UGLY MESSAGES: Civility and respect needed

I think when the Founders gave Americans the right to free speech they lived in a society of honor and respect. Speakers were more often learned and educated citizens who used high debate and respectful discussions to solve conflict. Now we are more ugly and dangerous pugilists than lively, passionate debaters.

This was on a Hayden Walmart car window of a local shopper this week. One message said, "If it's tourist season, why can't we shoot 'em?" and another, "Californians — known to cause cancer in Idaho."

We are a city of settlers from anywhere. We are a tourist destination and service-based economy and for the most part we care about ALL people. Our cities are proud of making Idaho a place people want to visit and stay so let's not poison the well.

I would be mortified if a friend or a neighbor rolled up next to me with this foul and dangerous message. I hope our mothers' plea of "If you cannot say anything nice then do not say anything at all" sees a rebirth — soon.

LYNN FLEMING

Coeur d'Alene