Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Scrapbooks 2010 Pt.1

orkmimts ' 2010 11,c New York Time•

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 20 10

Lighting a Fuse for Rebellion on the Right Loose Alliances of Protesters Join Under Tea Party Umbrella

RAJAH BOSE FOR TilE NEW YORK TIMES

Less than a year ago, Pam Stout was new to protest politics. Now she runs a Tea Pa rty group in Sandpoint, Idaho.

By DAVID BARSTOW

SANDPOINT, Idaho - Pam Stout has not always lived in fear or her government. She remembers her years working In federal housing programs, watching government lift struggling families with job training and education. She beams at the memory of helping a Vietnamese woman get into junior college.

But all that was before the Great Recession and the bank bailouts, before Barack Obama took the White House by promising sweeping change on multiple fronts, before her son lost his job and his house. Mrs. Stout said she awoke to see Washington as a threat, a place where crisis is manipulated - even manufactured - by both parties to grab power.

She was new to protest politics, and happily retired. But last April, she wen~ to her first Tea Party rally, then to a meetmg of the Sandpoint Tea Party Patriots. She did not know a soul, yet when they began electing board members, she stood up, swallowed hard, and nominated herself for president. "1 was like, 'Did I really just do that?"' she recalled.

Then she went even further.

Worried about hyperinflation, social unrest or even martial law, she and her Tea Party members joined a coalition, Friends for Liberty, that includes representatives from Glenn Beck's 9/12 ProJeCt, the John Birch Society, and Oath Keepers, a new player in a resurgent ~tia moven:en~ When Friends for Liberty held its frrst public event, Mrs. Stout listened as Rich-

ard Mack, a former Arizona sheriff, brought 1,400 people to their feet with a speech about confronting a despotic federal government. Mrs. Stout said s he felt as if she had been handed a road map to rebellion. Members of her family, she said, think she has disappeared down a rabbit hole of conspiracy theories. But Mrs. Stout said she has never felt so engaged.

"I can't go on being the shy, quiet me," she said. "I need to stand up."

The Tea Party movement has become a platform for conservative populist discontent, a force in Republican politics for revival, as it was in the Massachusetts Senate election, or for division. But it is also about the profound private transforma¡ Continued on Page A14

National Edition Northwest: Partly cloudy. Rain in the wesL Snow tapering to showers. Highs in 20s in northeast Montana, upper 50s in soulhwest Oregon. Weather map ls on Page Bl6.

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Loose Alliances of Protesters Join Undeli

Tea Party Umbrella From Page Al

tion of people like Mrs. Stout, people who not long ago were not especially interested in politics, yet now say they are bracing for tyranny.

These people are part of a significant undercurrent within the Tea Party movement that has less in common with the Republican Party than with the Patriot movement, a brand of politics historically associated with libertarians, militia groups, anti-immigration advocates and those who argue for the abolition of the Federal Reserve.

Urged on by conservative commentators, waves of newly minted activists are turning to once-obscure books and Web sites and discovering a set of ideas long dismissed as the preserve of conspiracy theorists, interviews conducted across the country over several months show. In this view, Mr. Obama and many of his predecessors (including George W. Bush) have deliberately undermined the Constitution and free enterprise for the benefit of a shadowy international network of wealthy elites.

Loose alliances like Friends for Liberty are popping up in many cities, forming hybrid entities of Tea Parties and groups rooted in the Patriot ethos.

These coalitiom are not content with simply making the Republican Party more conservative. They have a larger goal - a political reordering that would drastically shrink the federal government and sweep away not just Mr. Obama, but much of the Republican establishment, starting with Senator John

McCain.

In many regions, incl~ding here in the inland Northwest, tense struggles have erupted over whether the Republican apparatus will co-opt these new coalitions or vice versa Tea Party. supporters are already singling out Republican candidates who they claim have "aided and abetted" what they call the slide to tyranny: Mark Steven Kirk, a candidate for the Senate from Illinois, for supporting global warming legislation; Gov. Charlie Crist of Florida, who is seeking a Senate seat, for supporting stimulus spending; and Meg Whitman, a candidate for governor in California, for saying she was a "big fan" of Van Jones, once Mr. Obama•s "green jobs czar."

During a recent meeting with Congressional Republicans, Mr. Obama acknowledged the potency of these attacks when he complained that depicting him as a would-be despot was complicating efforts to find bipartisan solutions.

"The. fact of the matter is that many o_f you, if you voted with the administration on ~metbing, are politically vuJnerab!e 10 your own ~ . in your own party, Mr. Ob~ said. "You've given Y?urs~lves ve1?' little room to work in a bipartisan fashion because what you've been telling your constituents is 'This ~y·~ doing all kinds of crazy stlill that 1s gomg to destroy America'" The ebbs and flows of the Tea Party ferment are hardly uniform. It is an amorphous, factionalized uprising with no clear leadership and no centralized structur e. Not everyone flocking to the T~ Party. movement is worried about ~ctato~p. Some have a basic aver s10n to big government, or Mr. Obama, or progressives in general. What's mor~, some Tea Party groups are essentially appendages of the local Republican Party.

But most are not They are frequently led by political neophytes who prize independence and tell strikingly similar stori~ of having been awakened by the recession. Their families upended by los~ jobs, foreclosed homes and depleted retirement funds, they said they wanted to know why it happened and whom to blame.

That is often the point when Tea Party supporters say they began listening to Glenn Beck. With his guidance, they explored the Federalist Papers, exposes on the Federal Reserve, the work of Ayn Rand and George OrweU. Some went to c~nstitutional seminars. Online, they discovered radical critiques of Washington on We.b sites like ResistNetcom ("Home of the Patriotic Resistance") and lnfowars.com ("Because there is a war on for your mind.").

Many describe emerging from their research as if reborn to a new reality.

Some b~~e gone so far as to stock up on ammumuon, gold and survival food in anticipation of the worst. For others, though, transformation seems to amount to trying on a new ideological outfit - embracing the rhetoric and buying the books.

