OUR TOWN: A place of tolerance

We are proud to be part of the Coeur d’Alene community, especially at this moment. When our nation was rocked by the appalling event in Minneapolis, every citizen was horrified and many decided to protest. Unfortunately, rioters, looters and thugs infiltrated peaceful demonstrations in every part of the country — every part, that is, EXCEPT North Idaho.

Because people here believe in BOTH our right to free speech, and our right to bear arms to protect ourselves, our neighbors and private property, the villains avoided Coeur d’Alene. Of course, some among us prefer to believe that Antifa and other trouble makers coming here was “just a rumor” to which we “over-reacted.” We believe the presence of the men and women of the impromptu militia thwarted the invasion and assured the safety of our community.

For those who embrace the culture of fear being promoted by certain elements of society, the culture that would have you afraid of the very citizens who defended our Coeur d’Alene, ask yourself why outsiders want you to fear your friends and neighbors. The rest of us will not let fear distort our perception of our community. We choose to honor the heroic action of those who stepped forward to protect Coeur d’Alene, and we offer them our utmost gratitude and admiration!

JOYCE FORD

CHERYL INGLE

BARBARA TURNER

Coeur d’Alene