Only virtuous people are capable of freedom

Some criticize Sage Dixon and the House Ethics Committee’s actions to be unethical and political corruption. The issue springs from a “conservative” legislator’s (Aaron von Ehlinger) dinner with a 19-year-old intern that ended in sex and eventually two felony charges.

Following their investigation, the Ethics Committee recommended Ehlinger be removed from office; he resigned before the vote.

"Conservative" Priscilla Giddings, R-White Bird, wanting to "bring out the other side of the story," helped disseminate the intern’s identity. Giddings boasted using her military training (decorated Air Force combat pilot) to deceive or mislead the enemy when she testified under oath (the truth … and nothing but …) before the Ethics Committee. Perhaps “conservative” Ehlinger could also boldly explain away his actions following dinner with the 19-year-old intern by citing his war veteran training in the 101st Airborne.

Merriam-Webster defines ethics as: 1) the discipline dealing with what is good and bad and with moral duty and obligation.

Our nation is plagued with unethical behavior. Ehlinger’s admitted actions were wrong and unethical regardless of the outcome of his criminal charges, his military service, who supports him or what part of a political party he is.

For those who call the efforts of our good Rep. Sage Dixon to be unethical, your stone-throwing is in the wrong direction and does not help the cause of moral duty and obligation.

Only virtuous people are capable of freedom.

STEVE TANNER

Bonners Ferry