Tea Party leaders say they know their complaints about shredded 'constitu~on~ principles and excessive spendmg nng hoUow to some, given their relative passivity through the Bush years. ln some ways, though, their main answer - strict adherence to the Constitu~on - would comfort every card-carrymg A.C.L.U. member. ·

But their vision of the federal government is frequently at odds with the one that both parties have constructed. Tea Party gatherings are full of people who say they would do away with the Federal Reserve, the federal income tax and countless agencies, not to mention bailouts and stimulus packages. Nor is it unusual to hear calls to eliminate Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid. A remarkable number say this despite having recently lost jobs or health coverage. Some of the prescriptions they are debating - secession, tax boycotts, states "nullifying" federal laws, forming citizen militias - are outside the mainstream, too.

At a recent meeting of the Sandpoint Tea Party, Mrs. Stout presided with brisk efficiency unW a member interrupted with urgent news. Because of the stimulus bill, he insisted, private medical records were being shipped to federal bureaucrats. A woman said her doctor had told her the same thing.

There were gasps of rage. Everyone al· ready viewed health reform as a ruse to control their medical choices and drive them into the grip of insurance conglomerates. Debate erupted. Could state medical authorities intervene?

Should they call Congress?

As the meeting ended, Carolyn L. Whaley, 76, held up her copy of the Constitution. She carries it everywhere, she explained, and she was prepared to lay down her life to protect it from the likes of Mr. Obama.

"I would not hesitate," she said, perfectly calm.

A Sprawling Rebellion The Tea Party movement defies easy definition, largely because there is no single Tea Party.

At the grass-roots level, it consists of hundreds of autonomous Tea F'arty groups, widely varying in size and pri· orities, each influenced by the peculiarities of local history.

In the inland Northwest, the Tea Par· ty movement has been shaped by the growing popularity in eastern Washington of Ron Paul, the libertarian congressman from Texas, and by a legacy of anti-government activism in northern Idaho. Outside Sandpoint, federal agents laid siege to Randy Weaver's

JIM WIJ.SOll(l'HE N£W YORK TIMF.S

''We had to stand our ground, I'll be blunt."

DANN SELLE

ATea Party leader who confronted the Republican Party

JIM Wll.'!Oll(l'HE NEW YORK TIMfS

"! had no due that my country was being tak en from me. " DARIN STEVENS

ONLINE: CONSERVATIVE DISCONTENT

Iii... More photographs of Tea Party ~ supporters and rallies: nytlmes.com/ polltlcs

A follower of Glenn Beck from Washington State

compound on Ruby Ridge in 1992, resulting in the deaths of a marshal and Mr. Weaver's wife and son. To the south, Richard Butler, leader of the Aryan Nations; preached white separatism from a compound near Coeur d'Alene until he was shut down.

Local Tea Party groups are often loosely affiliated with one of several competing national Tea Party organizations. 1n the background, offering advice and organizational muscle, are an array of conservative lobbying groups, most notably FreedomWorks. Further complicating matters, Tea Party events have become a magnet for other groups and causes - including gun rights activists, anti-tax crusaders, libertarians, militia organizers, the "birthers" who doubt President Obama's citizenship, Lyndon LaRouche supporters and proponents of the sovereign states movement.

It is a sprawling rebellion, but running through it is a narrative of impending tyranny. This narrative penneates Tea Party Web sites, Facebook pages, Twitter feeds and YouTube videos. It is a prominent theme of their favored media outlets and commentators, and it connects the disparate issues that preoccupy many Tea Party supporters - from the concern that the community organization Acom is stealing elections to the belief that Mr. Obama is trying to control the Internet and restrict gun ownership.

WorldNetOaily.com trumpets "exclusives" reporting that the Anny is seeking "Internment/Resettlement" specialists. On ResistNet.com, bloggers warn that Mr. Obama is trying to convert Interpol, the international police organization, into his personal police force. They call on "fellow Patriots" to "grab their guns."

Mr. Beck frequently echoes Patriot rhetoric, discussing the possible arrival of a "New World Order" and arguing that Mr. Obama is using a strategy of manufactured crisis to destroy the economy and pave the way for dictatorship.

At recent Tea Party events around the country, these concerns surfaced repeatedly.

In New Mexico, Mary Johnson, recording secretary of the Las Cruces Tea Party steering committee, described why she fears the government. She pointed out how much easier it is since Sept. 11 for the government to tap telephones and scour e-mail, bank accounts and library records. "Twenty years ago that would have been a paranoid statement," Ms. Johnson said. "It's not anymore."

In Texas, Toby Marie Walker, president of the Waco Tea Party, stood on a stage before several thousand people, ticking off the institutions she no longer trusts - the fede.r al government, both the major political parties, Wall Street.

"Many ofus don't believe they have our

best interests at heart," Ms. Walker said. She choked back tears, but the crowd urged her on with shouts of "Go, Toby!"

As it happened in the inland Northwest with Friends for Liberty, the fear of Washington and the disgust for both parties is producing new coalitions of Tea Party supporters and groups affiliated with the Patriot movement. ln Indiana, for example, a group called the Defenders of Liberty is helping organize "meet-ups" with Tea Party groups and more than 50 Patriot organizations. The Ohio Freedom Alliance, meanwhile, is bringing together Tea Party supporters, Ohio sovereignty advocates and members of the Constitution and Libertarian Parties. The alliance is also helping to organize five "liberty conferences" in March, each featuring Richard Mack, the same speaker invited to address Friends for Liberty.

Politicians courting the Tea Party movement are also alluding to Patriot dogma. At a Tea Party protest in Las Vegas, Joe Heck, a Republican running for Congress, blamed both the Democratic and Republican Parties for moving the country toward "socialistic tyranny." In Texas, Gov. Rick Perry, a Republican seeking re-election, threw his support behind the state sovereignty movement. And in Indiana, Richard Behney, a Republican Senate candidate, told Tea Party supporters what he would do if the 2010 elections did not produce results to his lilting: "I'm cleaning my guns and getting ready for the big show. And I'm serious about that, and I bet you are, too."

Turning Points Fear of co-option - a perpetual topic in the Tea Party movement - lay behind the formation of Friends for Liberty.

