Public Safety Concern Might Justify Refusing Racists A Permit For Parade

I was on the board of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations during the 1980s and early 1990s, when the task force helped the community deal with a number of problems caused by the presence of the Aryan Nations.

We managed through legal means to divert attention and slow media interest in their activities, while educating the public about human rights issues. The Idaho State Malicious Harassment Law was enacted during that period and is regarded as a model for other states.

So, I received with deep concern the news that Richard Butler again has requested permission to conduct an Aryan Nations parade in Coeur d’Alene. I understand the legal ramifications of denying a parade permit to the Aryan Nations but think there may be several courses of action that might prevent this event from taking place.

Could the city use as a precedent the issue raised by citizens a few years ago regarding the reinstituting of hydroplane races on Coeur d’Alene Lake? A majority of residents voted to deny a permit that would have allowed the races again because of all the undesirables who might be attracted to town.

It seems the city is now faced with a more dangerous situation, with Butler already inviting more than 100 Nazis and racist skinheads to Coeur d’Alene April 19 for his parade.

This leads to a second suggestion.

If, after conferring with the local office of the FBI, the police chief and the sheriff’s department, the law enforcement people advise against granting the parade a permit based on community safety issues, doesn’t the city have a firm basis for denial?

Skinheads from all over the country will be here, making it impossible for law enforcement to predict the potential for violence.

People in this area are pretty upset about the possibility of this community hosting a parade of this kind. Can you imagine what a field day the national and international media would have with this? Plus, we are starting our tourist season about this time.

If the city feels it has no option but to allow the parade, consider the actions taken in Pulaski, Tenn., when the Ku Klux Klan was granted a parade permit in the 1980s. During the day of the parade, both before and after, the town shut down. All stores and shops were closed around the parade route and residents stayed away from the area. When the Klan marched, there was no one to watch and no place for a Klansman to even get a drink of water.

I have film coverage on this. It’s of interest that Butler marched with them.

The message that went out loud and clear through the media was that the town did not support the Klan or its ideology.

We can’t be sure, however, that people would not come to the parade to support Butler here. We have a racist image because we do have racists living here.

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