A lesson for the rest of the country

In reading the letters to the editor, it occurred to me that the farther away from a situation, the more of an expert a person becomes. I saw where several citizens were alarmed and frightened with the display of weapons recently in our town. I was there two nights this week and saw firsthand what the reactions of citizens were.

What I saw when I first arrived Tuesday night were the protesters on one side of the street and the “militia” on the other side. After about one and a half hours, the protesters came over to our side of the street and stood with us. Continuing to protest but much closer. I saw members of both sides occasionally mingling and talking about the situation. I saw two cars come to a stop on Sherman and hurl swear words at the protesters. I saw several members of the “militia” walk out to the car, talk with the individuals and ask them to move on. I saw one of those cars return later and apologize for his remarks. I saw a protester come over to our group and ask if one of us might escort them to their car when they were finished. The answer was quickly given by several of the “militia” that they would be happy to. I saw more intermingling of groups Thursday night during the protests. I spoke with maybe 50-60 members of the “militia” during the two days and without fail they expressed a desire for nothing to happen and that the protesters be given their right to speak, even if they didn’t agree with them 100%. I saw many, many people come up and thank us for being there and even one local businessman giving out free meal coupons to the “militia.” This was followed by him stating, “I was never so proud of Northern Idaho in my whole life.”

What I did not see were any confrontations between the protesters and the “militia.” I did not hear hate speech from any member of the “militia.” I did not see any violence or destruction of property by anybody present. I did not see any unwise use or threats with weapons or even a weapon unholstered or pointed at anyone. I did not see any disappointment in the “militia” because everything was so peaceful.

In short, I think the negative comments seen in the editorial section speaks more to the individuals than the actions of the “militia.” The citizens of Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho stepped up big time and presented a great lesson for the rest of the country.

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Michael Glass is a resident of Hayden.