The new grass-roots leaders of the inland Northwest had grown weary of fending off what they jokingly called "hijack attempts" by the state and county Republican Parties. Whether the issue was picking speakers or scheduling events, they suspected party leaders of trying to choke off their revolution with Chamber of Commerce incrementalism.

"We had to stand our ground, I'll be blunt," said Dann Selle, president of the Official Tea Party of Spokane.

In October, Mr. Selle, Mrs. Stout and about 20 others from across the region met in Liberty Lake, Wash., a small town on the Idaho border, to discuss bow to achieve broad political change without sacrificing independence. The local Republican Party was excluded.

Most of the people there had paid only passing attention to national politics in years past "I voted twice and I failed political science twice," said Darin Stevens, leader of the Spokane 9/12 Project.

Until the recession, Mr. Stevens, 33, had poured his energies into his family and his business installing wireless networks. He had to lay off employees, and he struggled to pay credit cards, a home equity loan, even his truces. "It bits you physically when you start getting the calls," he said.

He discovered Glenn Beck. and began to think of Washington as a conspiracy to fleece the little guy. "I had no clue that my country was being taken from me," Mr. Stevens explained. He could not understand why his progressive friends did not see what he saw. ¡ He felt compelled to do something, so he decided to start a chapter of Mr. Beck's 9/12 ProjecL He reserved a room at a pizza parlor for a Glenn Beck viewing party and posted the event on Craigslist. "We had 110 people there," Mr. Stevens said. He recalled looking around the room and thinking, "All these people - they agree with me."

THE NEW YORK TIMES NATIONAL TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2010

y

MATT NAGER FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

WACO, TEX .

Veterans pausing in prayer at a Tea Party Express rally in September

Al5

Converging Paths

Leah Southwell's turning point came when she stumbled on Mr. Paul's speeches on YouTube. ("He blew me away.") Until recently, Mrs. Southwell was in the top l percent of au Mary Kay sales representatives, with a company car and a frenetic corporate life. "I knew zero about the Constitution:• Mrs. Southwell confessed. Today, when asked about her commitment to the uprising, she recites a line from the Declaration of Independence, a Tea Party favorite: "We mutually pledge to each other our Jives, our fortunes, and our sacred honor."

Mr. Paul led Mrs. Southwell to Patriot ideology, which holds that governments and economies are controlled by net· works of elites who wield power through exclusive entities like the Bilderberg Group, the Trilateral Commission and the Council on Foreign Relations.

This idea has a long history, with variations found at both ends of the political spectrum. But to Mrs. Southwell, the government's culpability for the recession - the serial failures of regulation, the Federal Reserve's epic blunders, the cozy bailouts for big banks - made it resonate all the more, especially as she witnessed the impact on family and friends.

"The more you know, the madder you are," she said. "I mean when you finally learn what the Federal Reserve is!"

Last spring, Mrs. Southwell quit her job and became a national development officer for the John Birch Society, recruiting and raising money across the West, often at Tea Party events. She has been stunned by the number of Tea Party s upporters gravitating toward Patriot ideology. "Most of these people are just waking up," she said.

At Liberty Lake, the participants settled on a "big tent" strategy, with each group supporting the others in the coalition they called Friends for Liberty.

One local group represented at Liberty Lake was Arm in Arm, which aims to organize neighborhoods for possible civil strife by stockpiling food and survival gear, and forming armed neighborhood groups.

Also represented was Oath Keepers, whose members call themselves "guardians of the Republic." Oath Keepers recruits military and law enforcement officials who are asked to disobey orders the group deems unconstitutional. These include orders to conduct warrantless searches, arrest Americans as unlawful enemy combatants or force civilians into "any form of detention camps."

Oath Keepers, which has been recruiting at Tea Party events around the country and forging informal ties with militia groups, has an enthusiastic following in Friends for Liberty. "A lot of my people are Oath Keepers," Mr. Stevens said. "I'm an honorary Oath Keeper myself."

Mrs. Stout became an honorary Oath Keeper, too, and sent an e-mail message urging her members to sign up. ".They may be very important for our future," she wrote.

By inviting Rjchard Mack to speak at their first event, leaders of Friends for Liberty were trying to attract militia support. They knew Mr. Mack had many militia fans, and not simply be· cause he was the co-author of a book, with Randy Weaver, about Ruby Rjdge.

As a sheriff in Arizona, Mr. Mack had sued the Clinton administration over the Brady gun control law, which resulted in a Supreme Court ruling that the law violated state sovereignty by requiring local officials to conduct background checks on gun buyers.

Mr. Mack was selling Cadillacs in Ari· zona, his political career seemingly over, when Mr. Obama was elected. Disheartened by the results, he wrote a 50· page booklet branding the federal government "the greatest threat we face!'

The booklet argued that only local sher-

iffs supported by citizen militias could save the nation from "utter despotism."

He litled his booklet "The County Sheriff: America's Last Hope,'' offered it for sale on his Web site and returned to selling cars.

But last February he was invited to appear on "Lnfowars," the Internet radio program with Alex Jones, a wellknown figure in the Patriot movement, as its host. Then Mr. Mack went on "The Power Hour," another Internet radio program popular in the Patriot movement.

After those appearances, Mr. Mack said, he was inundated with invitations to speak to Tea Parties and Patriot groups. Demand was so great, he said, that he quit selling cars. Then Andrew P. Napolitano, a Fox News legal analyst, invited him to New York to appear on his podcast.

"It's taken over my life," Mr. Mack said in an interview.

He said he has found audiences everywhere struggling to make sense of why they were wiped out last year.

These audiences, he said, are far more receptive to critiques once dismissed as paranoia. It is no longer considered all that radical, he said, to portray the Federal Reserve as a plaything of the big banks - a point the Birch Society, among others, has argued for decades.

People are more willing, be said, to imagine a government that would lock up political opponents, or ration health care with "death panels," or fake global warming. And if global warmi ng is a fraud, is it so crazy to wonder about a president's birth certificate?

"People just do not trust any of this," Mr. Mack said. "It's not just the fringe people anymore. These are just ordinary people - teachers, bankers, housewives."

