Lieutenant Governor Speaks at Statewide Press Conference

“Idaho fights crisis with freedom and not with unconstitutional lockdowns,” said Gabriel Rench, resident of Moscow, Idaho. 

On Tuesday morning, over 200 viewers gathered on Facebook to watch a statewide press conference hosted by Idaho Strong for an event titled “Concerned Citizens Regarding Our Covid Challenges.” 

Community leaders, businessmen, a doctor, and pastors from across Idaho spoke—most notably, Idaho Lieutenant Governor, Janice McGeachin. Three Moscow residents—Pastor Toby Sumpter, Dr. Rod Story, Joel Cohen—also spoke. The event was coordinated by Idaho Strong, and put together by Gabriel Rench. 

One viewer expressed uncertainty about the purpose of the press conference, writing, “I thought this was a press conference for discussion on stopping the tyranny in Idaho with regards to unconstitutional health orders. I’m confused what the purpose is here?” 

Some viewers were negative about the press conference. One wrote, “So, my takeaway here is that if we want to have a serious conversation about what we can do about government overreach in response to COVID-19 in Idaho… we’ll have to do it some other time.”

Some viewers were encouraged by the press conference. At one point, Breanna Rose Barnes wrote, “Thank you for your inspiring words!!!”

The theme of the press conference emerged as encouragement. Several of the speakers encouraged the people of Idaho to have courage. Pastor Tim Remington, of Coeur D’Alene, said, “Today is all about trying to state the facts… I believe that people need to be uplifted just

a little bit in the midst of all of this.” Keith Boe, from Post Falls, exhorted everyone to pray and “focus on things which are in your control.” 

Another viewer, Christi Jackson, wrote saying, “Idahoans are resilient, responsible and resourceful – we know how to live without fear. God has blessed us with faith, hope and love for each other.”

Gabriel Rench, the moderator of the event, summarized the intent of the press conference saying, “We don’t fight crisis with a narrow and singular focus. When there’s a threat to our state, we engage the situation community by community, all the key players at the table.” 

Joel Cohen, a Moscow local, said, “Sometimes what looks like obedience to God is disobedience to tyrants.” For him, that disobedience is resistance to further mandates. He said, “[as a restaurant owner] I will resist shutting down; I will resist limiting my indoor seating; and if that means a court battle, I have to be willing to do that, though I don’t desire it.” 

Rob Corrin of Hailey, Idaho, spoke of prior community action as well. He said, “Over 200 Sun Valley residents (mostly business operators) came together to fight the proposed and even harsher restrictions being considered by the Hailey City Council. We were not only able to convince them not to initiate these restrictions, but also to roll back the 1 person per 64 sq. ft guideline for indoor business gatherings.” 

Dr. Rod Story, of Story Family Medicine, said, “Here’s one element that I would suggest we’re not paying attention to. We’ve watched the number creep up—we’re almost at a hundred thousand cases in Idaho—and what’s not being mentioned is that the vast majority of those have recovered and have returned to normal life.” Dr. Story highlighted low hospitalizations and declining fatality rates as well. 

Lieutenant Governor Janice McGeachin exhorted all Idahoans to take personal responsibility—to care for each other as leaders within communities. She remarked upon Thanksgiving, “This year marks 400 years of the pilgrims coming to America in celebration of religious freedom. So I trust you to celebrate with those you love in the way that you see fit… God bless you all and happy Thanksgiving.”