ABUSE: Stand firmly against it in all forms

First and foremost, I offer my heartfelt and sincere disappointment to the University of Utah Utes team, its cheer team, and its band, along with the two other NCAA teams who found housing in Coeur d’Alene while participating in the Women’s NCAA March Madness competition.  

Second, I want to state clearly that the NCAA and Gonzaga representatives were not mistaken hoping for safe housing for their teams in Coeur d’Alene and North Idaho.

Coeur d’Alene is one of the most beautiful and special places in the United States. Its citizens, for the most part, are honest, accepting, tolerant, and want to show others what we have and cherish in the Inland Northwest region.  

It is not unfortunate…it is unconscionable, that racism, sexism, homophobia, etc., continues to exist in the Inland Northwest, as it does in most of the United States of America.  

Yes, it’s sad there are some individuals in our community who have not changed since the Aryan Nations left town. You thought the ugliness left with them…well, as I continue to say, “…the hatred, intolerance, ignorance, and lack of respect for all human beings continues here.”  

It is my hope and I encourage the Coeur d’Alene City Council to make a clear, unanimous statement against these incidents. I am asking…no, I am insisting, that Chief White and the Coeur d’Alene police utilize all avenues to identify if charging these individuals is warranted. They have brought disrespect upon themselves, their community and the nation at large.  

I will not stand by and watch this abuse continue in our home. I know there are many citizens who will also stand up.

RALPH SHAY

Coeur d’Alene