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Get a spine, Congress

Almost a month ago, I encouraged Congress to “get a spine.” Sadly, it has only gotten worse. Now we’ve heard words coming from the White House of support for the KKK, neo-Nazis and other hate mongers among us. When the president tacitly condones this kind of bigotry and misogyny, he rends the fabric of this nation to the detriment of all.

On the night of Aug. 16 in Sandpoint, we saw the results of those actions. What should have been an informational meeting on the difficulties of refugees getting safe settlement in America was taken over by a shouting mob. The radical right, lead by the chair of Bonner County Republican Women Inc., members of the Redoubt movement, the America’s Promise Ministries and Rep. Heather Scott supporters overwhelmed the people who came to hear the speakers.

These moments show civil society coming unglued. When we let bullies shout us down, intimidation and fear quiets reasonable discourse. We were appalled by the events of Charlottesville. We should also be appalled by what happened in Sandpoint.

By saying and doing what the president does borders on sedition. We see the effects of these words and actions on our daily events. We cannot allow our Congress to let this happen.

So, once again I encourage Congress to suck it up and get a spine — for the country not the party.

Gil Beyer

Sandpoint

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