddy being appointed Shoshone County Sheriff, the latest chapter in that small town saga.
This week I published op-eds and newsletters from Suzanne Knorr on water issues, Idaho GOP chairwoman Dorothy Moon, an update from the Idaho State Tax Commission, Attorney General Raúl Labrador, Secretary of State Phil McGrane, KCRCC chairman Brent Regan, Sen. Jim Risch, and Congressman Mike Simpson.
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…
Substack:
Rep. Heather Scott sounded the alarm on digital currency.
Auron MacIntyre warned that if the Trump Administration doesn’t do the will of the people, the people will find someone who will.
Money Metals, a sponsor of this platform, published a podcast connecting the demise of the penny to decades of low interest rates and high inflation.
Sen. Brian Lenney asked why Idaho taxpayers are subsidizing AI-based education.
Radio host Bill Colley warned that socialism is on the horizon if we don’t correct our economic course.
Finally, the Legislative District 14 Republican Central Committee, which I am privileged to chair, voted unanimously to honor the life, work, and memory of Charlie Kirk. He visited Idaho perhaps more than any other national figure, and so he will always hold a special place in our hearts. It’s now on us to continue his work.
Videos:
Last week I found a new YouTube channel, hosted by author Hilary Layne. I’ve been catching up on her videos and this one jumped out at me. Vast swathes of the American people were so badly taught how to read that they struggle to understand basic concepts. What does this mean as citizens of a Republic?
Rufo and Lomez continue to hit it out of the park with their new podcast. They released two more episodes this week, the first of which laid out exactly what President Trump should do to continue the momentum from the incredible weeks following his inauguration:
Meanwhile, John Doyle explains that, contra the blackpillers, President Trump really has accomplished a lot thus far:
Tucker Carlson has been under fire for having the audacity to interview the wrong people. He responds to those criticisms and chats with Nalin Haley, a Zoomer and the son of a former Republican governor and presidential candidate:
Idaho’s own Pastor Doug Wilson lays out the path that those of us on the right must follow if we want to save our country:
Former Idaho state senator Steven Thayn is always thinking about the big picture. In this short video he urges Republicans to work together, because the real enemy is socialism, not each other:
I discovered yet another new channel this week (YouTube’s recommendation algorithm is actually pretty good). Jake the Lawyer has posted several videos explaining American history in the context of the law, including this one about what “separation of church and state” really means:
Jared Henderson dug into how algorithms have gained so much control over our attention, and what we can do about it:
Finally, Linus Sebastian of Linus Tech Tips demonstrates how far we’ve come with generative AI. The world is not ready for what is about to be unleashed:
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 have a lovely Thanksgiving Day!