PATRIOT FRONT: Send message via prosecution

A friend expressed dismay over the national news about the 31 members of the Patriot Front group arrested here; one more episode tainting the community image, recalling the dark days of the Aryan Nations. I countered, saying news of the swift, professional actions of local police, sheriff, and state police, clearly shows — while this can be a loving and caring place, our town is not to be messed with when it comes to mob rioting, group acts of malicious harassment or intimidation.

Swift, convincing justice is warranted, with prosecution to the full extent of the law under Idaho's most stringent malicious harassment laws in the nation (thanks to the Task Force) for the 30 ne'er-do-wells from many states. Even misdemeanor maximum penalties of $1,000 fine and a year in jail will send a strong message, particularly when reported in their local papers across the country.

The ringleader, well-known and notorious for riotous events, should be charged with a felony under the state malicious harassment statutes due to the magnitude of the operation, the multi-state outreach, and the likely consequences of the planned actions and threatening behavior of these perpetrators, who, when arrested, wore masks, body armor, and carried shields. Claims of rights of free speech wither in view of their intended intimidation of picnickers dancing in the park.

The efforts and strong, courageous presence of the Task Force and those supporting it are greatly appreciated. Taking a strong stand with conviction and the weight of the law is as critical now as ever. Sending a strong message to these miscreants is essential with the eyes of the nation on this area, possibly attracting people thinking of moving here for the wrong reasons.

My T-shirt slogan would be:

"IDAHO LAW ENFORCEMENT-31, SUPREMACIST RIOTERS-0"

J.A. "SANDY" EMERSON

Coeur d'Alene