How to avert a June 11 showdown

It’s not enough that mainstream media disseminates fake news, apparently.

Now, according to an expert named Bear, the media helps set up violent conflicts so it can somehow profit from the ensuing mayhem and human mutilation.

No, we are not making this up.

A recent press release from the Panhandle Patriots Riding Club daring media to share it — hey, the strategy worked — says this:

“It is the media’s goal to instigate a conflict, take photos of that conflict, and then produce media stories labeling our group and anyone associated with us as violent, racist and hateful while ignoring the antics of Antifa, Black Lives Matter, and LGBT extremists.”

The press release only builds upon that foundation of absurdity, going on to blame media instigation for the mess in Charlottesville and the Jan. 6 insurrection at the nation’s capitol.

We in the media have developed especially thick skin the past few years, but you caught us with our unprotected funny bone exposed. Press releases like the one from Panhandle Patriot Riders make us laugh so much it hurts.

What’s not funny, though, is what’s shaping up to be a showdown. So in complete seriousness, we say this:

You, Panhandle Patriots Riding Club, are not our enemy. We in the media wish you no harm. While we believe you are gravely mistaken that gay people are trying to consume your children body and soul, we recognize your right to legally gather and show off your First and Second Amendment rights.

The Pride group wants just what you want — minus the guns 'n ammo part. Both groups wish to gather peaceably and celebrate something they believe in. It just so happens that the groups are going to be in close proximity at close to the same times, and one is very likely to be armed, while the other is very likely to wield pens rather than swords.

The solution, pure and simple, is to stay away from each other — don't tread on thee.

The Pride people have City Park; the patriot patrol has McEuen. With The Coeur d’Alene Resort serving as an effective buffer, let those groups do their things, legally, peacefully and separately.

Then there will be no violence — and no massive, mysterious profits manufactured by the evil media.