Unexpected Generosity For Powwowgoer In A Bind

Tue., July 28, 1998

D.F. Oliveria Opinion Writer

One of the great stories at the July-amsh powwow occurred Saturday at the entry gate to the Greyhound Park at Post Falls. There, Coeur d’Alene mother Melanie Garren learned about Native American graciousness - up close and personal.

After a birthday party, Garren headed for the powwow with six hot, squirming kids. At the admission gate, however, she was disappointed to discover the entry fee was “a couple of bucks.” She didn’t have enough money to cover everyone, plus buy diapers for a baby who desperately needed one. So, she began backing her car out of line.

At that point, the gatekeeper asked her what was the matter. After she told him, the gatekeeper handed her $20 and waved her through. “Enjoy yourself,” he said, “and take the kids on a couple of rides.”

Can you imagine that happening at the local fairs?

Sweet Potatoes - to the generous gatekeeper and the tribes who shared their culture with us.

Shallow journalism haunts Gem State

In applauding Coeur d’Alene’s response to hatemonger Richard Butler’s July 18 march, Gov. Phil Batt coined a great phrase to describe the national media’s sloppy coverage of Idaho: “drive-by journalism.” Said the Ol’ Onion Farmer: “It’s good sport for somebody to come in from New York and say that Idaho’s a backwater state that has all these problems.” Sure, Batt admitted, Idaho has problems - just like any other state. But the quality of life here sets the Gem State apart. (Those huddled masses streaming into Idaho for a new lease on life can’t all be wrong.)

Tater Tots: At least Idaho’s air is OK

Do you suppose the next hotshot journalist who parachutes into Idaho for a hit-and-run story will mention the state has reached full compliance with federal clean air standards? Eat your heart out, Spokane … Before you complain again about the hot weather, remember, winter’s only three months or so away. Too bad we couldn’t bottle this stuff for a cold winter’s night … I, like many others, was disappointed when the 92 Aryan warriors (including one pregnant woman and a child) completed their downtown Coeur d’Alene course in 28 minutes. I’d figured they would march for 45 minutes when I made my lemons-to-lemonade pledge of 25 cents per minute. Hmmm. Do you suppose human-rights supporters will return our checks if we - hint, hint - send in more than we pledged? … A Lake City seventysomething wonders if we’re losing our patriotism after watching spectators ignore the playing of our national anthem Sunday at Ione Days. What do you think?

Local journalism is essential.

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