PRESS: Don't say 'stupid'

I commend The Press for publishing reader letters that may be opposite to some of the views held by The Press editorial board; however, someone at The Press lowered the editorial bar when he or she penned the headline, “On rights and the right to look stupid” (Press editorial April 15). Calling views held by others “stupid” has no place in The Press whether penned by The Press or its readers.

While I agree that the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Rights has done much good in its fight for equal rights, they and the city attorney should have spent more time studying the Idaho Constitution and the effect the anti-discrimination ordinance would have on others not the LGBT community. No law, or ordinance, should pit one factor of the Constitution against another. Case in point: The lawsuit, Hitching Post vs. City of Coeur d’Alene.

Constitution of the State of Idaho

Preamble: We the people of the state of Idaho, grateful to Almighty God for our freedom, to secure the blessings and promote our common welfare, do establish this constitution.

Article 1 Declaration of rights, Section 4: The exercise and enjoyment of religious faith and worship shall forever be guaranteed; and no person shall be denied any civil or political right, privilege, or capacity on account of his religious opinions…

Were the writers of our Constitution Stupid? Were the people who gathered to voice their concern that the ordinance had not addressed all Constitutional issues stupid? Was the governor stupid when he fought to uphold the Constitution? Were four of the nine Supreme Court members stupid when they disagreed with the majority?

I wrote the above questions knowing full well that The Press does not believe these dedicated men and women are stupid. The Press serves a vital place in the health of the community. I’m sure it would like to retract the offensive headline and get on with the fine work it is doing for the community.

LEONARD BRANT

Post Falls