The dog track opened at 5:45 p.m. for Mr. Mack's speech, and the parking lot quickly filled. Inside, each Friends for Liberty sponsor had its own recruiting table. Several sheriffs and state legislators worked the crowd. "l came out to talk with folks and listen to Sheriff Mack," Ozzie Knezovich, the sheriff of Spokane County, Wash., explained.

Gazing out at his overwhelmingly white audience, Mr. Mack felt the need to say, "This meeting is not racist." Nor, he said, was it a call to insurrection.

What is needed, he said, is "a whole army of sheriffs" marching on Washington to deliver an unambiguous warning: "Any violation of the Constitution we will consider a criminal offense."

The crowd roared.

Mr. Mack shared his vision of the ideal sheriff. The setting was Montgomery, Ala., on the day Rosa Parks refused to give up ber bus seat for a white passenger. Imagine the local sheriff, he said, rather than arresting Ms. Parks, escorting her home, stopping to buy her a meal at an all-white diner. ".Edmund Burke said the essence of tyranny is the enforcement of stupid laws," he said. Likewise, Mr. Mack ar-

RAJAH DOSE FOR THE NEW YORK TIMES

"It would make me nervous to be there unless I went with a big group."

RACHEL DOLEZAL An official of a human rights organization in Idaho

gued, sheriffs should have ignored "stupid laws" and protected the Branch Daviclians at Waco, Tex., and the Weaver family at Ruby Ridge.

Legacy A popular T-shirt at Tea Party rallies reads, "Proud Right-Wing Extremist."

It is a defiant and mocking rejoinder to last April's intelligence assessment from the Department.of Homeland Security warning that recession and the election of the nation's first black president "present unique drivers for right wing radicalization."

"Historically," the assessment said, "domestic right wing extremists have feared, predicted and anticipated a cataclysmic economic collapse in the United States." Those predictions, it noted, are typically rooted in "anti- government conspiracy theories" featuring impending martial law. The assessment said extremist groups were already preparing for this scenario by stockpiling weapons and food and by resuming paramilitary exercises.

The report does not mention the Tea Party movement, but among Tea Party activists it is viewed with open scorn, evidence of a larger campaign by liberals to marginalize them as "racist wingnuts."

But Tony Stewart, a leading civil rights activist in the inland Northwest, took careful note of the report. Almost 30 years ago, Mr. Stewart cofounded the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations in Coeur d' Alene. The task force has campaigned relentlessly to rid north Idaho of its reputation as a haven for anti-government extremists. The task force tactics brought many successes, including a $6.3 million civil judgment that effectively bankrupted

Richard Butler's Aryan Nations.

When the Tea Party uprising gathered force last spring, Mr. Stewart saw painfully familiar cultural and rhetorical overtones. Mr. Stewart viewed the questions about Mr. Obama's birthplace as a proxy for racism, and he was bothered by the "common message of intolerance for the opposition."

"It's either you're with us or you're the enemy,'' he said.

Mr. Stewart heard similar concerns from other civil rights activists around the country. They could not help but wonder why the explosion of conservative anger coincided with a series of violent acts by right wing extremists. 1n the Inland Northwest there had been a puzzling return of racist rhetoric and violence.

Mr. Stewart said it would be unfair to attribute any of these incidents to the Tea Party movement "We don't have any evidence they are connected," he said.

Still, he sees troubling parallels.

Branding Mr. Obama a tyrant, Mr. Stewart said, constructs a logic that could be used to rationalize violence.

"When people start wearing guns to rallies, what's the next thing that happens?" Mr. Stewart asked.

Rachel Dolezal, curator of the Human Rights Education Institute in Coeur d'Alene, has also watched the Tea Party movement with trepidation. Though raised in a conservative family, Ms. Dolezal, who is multiracial, said she could not imagine showing her face at a Tea Party event. To her, what stands out are the all-whjte crowds, the crude depictions of Mr. Obama as an African witch doctor and the signs labeli.ng him a terrorist. "It would make me nervous to be there unless I went with a big group," she said.

The Future Pam Stout wakes each morning, turns on Fox News, grabs coffee and an Atkins bar, and hits the computer. She is the hub of a rapidly expanding and highly viral political network, keeping a running correspondence with her 400 members in Sandpoint, state and national Tea Party leaders and other conservative activists.

Mrs. Stout forwards along petitions to impeach Mr. Obama; petitions to audit the Federal Reserve; petitions to support Sarah Palin; appeals urging defiance of any federal law requiring health insurance; and on and on.

Meanwhile, she and her husband are studying the Constitution line by line.

She has the Congressional switchboard programmed into her cellphone. "I just signed up for a 1\vitter class," said Mrs. Stout, 66, laughing at the improbability ofitall.

Yet for all her efforts, Mrs. Stout is gripped by a sense that it may be too little too late. Yes, there have been victories - including polls showing support for the Tea Party movement - but in her view none of it has diminished the fundamental threat of tyranny, a point underscored by Mr. Obama's drive to pass a health care overhaul.

She and her members are becoming convinced that rallies alone will not save the Republic. They are searching for some larger answer, she said. They are also waiting for a leader, someone capable of uniting their rebellion, someone like Ms. Palin, who made Sandpoint one of the final stops on her book tour and who announced plans this week to attend a series of high-profile Tea Party events in the next few months.

"We need to really decide where we're going to go," Mrs. Stout said.

These questions of strategy, direction and leadership were clearly on the minds of Mrs. Stout's members at a recent monthly meeting.

Their task seemed endless, almost overwhelming, especially with only $517 in their Tea Party bank account There were rallies against illegal immigration to attend. There was a coming lecture about the hoax of global warming.

There were shooting classes to schedule, and tips to share about the right survival food.

The group struggled fitfully for direction. Maybe they should start vetting candidates. Someone mentioned boycotting ABC, CBS, NBC and MSNBC. Maybe they should do more recruiting.

"How do you keep on fighting?" Mrs. Stout asked in exasperation.

Lenore Generaux, a local wildlife artist, had an idea: They should raise money for Freedom Force, a group that says it wants to "reclaim America via the Patriot movement" The group is trying to unite the Tea Parties and other groups to form a powerful "Patriot lobby." One goal is to build a "Patriot war chest" big enough to take control of the Republican Party.

