OPINION: Waging peace, fighting disease, building hope

Four years ago this week, thousands of people gathered in Washington, D.C., upset by the outcome of the presidential election. We saw what happens when a president declines to step up as a leader. One hundred and forty police officers were assaulted, a building that should be revered was desecrated, and losses exceeded $2.8 million. 

In our nation’s 250-year history, violent incidents have erupted six times inside our Capitol building, including during the War of 1812 and prior to the Civil War — but never on such a magnitude as Jan. 6.  

More importantly, people died and lives were permanently changed. 

We must never forget what a lack of strong leadership cost the United States on Jan. 6. Such mayhem should never be repeated.

As we consider the path our nation is collectively taking, I want to refocus our attention toward the good in this world. While some people decided to vent their anger at America’s path by storming the Capitol, others are leaving legacies of progress by waging peace, fighting disease and building hope.

As I write this column, President Jimmy Carter’s body is being carried from his home in Plains, Ga., to Atlanta where he will lay in repose before a formal national funeral in Washington, D.C., next week.

Carter, at 100 years old, was our longest living president. He served only one term in the White House, losing reelection due to the Iran hostage crisis of 1979. 

Once he was out of office, Carter turned to charitable work. He devoted the last 43 years of his long and productive life to building houses at Habitat for Humanity and advocating for democracy in countries where it was threatened around the world.

The motto of The Carter Center says it all: “Waging Peace, Fighting Disease, Building Hope.” 

In Kootenai County, we just lost two other remarkable individuals, both named Steve: Steve Bruno and Steve Bell.

Steve Bruno was a local mason, who died suddenly after the November election. 

Steve laid the brick and block in many of our local buildings and homes, some of which you would certainly recognize while driving around town.

Masonry work became painfully difficult as Steve aged, so he ventured into politics. He managed campaigns and ran for office himself — even knowing he would likely lose. 

Steve was an ardent humanist whose Letters to the Editor appeared often in the Coeur d’Alene Press. 

Steve had a fire in his belly for social justice, human rights and fairness. 

Steve believed that the voters deserved a choice other than the far-right candidates who always emerge from our closed GOP primary system. 

The rock solid buildings that Steve helped to construct will outlive him, just as his memory will live on in the hearts and minds of those of us who knew and admired him.

Steve Bell also died recently and unexpectedly. 

Steve Bell was a native of Virginia who moved here out of love for his wife, Melisa Carper Bell.

I, along with hundreds of other friends and loved ones, attended a celebration of Steve’s life this past Saturday morning at Christ the King Lutheran Church.

The celebration was a gathering that absolutely overflowed with love.

Steve’s father, Alonzo Bell Sr., who traveled to Coeur d’Alene from Virginia, said he was still in disbelief over his son’s death. Yet he managed to wish us all well, saying “May the god of hope fill you with love, joy and peace.”

Steve’s older brother, Alonzo Bell Jr., was also in disbelief. He managed a smile as he recounted how their good natured childhood rivalry matured to mutual adoration and brotherly love.

Steve’s daughter, Chelsea, choking back tears, described her Dad’s sense of humor and his unbridled love for her.

Melisa, who is the mother of their two boys, said, “Humor is love language, and Steve made me laugh. Every day with Steve was a lovely day.” 

Melisa also specifically thanked the people of Coeur d’Alene for “wrapping us in their love and support.”

I found Melisa’s last comment particularly poignant.

Steve Bell was a Black man. He and his relatives were surely aware of the ongoing history of racial animus that has given our town a well-deserved black eye.

Yet in Saturday’s celebration, not one word was spoken about racial animus. Not one.

This was inspiring and a welcome relief.

In fact, after the ceremony, Steve’s cousin echoed Melisa when he told me that he had gone out shopping and been made to feel welcome by other local shoppers.

To close the celebration, Pastor Deuel had us recite the Lord’s Prayer.

“Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

These three men (a U.S. president, a bricklayer and a coach) all shared a reverence for love and human rights.

Their deaths, on top of the 2021 insurrection, make the current period between the November election and the January inauguration especially mournful and memorable.

But we are fortunate for having been a part of their lives.

So, rest in peace President Carter, Stephen Bruno and Steven Bell.

We mourn your passing and will carry on your efforts to wage peace, fight disease and build hope.

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Evan Koch is chairman of the Kootenai County Democrats.