I woke up Saturday morning (July 17) to the beginning of a beautiful day. But, as a downtown merchant, I was somewhat irritated by the need to go downtown to keep watch at my business during the Aryan parade. You never know what that ever-diminishing debacle will bring. I was so glad I went downtown. Here's why:
1. I was witness to our Constitution in action -- one that allows idiots like the Aryans to visit our town, make their statement, and safely go back home even though they are one of the smallest and most detested of views.
2. I was witness to an excellent execution of peace-keeping by the local city, county and state police. Some may say they were over-prepared, but I disagree. Nothing was damaged, no one was hurt, and it was all over by noon. Well done.
It certainly had its costs. Most downtown merchants were unable to open until noon, and those that could saw sharply smaller crowds than usual. Of course, the cost to taxpayers to keep the peace was substantial as well. But I believe it was a price worth paying to be a shining example of what makes this country great.
As I walked back to my truck, I stopped at McEuen Field. There was a car auction going on, people walking the streets on the way to the beach, and the sound aluminum bats heralded the Legion baseball tournament nearby. When I turned back toward Sherman Avenue, the police tape was gone and business was bustling. You couldn't detect any of the blemish of earlier that day.
I thought to myself -- this is the real Coeur d'Alene.
It was a beautiful day.
JIM PIERCE
Coeur d'Alene
