Hate Parade Gives Way To Kindness
Every day since July 20, the mail has confirmed Tony Stewart’s faith in human goodness.
He opens the post office box for the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and envelopes stuffed with checks and kind notes tumble into his hand.
Most are from the 2,526 people who pledged money based on how long the Aryan Nations marched through downtown Coeur d’Alene in July.
People counteracted the white supremacists’ parade of hate by pledging their dimes, quarters, dollars and more to 23 favorite human rights organizations.
And they weren’t empty promises. Since the 28-minute march on July 18, about $30,000 has rolled in.
Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler must glow with pride to know he raised so much for the task force, the Northwest Coalition Against Malicious Harassment, Temple Beth Shalom and the Martin Luther King Center in Spokane, the United Negro College Fund, the Anti-Defamation League and more.
“I think people here want the world to know we don’t ignore hate but rise above it,” Tony says. “I’ve never seen people pay a bill with such eagerness.”
The notes with the checks are similar in sentiment. “Thanks for doing something constructive with something so destructive.” “The Aryans looked liked fools.” “Here’s $25 … in honor of my Jewish, homosexual and black friends.”
Several people sent more than they pledged. “Even though it was only 28 minutes, I’m sending $45,” wrote a Spokane woman who pledged $1 a minute. “I expected it to last 45 minutes.”
Coeur d’Alene’s Combo family sent about $14, raised by Rachel, 3, Taylor, 5, and Christopher and Nicholas, 9, at their lemonade stand.
Sandra Combo explained to her children that the people marching hated others based on skin color and beliefs and that such behavior was wrong.
The children delivered their earnings to the Rev. Bob Hasseries, a task force board member, who personalized the lesson for them.
“He said these people hate your friend’s dad,” who is Jewish. “They don’t even know him and they hate him,” Sandra says. “You could see them suddenly get heartsick, so we told them it’s important to use this money to teach others.”
Tony says the task force will use the $16,000 pledged specifically to it on human rights programs. He’d like to bring in a former skinhead who tells kids how white supremacists recruit.
Anyone with ideas for programs may submit a proposal to the task force at P.O. Box 2725, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83816.
Staying in circulation
Holidays always are tough on the Inland Northwest Blood Center’s blood supply. Not only do accidents increase but the blood center closes on a day it usually collects.
Coeur d’Alene’s branch of the center decided to stockpile for the upcoming Labor Day weekend with a special blood drive this week. All donors today and Thursday will earn a chance to win gift certificates to local restaurants.
The center at 2100 Ironwood Court, next to Kootenai Medical Center, needs all types of blood. Transfusions were up from last year 30 percent in June and 20 percent in July.
“We shipped it out as fast as it came in,” says Libby Granier, who directs the Coeur d’Alene center.
She’s hoping for 50 donors a day. The center is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, although Libby encourages donors who don’t want to wait to call 667-5461 for an appointment.
This sidebar appeared with the story: Summer’s in heavenly bloom on the corner of 15th and Coeur d’Alene Ave. in Coeur d’Alene. Where are other sense-pleasing gardens? Sniff them out for Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene, ID, 83814; FAX to 765-7149; call 765-7128; or e-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com.