Ignoring The Problem Won’T Make It Go Away

The Aryan Nation trial has returned North Idaho to the national spotlight again, with significant negative publicity that will take years to overcome.

Local reaction has been puzzling. Why wasn’t there a public outpouring of support for the victims of the criminal assault that prompted the civil trial? Why wasn’t there a crowded march down Sherman Avenue, as has been done in other communities, demonstrating our eagerness to rid ourselves of the bigots who have blotted this splendid slice of our country? Why has so much reaction blamed the lawyers, branding them outsiders?

For those not familiar with the case, two Skinheads were convicted in criminal court of terrorizing two people who had driven past the compound. The victims later filed a civil suit, aided by famed lawyer Morris Dees and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

North Idaho reaction was oddly divided. Some people welcomed an opportunity to bankrupt the Aryan Nation and its founder Richard Butler. Others wished the entire story would disappear. And some resented outsiders arriving in Coeur d’Alene to stir up trouble.

“I just wish they would go home and leave Butler alone,” said one resident. His house is near the courthouse, and the constant interruption was a major annoyance.

Another sign on the house read “Rubin and Dees Go Home! Any American Can See Unfair Justice.”

(The Rubin referred to is Irv Rubin, head of the Jewish Defense League, an organization determined to protest against any anti-Semitism.)

A few letters appeared in the paper, citing the basic unfairness of trying to give culpability to Butler for the actions of residents on his compound.

“You don’t,” reasoned one, “blame the pope in Rome for a priest who makes a mistake.”

“Rubin’s hatred is the same as Butler’s,” reasoned many others. “We shouldn’t violate anyone’s civil rights,” said others, “even a racist’s.”

Responses and attitudes like these have blunted what should have been a united community response against the Aryan Nation, a bane for 20 years to most of us in Kootenai County.

Hatred is hatred is hatred, a wasted, negative emotion that blocks harmony, chokes growth and interferes with a healthy life.

But to treat as equal the Aryans and those who despise them is ludicrous. The Aryans believe Jews and blacks are mongrel races, and not only advocate but have done violence against them. The organizations ranged against such hatred, from the peaceful Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations to the militant Jewish Defense League, do not preach killing, do not try to wipe people out, or claim entire races are cursed.

So North Idaho’s divided reaction is puzzling. Yes, everyone in this country has civil rights and civil liberties, but that does not mean we should welcome terrorists and separatists in our midst, nor that we should react with apathy or derision to heroic people who visit our community attempting to put bigots out of business legally.

Daily attendance at the trial attracted both Aryan supporters and antagonists. Skinheads often waved Nazi, Aryan and Confederate flags on Garden Avenue and Northwest Boulevard.

Separatists stared balefully at the Keenans and their friends and family. Opponents of the Aryan Nation sat quietly and listened. The contrast in styles tells.

All told, North Idaho lost a great opportunity to do something about changing its regrettable image.

The Aryan compound for 20 years has been a revolving door for thugs and misfits, including many who went on to commit serious, violent crimes. Too many people have shrugged their shoulders and done nothing, although Butler has made it clear that he considers silence to be agreement.

There is a natural human reaction to believe that a problem may go away if ignored. In the case of racism and racists, the opposite certainly is true. A light needs to be beamed on race haters. Apathy must not be allowed to slide into acquiescence.

We, the collective community, should have stood right up, and marched, demonstrated, paraded and proclaimed that the racists who live here are few, not tolerated and not welcome. Many people around the world would have noticed.