Not long ago, Mrs. Stout sent an e-mail message to her members under the subject line: "Revolution." It linked to an article by Greg Evensen, a leader in the militia movement, titled "The Anatomy of an American Revolution:â&#x20AC;˘ that listed "grievances" he said "would justify a declaration of war against any criminal enterprise including that which is killing our nation from Washington, D.C." Mrs. Stout said she has begun to contemplate the possibility of "another civil war." It is her deepest fear, she said. Yet she beHeves the stakes are that high.

Basic freedoms are threatened, she said. Economic collapse, food shortages and civil unrest all seem imminent.

"I don't see us being the ones to start it, but I would give up my life for my country," Mrs. Stout said.

She paused, considering her next words.

"Peaceful means," she continued, "are the best way of going about it. But sometimes you are not given a choice."

SPOKANE, WASH.

Lining u p to attend a Tea Party Express gatheri ng in October

The Press, Satu rday, February 20, 2010

SECTION

C Just say r:ao to hate Some fear racism returning to North Idaho

By BILL BULEY Staff writer COEUR d' ALENE - Tony Stewart still remembers that night some 40 years ago when he and mends in graduate school at the University of Tennessee were going to dinner.

He invited a black man in his 40s he had often seen alone, and he accepted.

When they arrived at the restaurant, Stewart held the door open for his new biend.

"I opened the door for him, and he said to me 'I can not go in the door in front of a white person. I can not do that. I've never done that,"' he said.

After some convincing, the man agreed to walk in a restaurant in front of a white man for the first time in his life.

"What a terrible, terrible thing to do to part of the human race, to put them in such a mental attitude," Stewart said Friday ------. at the Kootenai County Democratic Club luncheon at .. the Iron Horse restaurant. 'That's what these really sinful and harmful laws have done to Stew art a h uman being."

Stewart, a member of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations and retired political science instructor at North Idaho College, delivered see HATE, CS

racism and other forms of prejudice and bigotry in the world."

'The dominant culture a one-hour presentation for some reason has to that he labeled "a real be intolerant, sometimes conversation about rachurtful, toward the minorism" to about 25 people. ity culture," be said.

He recounted a world Such hatred continues overview of prejudice and today. discrimination toward Many people have minorities, a history of suffered, he said, not racism in America, and because of the content of spoke on the "moral their character, but the imperative to eradicate¡ color of their skin.

HATE from C1

"I just can't tell you the amount of suffering that goes on in the world because of hate," he said.

Racism dates back to the country's beginnings.

Stewart called slavery "a terrible, terrible stain on our society" that led to decades of suffering condoned by the government.

Segregation, too, again sanctioned by the government, resulted in

black children growing up believing they were not equal to white children.

It took nearly six decades to end segregation with Brown vs. Board of Education in 1954. The U.S. Supreme Court decision overruled state laws that allowed separate pu~ lie schools for black and white students.

Change, Stewart said, is not usually the result of government initiative, but grassroots movements by citizens.

"What I urge and hope for and dream for is that all people, both here and abroad, will become ethical activists," be said.

He called on people to end racism through

education, and not sit passively on the sideline.

"We must stand up and respond to hate speech," he said.

Stewart urged those at the meeting to question laws, mores and traditions that are unjust "Support those that are just and change those that are not just," he said.

Stewart said he always believed hate speech would lose out in the end, but a rise in hate crimes - eight in the Inland Northwest since May bas him wondering.

"It's a problem nationwide," he said.

Brothers Bill and ¡Wayne Parsons liked what Stewart had to say. ,'

CB

The Press

Saturday, February 20, 2010

"It's good to hear somebody is doing more than thinking about it, actually doing something about it," Bill Parsons said.

He believes there's more racism in the area than people realize.

"I've been thinking that lately. There's a lot of hate talk and it seems like every time there's hate talk, somebody takes that and does something with it That's what worries me a little bit" Wayne Parsons said even though the Aryan Nations was driven out of North Idaho years ago, racism still exists here.

"It's just been lying there dormant," he said.

"It seems like it's coming back again," Bill Parsons added.

Tamara Poelstra shared a story that when her daughter, Abagail, was 2 years old, one of the first things she learned to say was "I love you" and she said it to everyone.

A relative told Poelstra her daughter shouldn't say that, and she shouldn't be so trusting of people.

Poelstra agreed in part, and told her daughter to be careful of strangers.

"But I'm rtot going to teach my daughter that she shouldn't love every person that she saw," she said.

The Press, Thursday, February 25, 2010

C oca

SECTION

NORTH IDAHO: 'Beauty and the Beast' begins tonight / C3

History comes to life I Students see

family's struggle for rights in 1965

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff w riter

POSTFALLS Ronnie Newman was shocked to learn what African Americans went through during the civil rights movement to gain the same rights as others.

Newman was among the eighth-graders at River City Middle School who watched Dior Davenport's graphic and emotional presentation called 'The Right to Dream" recognizing Black History Month on Wednesday.

"It was amazing," Newman said afterward. "'They really had to fight for their rights and freedoms."

In her 14 performances in local schools this week, Davenport, an actor from Seattle's Living Voices drama firm, portrays a young African American growing up in the South in 1965. She conveys the story of the struggle and sacrifice for freedom and civil rights through a fictional character with real life footage from the era on a screen behind her.

"We hope that students will continue to educate themselves and be knowledgeable about all aspects of humanity," Davenport said afterward.

The presentations are sponsored by the Human Rights Education Institute. ''If we ever end prejudice and bigotry, it's going to come through education," said Tony Stewart of the institute.

"Young people will not forget this because the acting is extremely pow-

as speeches, marches and distributing pamfrom C1 phlets to encourage voters to register, made the She called it a "vicious cir- breakthrough, Davenport cle" because sometimes said. the police were also KKK The violent images members. and Davenport's emo''Blacks didn't have tion drew a variety of the right to vote, so they questions from students, couldn't change things including whether to make a difference," whites were treated difDavenport said. ferently if they particiIn the end, she said, pated in the civil rights non-violent protests such movement and how

HISTORY

intimidated blacks felt.

