Task force: Racist postcards will only unite us

By TONY STEWART

Special to The Press

Since the establishment of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations in February 1981 following the targeting of a Jewish restaurant owner in Hayden, one of our many responsibilities has been to condemn in no uncertain terms the words and acts of purveyors of hate who have attempted to demean, dehumanize or threaten any of our citizens.

During almost 40 years, we have confronted groups such as the Aryan Nations, the KKK and other extremists’ groups as they spread their messages of hate by declaring people of color as the mud race, vile anti-Semitic literature, calling for the death of members of the LGBT community, and their targeting members of certain religions to name a few of the intended targets.

One such example from the past was the 2003 Hayden mayoral candidacy of Aryan Nations’ leader Richard Butler when he distributed flyers attacking the religious affiliation of the Honorable Mayor Ron McIntire. At the time, we spoke out strongly condemning that hatred and bigotry.

The KCTFHR has been fortunate and blessed to partner with members of the religious, business and educational communities, state and local Republican and Democratic elected leaders such as Gov. Phil Batt (R) and Gov. Cecil Andrus (D), law enforcement, the courts and the people of goodwill to promote and advance the principles of democracy.

Unfortunately this week we have witnessed yet another hate-filled message in an attempt to sow division among our citizens with a massive mailing of a cartoon postcard to the residents of Coeur d’Alene. Among other things, it depicts an African American gentleman with the face of a primate, spews religious bigotry, demeans members of the LGBT community and targets three Coeur d’Alene citizens for ridicule in an attempt to demonize them.

Christie Wood, the president of the KCTFHR, a retired police officer and military veteran, is depicted as a sympathizer of communism.

Coeur d’Alene Mayor Steve Widmyer became a target for issuing a proclamation recognizing and honoring the United States Constitution on the 232nd anniversary of our most important document for establishing our democracy.

Another citizen was targeted for her willingness to express her opinion.

We not only condemn this message of hate but assure these anonymous purveyors of hate that they will not divide us but rather unite us in the pursuit of respect and dignity for all.

The late Catholic priest Bill Wassmuth stated it best: “Saying Yes to Human Rights is the Best Way to Say No to Prejudice and Bigotry.”

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This statement was issued Friday by Tony Stewart, secretary of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Board of Directors.