E Pluribus Unum: Out of many, one

In recent years, Coeur d'Alene has experienced several disturbing incidents of hate and harassment targeting underrepresented minorities. These incidents have included verbal attacks and other forms of discrimination. A recent event occurred in McEuen Park, where youths from the Coeur d'Alene Tribe were verbally harassed. This incident underscores the ongoing presence of intolerance and bigotry in our community. Tragically, this vitriol seems to be the norm on social media, but our beloved community must consider holding itself to a higher standard.

In addition to the harassment faced by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, there have been multiple reports of hate speech and discriminatory behavior directed at people of different races, sexual orientations and identities. These incidents have sparked concern among citizens and community leaders. Despite statements made by many that denounce those beliefs, the persistence of hate-related incidents highlights the urgent need for a concerted and unified response from the entire community.

The issue of hate and harassment in Coeur d'Alene is not new. During the 1980s and 1990s, the community faced a similar challenge with the presence of the Aryan Nations, a white supremacist group that established its headquarters in the area. The group's activities included promoting hate speech, organizing rallies and committing acts of violence against minorities. I was in high school at the time. I remember this period was marked by tension and fear within the community, as residents and local leaders grappled with the impact of such extreme ideologies.

In response to the threat posed by the Aryan Nations back then, the people of Coeur d'Alene came together in a powerful display of unity and resilience. Local businesses, residents, students and organizations collaborated to drive the white nationalist group out of the area. Through legal action, public awareness campaigns and community solidarity, the Aryan Nations were eventually bankrupted, and their compound was closed in 2001. This successful effort demonstrated the community's steadfast resilience and our capacity to stand against hate and protect our values of respect, kindness and inclusivity. Woven into our cultural fabric, our community takes great pride in that powerful outcome.

The recent resurgence of hate incidents in Coeur d'Alene serves as a stark reminder that the fight against intolerance is ongoing. The community must once again rally together to address this issue decisively. Here are key reasons why citizens and businesses need to join forces and once again take action to preserve our neighborly, North Idaho way of life, where we respect others and take care of all.

a. Protecting Our Community Values: Coeur d'Alene prides itself on being a welcoming and inclusive community. Acts of hate and harassment directly undermine these values and threaten the social fabric that binds us together. By standing up against hate, we reaffirm our commitment to kindness, respect, civility, and inclusion.

b. Ensuring Safety and Well-being: No one in our community should feel unsafe or unwelcome because of their race, identity or beliefs. Harassment and discrimination create an environment of fear and division. By addressing these issues head-on, we can ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors, fostering a sense of consideration, security and belonging. We cannot ask the victims to continue to put up with this atrocious behavior. That is not the kind of community we are.

c. Building a Positive Reputation: The perception of Coeur d'Alene, both locally and nationally, is influenced by how we respond to incidents of hate. Right now, the only message being shared about our beloved community is negative, with significant coverage of hate and discrimination. By taking a strong and united stance against these ideologies and actions, and by holding those who committed these actions to account, we can present our community as a place of kindness, civility and inclusivity. A positive and neighborly reputation is crucial for attracting visitors, businesses and new residents who share our values.

d. Learning from Our Past: The successful efforts to remove the Aryan Nations from Coeur d'Alene in the past demonstrate that our community has the strength and resilience to combat hate. We must draw on this history of unity and action to address the current challenges. The lessons learned from the 1980s and 1990s can guide our approach today.

e. Empowering Underrepresented Minorities: Underrepresented minorities often bear the brunt of hate and discrimination, with countless incidents going unreported. By standing up for them, we empower them and ensure their voices are heard and valued. This empowerment is essential for creating a truly inclusive and equitable society, the kind of society intended for our nation, and the kind that our men and women in our armed forces have fought and continue to fight to preserve.

f. Encouraging Economic Growth: A community that values diversity is more likely to attract businesses and investors who prioritize these principles. By promoting a culture of respect and unity, we can stimulate economic growth, increase investments, job creation and new opportunities for all residents.

The principles of unity and inclusivity are deeply rooted in the foundational values of the United States of America, the country we all hold so dearly. The original motto of our nation, E Pluribus Unum — "Out of many, one" — emphasizes the importance of coming together as a single, unified nation despite our diverse backgrounds. This motto reflects the belief that our strength lies in our ability to embrace and celebrate our differences while working toward common goals.

Additionally, the Preamble of the Constitution outlines the intent and philosophy behind the creation of our nation's foundational document. It states:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

These words remind us that the pursuit of justice, tranquility and general welfare is our collective responsibility. The emphasis then, on forming a more perfect union and promoting the general welfare, aligns with the idea that we must work together to create a community where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

It is time for our citizens and businesses to rise up and build a collective plan to strengthen our community for a better tomorrow; this is a call to action for the entire Coeur d'Alene region to come together and reaffirm our commitment to respect, kindness and inclusivity. By learning from our past and taking tangible steps to address the resurgence of these vile actions, we will build a stronger, more united community that stands as a beacon of kindness and civility for all.

If you are interested in joining our Better Together Coalition to help build a comprehensive action plan, please email me at linda@cdachamber.com.