When asked how many would make such sacrifices (or their rights, about half of the students raised their hands.

"I'd be scared of dying," one girl said.

Student Shelby Scholl said she's thankful she saw the presentation. "ll reflected what happened and what black people went through," she said.

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Blue Mountain Grant County's newspaper since 1898 FEBRUARY

24, 201 0

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No . 8

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PAGES

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Aryan Nations plan sparks protests in JD

By Scotta Callister Blue Mountain Eagle JOHN DAY - Commu nity reaction was immediate and vocal last week as an Acyan Nations leader announced a plan to move the headquarters of their white supremacist movement from northern Idaho to Grant County.

About 80 people picketed last Saturday in downtown John Day to raise awareness of the group's activities, with another 60 taking to the streets on Monday.

Protest organizer Delilah Michael of Prairie City said she couldn't sit quietly when she heard the news that a bate group might come here. She noted that

she worries about her mixed-race grandchildren.

"I said immediately, it ain't going to happen here, with my grandkids."

The demonstrations were just part of the reaction to the Aryan Nations p lans published Paul Mullet Feb. 17 i n an online Blue Mountain Eagle article. The news also spurred a torrent of online comments, most laced with frustration, anger and wony. By week's end at least

two Facebook pages had popped up to oppose the group's intent to bring its racist agenda to Grant County; together they had more than 1,600 members.

John Day Mayor Bob Quinton was dismayed at the prospect of the group moving to town.

'That's the last kind of thing our reputation needs," he said. "We need to be inclusive and emphasize positive things here."

Meanwhile, an Idaho attorney with more than two decades of experience dealing with bate groups, said Grant County shouldn't underestimate the ability of such organizations to overpower local values and culture.

See PROTESTS, Page A8

The Eagle/Angel Carpenter

Protest organizer Delilah Michael of Prairie City said she'd stand alone If needed. However, about 80 people Jo ined her Feb. 20 to show opposition to the Aryan Nations' plan to move to Grant County.

AB

BJue Mountain Eagle

News

Wednesday, February 24, 201(

PROTESTS: Aryan group eyes buildings and land, stirs concerns Continued from Page Al Norman Gissel of Coeur d'Alene said communities need to be vocal and firm in resisting the establishment of such groups.

"You've got a potentially serious problem, and the time to start organizing is right away," he said. ''They have a real stake in getting a toehold somewhere."

At the invitation of the Blue Mountain Eagle, Gissel will be in town Friday, along with another Idaho civil rights activist, Tony Stewart, to speak at two community meetings. (See details in this The Eagle/Angel Carpenter issue.)

The impetus for all the Protesters gather at the main Intersection In John Day Saturday. More protests were uproar was a visit to John Day held early this week, and people plan to picket from 11 a.m.to 6 p.m. Friday - between last week by Paul R. Mullet, the two Informational community meetings scheduled by the Blue Mountain Eagle. who calls himself the national

airector of the movement Mullet and some ~al and regional members of the group toured the town, looking for a building to buy and transform into a headquarters, barracks and meeting place.

Mullet said last Friday that he had made an offer on one property, but hadn't heard back.

Mullet told the Eagle his goal is to establish a "national compound" with meeting rooms and barracks for members and recruits to use. He wants to hold a "national congress" in Grant County in 2011 - an event that could draw white supremacists from across the United States and even other nations.

Establishing a compound and reviving the national gatherings would fill a ·gap that the organization bas bad since legal action bankrupted the group's leader, Richard Butler, and his Aryan Nations compound in northern Idaho in 2000. Butler died in 2004, and his movement seemed to dwindle without him. However, recent news reports indicate that racist hate crimes are on the rise in the Northern Idaho and Spokane, Wash.

The Spokesman-Review reported Feb. 7 that Mullet and another man, Gerald O'Brien, were competing for power in the movement A New York state faction threw its support to O'Brien, according to an article by senior correspondent Bill Modin.

Meanwhile, Mullet is thought to have inherited many of . Butler's former followers in Idaho.

Mullet declined to say how many members the Aryan Nations claims, but said he recently merged three groups under ''the Aryan Nations banner."

On its website, the Aryan Nations teaches that the white race is the only one descended from Adam, and that Jews and non-whites are the natural enemies of white people. The mission is to create a state for the "Aryan race," separate from all non-whites, and a "lawful Congress of our race."

Mullet, who wears a swastika patch on his uniform-style shirt, said the group's goal is to create a homeland for white people. '"That area is the Pacific Northwest," he said. ''The blacks have Africa, the Jews have Israel ..."

Mullet said his group's current headquarters is in Athol, Idaho, but other sources said they essentially work out of a post office box there. He confirmed that they don't have a real compound. If they can find the right building in John Day, he said, they will be able to provide barracks and space for training recruits, as well as a place for meetings, gatherings and church services, which they hold on Saturdays.

He said the group was drawn to the remoteness of Grant County, the relatively low cost of property and ''the proximity to the mountains" for survival training.

They were particularly interested in two properties, the old junior high building on Bridge Street and the vacant church or opera house building on Dayton Street.

He declined to say where the money for such a deal would come from, but said they would pay cash and it would be "from legal means."

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Newell Cleaver, School District 3 superintendent. said !he junior high building is no longer being actively marketed because the district is pursuing discussions with the Grant County Library Foundation about a possible sale and development of a library there.

The Aryan Nations contingent apparently thought the other building was up for sale because it still had an old real estate sign on a window, but the owner said this week it was not listed with anyone for sale.

Shaun Robertson said the building is not for sale and he is not looking for buyers.

Mullet said late last week that if the group can· t find a building in town, they would consider a farm property - as long as it bas a building.

As he toured John Day, Mullett was accompanied by rwo Grant County residents - Jacob Green and Christopher Cowan - and Leif Berlin, who wouldn' t say where he is from but was described on the group's website as !he Washington state leader.

Green, who said he lives in John Day, was introduced as the Oregon state leader for the Aryan Nations and acknowledged that title last week - but this week he said the both be and Cowan had quit the movement. Cowan was described as a sergeant in the state organization.

