The Ragged Edge Overcoming Distrust Was Our First Step

Sun., Dec. 3, 1995

Richard Wagoner, Project Editor

This project began last March as a look at Inland Northwest militia groups.

After the Oklahoma City bombing, it evolved into a much broader series documenting what we have come to call an anti-government movement in the region.

Seven reporters and three photographers spent five months exploring the depth and breadth of this phenomenon, the forces driving it, and how it is affecting mainstream politics and society.

They traveled more than 14,250 miles, interviewed more than 300 people and shot 6,600 pictures - 183 rolls of film.

Interactive editor Rebecca Nappi led community discussion groups in Bonners Ferry and Colville to hear not only people’s concerns about government, but also to learn how they are still involved.

The work was complicated by distrust of the media.

One man suspected that reporter Jeanette White worked for the CIA. When she told another anti-government activist of this theory, he threw a fake punch at her head. You’re not CIA, he concluded, after she showed no sign of self-defense training.

Reporter Jim Lynch was taped by a woman who hid a recorder in her purse. When he told her he once worked in Washington, D.C., rumors spread he was a government plant.

Leaders of one Spokane Valley patriot group wanted reporter Bill Morlin to sign a document swearing he would recount their comments without bias, or accept the filing of liens against his home.

Morlin wouldn’t sign, and he and photographer Dan McComb were shown the door.

But more often, even media-wary people were friendly and generous with their time - like the man who lived at the end of a long driveway near Kamiah, Idaho. A sign at his property line warns: “No Trespassing. Private Property. This Means You!”

Contacted by telephone, the man reluctantly agreed to be interviewed. “Come on up,” he said. “We’ll put the shotguns away.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: CONTRIBUTORS The Ragged Edge was a team effort by The Spokesman-Review. It was reported and written by Jim Lynch, Bill Morlin, Jeanette White, Craig Welch, Julie Sullivan, Kim Barker and Jim Kershner. Photographers were Dan McComb, Kristy Macdonald and Colin Mulvany. Interactive editor Rebecca Nappi led community forums and coordinated “My view” contributions. Mary Beth Donelan helped with the forums; Ruth Reynolds did research. The Ragged Edge was put together by project editor Richard Wagoner, photography editor John Sale, design editor John K. Nelson, graphics editor Vince Grippi and managing editors Peggy Kuhr and Scott Sines.

This sidebar appeared with the story: CONTRIBUTORS The Ragged Edge was a team effort by The Spokesman-Review. It was reported and written by Jim Lynch, Bill Morlin, Jeanette White, Craig Welch, Julie Sullivan, Kim Barker and Jim Kershner. Photographers were Dan McComb, Kristy Macdonald and Colin Mulvany. Interactive editor Rebecca Nappi led community forums and coordinated “My view” contributions. Mary Beth Donelan helped with the forums; Ruth Reynolds did research. The Ragged Edge was put together by project editor Richard Wagoner, photography editor John Sale, design editor John K. Nelson, graphics editor Vince Grippi and managing editors Peggy Kuhr and Scott Sines.