This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Gritz image faded fast

Sat., Aug. 25, 2012

I had a very favorable opinion of former U.S. Army Special Forces Col. James Gordon “Bo” Gritz at Ruby Ridge until he gave a couple of Nazi salutes at the roadblock to some admiring skinheads, who had traveled from California, probably with the hopes of getting in on the action.

When the standoff was over, Gritz founded a church community near Northport, in Stevens County, of like-minded individuals, and possibly a new home base. Fortunately, the Upper Columbia Human Rights Coalition and our local Colville newspaper published an excellent article on what Bo’s core Identity beliefs were. Bo decided not to move here, and set up his shop near Kamiah, Idaho, instead.

Our area was better off without another true Identity believer and organizer.

James Perkins

Colville

Letters Policy

The Spokesman-Review invites original letters on local topics of public interest. Your letter must adhere to the following rules:

No more than 250 words
We reserve the right to reject letters that are not factually correct, racist or are written with malice.
We cannot accept more than one letter a month from the same writer.
With each letter, include your daytime phone number and street address.
The Spokesman-Review retains the nonexclusive right to archive and re-publish any material submitted for publication.

Unfortunately, we don’t have space to publish all letters received, nor are we able to acknowledge their receipt. (Learn more.)

Submit letters using any of the following:

Our online form: Submit your letter here
Mail: Letters to the Editor
The Spokesman-Review
999 W. Riverside Ave.
Spokane, WA 99201
Email: letters@spokesman.com
Fax: (509) 459-5098
Phone: (509) 459-5403