However, Green said this week that he and Cowan had resigned and no longer are part of the Aryan Nations.

They were still on board, however, during the interview at the newspaper office as Mullet unveiled his plans.

Mullet denied that Aryan Nations is a hate group. although their website calls Jews ''parasites" and other names. features a Nazi tribute on video, and includes a section of crude references and manipulated photographs of black people.

While staying at a local motel, they opened the door to their room to clearly display Nazi-style banners as two employees a black and a Hispanic - went about their work.

Motel officials said people in two other rooms vacated before their stay was up because of concerns about the white supremacist group.

This week, some restaurants and businesses bad posted notices that they reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.

Such reactions seemed in contrast to Mullet's initial statement, when he said the Aryan Nations don·t expect any conflict with people in Grant County. ''This is a good fit with the values here:· he said.

The group said members would do community service projects like chopping wood for the elderly and patrolling the streets to keep drugs and crime at bay. ~embers may even want to run for office.

Mullet said the group doesn't tolerate drug use, and its members aren't "skinheads."

He said skinheads are violent thugs who don·t realize there are rules that need to be followed. He said his organization has strict rules, including a probation period for new recruits. and a military-style chain of command. ''We' re very pro-America, but pro-America ,,ith the original Constitution," he said.

www.MyEagleNews.com

He said the group would put up lighted crosses and swastika banners on any property it owns, but as a Christian symbol of "our struggle, and who we are."

He also contended their group would boost the economy by bringing in new businesses and drawing more supporters to visit and live here. ''If the Aryan Nations comes into town, it will produce a lot of income for this town," Mullet said. "Coming here would help the county immensely."

Gissel, the Coeur d' Alene attorney, disagreed.

He said the neo-Nazi movement had a chilling effect on tourism and property values in northern Idaho during its heyday under Butler.

Asked about this group relocating to Grant County, Gissel said, "From an economic standpoint alone, you don't want that to happen in your community."

Gissel also warned Grant County not to expect this Aryan Nations group to make the same mistakes that Butler's group did. "'They' ve learned a lot about the process, just as we have," he said.

Gissel said it's important for the community to take a strong, immediate stand for civil rights. In Idaho, be said, the Aryan Nations arose from roots in the militia and Posse Comitatus movements.

"They stayed under the radar for a number of years, and then this full-fledged white supremacist group emerged," he said.

One lesson from Idaho, he said, is that it doesn' t take a large number of people to subvert the local culture.

Meanwhile, local law enforcement agencies were monitoring the evolving situation in John Day. John Day Police Chief Rich Tuico said he was proud of the way the community stepped up to show its concern about the Aryan Nations. He also said he understood people's frustration at the sudden appearance of a hate group in its midst, but he urged them also to be careful that their response is Lawful.

"We want people to show the same responsibility and good judgment they've always shown," he said.

The Southern Poverty Law Center, which has been at the forefront of the opposition to neo-Nazi activities elsewhere, offers tips in a publication called " 10 Ways to Fight Hate."

The list starts with "Act: Do something. In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance - by the perpetrators, the public and, worse, the victims. Decent people must take action; if we don't hate persists."

The publication also urges people to unite, support the victims of hate, research and learn, create alternatives, speak up and look to the future, among other tips.

For a link to that publicatiqn, visit www.MyEagleNews.com

Experts coming to discuss hate groups, strategy Blue Mountain E_a...cg_le_ _ _ _ _ _ __

CANYON CITY - The Blue Mountain Eagle i bringing two civil rights ad ocate to town to talk with the local community about the white- upremacist group Aryan Nations.

The speakers are: • Norman Gissel, a Coeur d Alene attorney who was instrumental in the lawsuit that bankrupted the Aryan Nations under Richard Butler in 2000.

• Tony Stewart, profes sor, author and secretary of the Kootenai County Ta k Force on Ci vil Rights, which was founded in 1981 to combat raci t hate activity in Northern Idaho.

The two will be in town Friaay, Feb. 26, to meet with resident . The two were involved in the opposition to Richard Butler's Aryan Nations group which was bankrupted in 2000.

Marissa Williams Eagle publisher aid people can attend either of two sessions - from 9 to 1J a.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. - at the Canyon City Community Hall. Doors will open at 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. for the two programs.

Seating is limited to 300, o residents are urged to pick just one ession and give others a chance to participate. The Eagle will videotape the program so it will be available on MyEagleNews.com for residents who are unable to attend, and radio station KJDY plans to air the morning Il?eeting live.

See MEETINGS, Page AB

MEETINGS: A time to 'listen and learn' Continued from Page Al The two men are noted speakers about the history and tactics of the Aryan Nations, and the impact that neo-Nazi organizations can have on communities. They will discuss ways the community can be proactive and position itself to resist the establishment of hate groups here.

The meeting was scheduled to answer concerns sparked by last week's visit to John Day by Paul R. Mui-

let, identified as a national leader of the Aryan Nations group based in Athol Idaho.

Mullet told the Blue Mountain Eagle that the group wants to buy a building or property to establish a compound in the John Day area and hold a national "Congre s" for the group in

2011.

While it is not known how

furn those plans are, editor Scotta Callister said the experience of other communities shows that "the worst thing

we can do is take a wait-andee attitude."

We don't want to see a neo-Nazi group to get established and use their racist messages to negate all that s positive about thi area, ' he said. 'We decided to set up the meeting to help prepare the community to respond to thi threat in ways that are both legal and safe.

Friday's meetings are not intended as rallies but as educational forums. Callister said people should come pre-

pared to listen and learn. he asks that the leave signs or banner outside. ' We don·t want an~ :::: to disiract from the peak r-· pre entations. They are o ing a long way to giYe the benefi t of theiI ex per i: e :· she aid.

'I QUIT' local man says Blue Mountain Eagle

JOHN DAY -The man identified Members last week as the Oregon state leader no more? for the Aryan Nations says he's no longer involved in the group.

"I quit," said Jacob Green of John Day. "I have nothing to do with it - I'm withdrawing my participation."

His name had been posted on the Aryan Nations website, but has since been removed.

He said he and Christopher Cowan went around town last week J. Green with avowed Aryan Nations leader Paul Mullet. Cowan also resigned from the group, be said.

