When Idaho Governor Butch Otter, Senator Mike Crapo and U.S. Congressman Raul Labrador arrived in Bonners Ferry Saturday morning, they weren't merely welcomed by the glad-hand crowd.

Instead, they had to pass a line of picketers on their way to the Kootenai River Inn ... children, teachers, retirees, state workers ... local people concerned about decisions our state legislators have made regarding such issues as jobs, education, Medicaid, worker's rights, guns on campus and more.

They were there, they said, to address the legacy the governor and other elected officials appear to be bringing to this state in the face of an ever tightening economy. They peacefully lambasted Otter and Department of Education Secretary Tom Luna on reducing the number of teachers for Idaho's students, and on cuts to the poor and middle class through reductions in Medicaid.

In a season filled with Republican celebrations throughout the state, the greeting our elected delegation was echoed throughout the state, as protesters respectfully chanted, "What does Democracy look like? This is what Democracy looks like!"

All by similar citizens, they say, exercising their rights and voicing their disappointment in Otter's leadership.