Maybe We Could Just Let The Guy Sober Up

Sun., July 30, 2000

Drunk talk is a hate crime? C’mon. Kootenai County is pushing the envelope by charging Oregonian Craig Gregerson, 34, with a felony because he spouted off at the Julyamsh powwow. His hate crime? Gregerson said he was going to kill American Indians if his galpal got hurt at the powwow. He also told police he’d cooked meth and his girl was walking with another man. That hardly sounds like someone in his right mind. All threats against another should be taken seriously. But common sense should play a role in police work - and prosecution.

Idaho could teach Washington a thing or two

For those keeping score at home, not all Republicans are as boneheaded as the Washington brand in their dealings with American Indians. No one treated Idaho’s five tribes better than former Gov. Phil Batt, a Republican and human rights champion … Oh, puh-lease: Ex-Washington Gov. Mike Lowry has ap-hollow-gized again for causing “pain and discomfort” with his unwanted advances toward a former aide. Read: I’ll crawl on my belly and bark like a dog if you’ll elect me state public lands commissioner … French Fries (or, Reasons to Keep Prosecuting FBI Sniper Lon Horiuchi): 1, Vicki Weaver; 2, Randy Weaver; 3, Kevin Harris; 4, Randy Weaver and Harris found innocent; and 5, I was just following oh-ders.

He’ll be OK until a fan calls him a bum

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before, but Ryan Leaf, the ex-Wazzu star and enfant terrible, has reported to the San Diego Chargers camp with a good attitude and zip on his passes. Stay tuned … Quotable Quote: “I never would have chosen to live near a nudist resort. I don’t want my children near this” - neighbor Bobbie Wilson expressing legitimate concerns about plans to build a nudist resort near Worley … This edition of Hot Potatoes was brought to you by the No. 22.1 million. Or, the number of dead presidents the Utility Formerly Known As Washington Water Power lost last quarter. I’m glad these guys don’t balance my checkbook.

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