Fighting violence with peace

It gets to me every time. In case you missed it shortly before the Super Bowl, NFL players and politicians again recited the Declaration of Independence this year, line-by-line reminders of its vital import. The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, which celebrates its 33rd birthday this week, shares its founding principles:

"(It is a) self-evident truth that all persons are created equal. We believe that the dignity of each human being is inviolable." (Idahohumanrights.org)

Bullying - that sad psychological need to demean others in order to feel better about oneself - takes all forms: simple exclusion (is exclusion ever simple?), words, and all levels of violence; children on playgrounds, businesses and employees, pedestrians on sidewalks, even homes. When law protects bullies or government watches idly, the resulting society is no place for anyone to live, as history proves time and again.

In the first week of February 1981, a small group met at the First Christian Church in Coeur d'Alene to discuss concerns over separate acts of bullying against a Jewish restaurant owner and a bi-racial family. Local resident Dina Tanners organized the meeting. She is now known as the mother of the Task Force.

She knew that evil triumphs when good men do nothing.

Over the next three decades, KCTFHR worked diligently and made impressive history. In the early days and through the 1990s, they lobbied officials to pass a series of criminal laws to combat hate crimes in Idaho, laws now fundamental to and actively used in prosecution throughout the state. Just last year they worked with cities to pass anti-discrimination ordinances which served as impetus to more around the state.

Throughout, KCTFHR continues to aid victims of prejudice in hate crimes, employment, and all kinds of discrimination, and other forms of bullying. Sometimes aid rises to facilitating legal needs, such as the infamous case in 1998 against the Aryan Nations (with tireless volunteer attorney and then-board member Norm Gissel), effectively destroying the group's Hayden compound in 2000 via bankruptcy. Gissel had also assisted the FBI in solving 1986 bombings in Coeur d'Alene and Spokane. A couple of years earlier, founding Task Force member Larry Broadbent discovered "The Order" (and informed the FBI); his efforts helped bring down a murdering, robbing, violent gang considered the most violent domestic terrorist group in the U.S. at the time.

So that's history; how about now?

They have long been close partners with North Idaho College and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, as well as many others to offer scholarships and other programs, seminars, celebrations and both direct and indirect aid to oppressed groups and individuals. Their 21-member board includes 12 seats designated for the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and local government, law enforcement, and chamber of commerce; plus various ethnic, religious, and other minorities.

Human rights can not be achieved alone. Mutual reliance is the very heart of their work, and the essence of man's survival.

Wednesday's upcoming presentation by internationally known anti-discrimination expert Stephen Wessler highlights their current focus. Speaking at the Kroc Center at 7 p.m., the former assistant attorney general for Maine will speak about bullying, its harmful effects on children, the roles of bias and discrimination, and how to address them. KCTFHR and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, with additional funding by Kootenai Electric Trust, are actively working with area schools to help staff and students understand and cope with bullying in schools (which often begins at home).

This work may be the most important. No man is free until all are free; a thriving democratic society isn't possible without it. We have a long way to go.

Laws are basic, yes. But more lasting are their foundations in human thought - beginning with children. It is they who will determine our direction. Forks in the road remain ahead; will they continue down this path paved with fear, or will they take the less-traveled, the one which meets anger and hate with open arms, multiple viewpoints, and forgiveness?

KCTFHR has met organized demonstrations of prejudice with grace. "Lemons to Lemonade" raised thousands of dollars during a racist parade; press conferences, mailings, and speakers ended a mass mailing campaign of hate literature and later, a rally. These peaceful responses even after members have endured anger and violence, including bombings and attacks on themselves and their homes, show they "walk the talk." It takes enduring strength to fight the weaker, more common urge to take an eye for an eye (and leave the world blind).

The committed use of non-violence to combat violence puts KCTFHR in good company. Gandhi said, "Non-violence is not inaction. It is not for the timid or weak... It is hard work. It is the willingness to sacrifice, and the patience to win."

Winning is not in doubt; only the time required. To learn more of this labor of patience call (208) 765-3932 or visit Idahohumanrights.org. Sincere thanks to board member Tony Stewart for his help gathering information for this column.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network who knows firsthand the effects of bullying and prejudice, and the importance of peaceful response. Contact her at [email protected].