Becoming an Idahoan

On the weekend, I posted my thoughts on some thoughtful letters to the editor regarding one Idahoans complaint of Californians being liberals who were ruining Idaho. Now for some not thoughtful letters. We get this letter from Rose Smith:

Mike. Bradbury’s letter was rude. Please apologize to all the newcomers. All Idahoans are not like that. He implied it’s the Californians who have polluted, overpopulated and can’t drive. Well I drive and live here too mister and I don’t see a lot of California plates.

Yeah, Rose, that doesn’t prove anything because if you’re from California, you have to surrender your plates after 90 days. So you may have 1A or 2C Idaho plates, but that doesn’t tell us where you’re from originally, though most people will guess California if you’re a bad driver.

Then “Boise Native” Chris Ballard writes:

In response to Mike Bradbury of Mountain Home, July 9 letter on “newcomers.” Maybe we should get Mr. Bradbury a white robe and hood.

Nice and intelligent. Look, part of coming from California to Idaho is getting razzed for being from California. We can tell who is overly sensitive by hearing who screeches at the stereotypes and demands for apologies over it. When you get to the point that you don’t let other opinions bother you, enjoy living in Idaho, and think of yourself as an Idahoan, then you’re really part of the club. The easily offended and brittle folks who write screeching emotional letters to the editor aren’t quite there yet.