"We' re not exactly happy with the way he did things here," he said.

Green said Mullet was an "old friend," but that he had no idea the Idaho man was going to announce a plan to move to Grant County.

He said he thought Mullet was just approaching the newspaper to c. Cowan "make a stink about the hospitality be got here," contending that the police had stopped and questioned the men in town "for no reason."

He said he didn't speak up when Mullet unveiled bis plan in a newspaper interview because Mullet was "my commander." He and Cowan also posed with Mullet for photographs at the newspaper.

Since the news went out, Green said he and his family have had threats from community members.

"I'm getting my life threatened with some pretty vulgar things," be said.

He said be doesn't want the Aryan Nations moving here either, and that he moved here from Portland "to have a quiet life."

"I've been Jiving almost 13 years here with no problem," he said. ''I don' t want to live next to that crap."

A4

Blue Mountain Eagle

Opinion

"In the face of hatred, apathy will be interpreted as acceptance - by the perpetrators, the public and, worse, the victims.

Decent people must take action; if we don't hate persists."

- Southern Poverty Law Center

Welcome to the county that says NO to hate he news last week that an Aryan Nations leader hopes to move his white supremacist headquarters from Idaho to John Day went beyond disturbing. It's an appalling threat to a community that is trying so hard to find ways to recover from a brutal economy and focus attention on its many positive attributes.

T

It's not clear yet how serious the group is about moving here. A few observers suggested that Paul R Mullet's visit here last week may have been simply a trial balloon, so perhaps we should temper our reaction and see bow things develop.

When we were researching our first story for the Eagle last week, we discussed that position and also grappled with the question of whether publication would just feed the group's desire for publicity.

After talking with experts from Northern Idaho - the hotbed of Aryan Nations activity for more than a decade - we realized that yes, this is a group that loves publicity. But we also were convinced that the worst thing we can do as a community is to take a wait-and-see attitude. The Idaho experience suggests that hate groups are emboldened by communities they perceive to be weak. By its silence, a community opens itself up to occupation and eventual erosion of the values it holds dear.

Tofu, Grant County shows little indication that it will take the silent path. The reaction of the community to our first article was immediate and intense, with a torrent of comments flooding the Eagle's web page and Facebook page to express opposition and horror about the group's plan. In offices, stores, restaurants and various unrelated meetings over the past week, the topic was at the forefront. Over and over, people asked, "What can we do about this?"

We believe that a critical first step for the community is education. We need to learn as much as possible about this group and also about the various ways communities have reacted. We need to know what's effective, legal and safe as we take steps to preserve the Grant County we know and love.

That's why th~ Eagle is bringing two seasoned veterans of the Idaho civil rights movement to meet with Grant County residents this week.

As noted in this issue, two meetings will be held Friday at the Canyon

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Wednesday, February 24, 2010

City Community Hall.

We urge those who plan to attend to keep in mind that this is not a political rally or a call to arms.

Leave the placards, shotguns and pitchforks at home. This is an information session. The goal is for us to download as much of these speakers' experience and expertise as we can, so we will have a good base of knowledge on which to develop community strategies. We hope people come prepared to listen and ask questions. We believe that will leave the community better prepared to meet whatever challenges arise in the future.

One skeptic last week claimed in an Internet post that we were being duped - that the Aryan Nations' · plan is just a hoax. If that contention turns out to be true, we'll be the first to break out the champagne. However, within hours of that post, Mullet reconfinned in a telephone interview that he has his sights set on Grant County - at least for now.

Mullet also reiterated his contention that the Aryan Nations would be a good fit for the community, and that they are not a hate group. To all of that, we say ''bunk."

A look at the group's website provides a stomach-churning glimpse of what passes for positive in their world: ugly jokes about black people, denigration of Jews and all nonwhite people, bizarre twists on biblical scriptures and a celebration of neo-Nazi values.

Mullet is misguided in his assessment of Grant County.

Regardless of where fate takes the Aryan Nations next, that misconception alone is a good reason to bold Friday's community meeting.

If they move here, we will be better prepared to be proactive. If they don't, we will have a good start on a much needed discussion about why our community would even be considered a "good fit'' for such groups.

Clearly, this group was drawn to our remoteness and predominantly white populace, but they also assumed some sort of kinship with the people here. We need to examine any signals - direct or indirect that our community may be telegraphing to our neighbors and the world that would produce such a mi •mnril'.r.;tandio~.

We need to discuss ways to show that our community is not vulnerable, and definitely not receptive, to anyone's ignorant, racist agenda By our words and actions, we can position ourselves as the county that said NO to hat.e. - SC

Blue Mountain

AGLE·

"s-

195 N. Canyon Blvd. • John Day, OR 97845 541-575-0710 • Fax 541-575-1244 USPS226-34

Grant County's Weekly Newspaper Volume 142, Number 8

John Day, Oregon - Wednesday, February 24, 2010 MEMBER OREGON NEWSPAPER PUBUSHERS ASSOOATION PuBUSHER EDITOR EDITORIAL AsslSTANr

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John Day, OR 97845-1187 Copyright O 201O Blue Mountain Eagle

All rights reserved. No part of this publication covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or copied In any form or by any means - graphic, electronic or mechanical, Including photocopying, taping or Information storage and retrieval systems - without written permission of the publisher.

The Oregonia n Portland Oregonian 02/25/2010 Editorials

(2-5or081mb0225.pdf.O) Page B08

'Not one square inch' The good folks of Grant County tell supremacists there>s no room on Or egon's range for their hate he great majority of people in John Day, Canyon City and the rest of Grant County have news for the white supremacists calling themselves the AL¡yan Nations and anyone e lse who isn't familiar wit h them or their values:Rural doesn't mean racist.

meetings in Canyon Cityto express their concerns and hear two Idaho attorneys \s\ilo won a landmark judgment against the supremacists in 2000.

Good for the people of Grant County. The rural, out-of-the-way county is one of those often-misunderstood places in Oregon. It's The,i\wt-esupre-macistsvihowan- a hard place to make a living, and dered into John Dayfrom northern joblessness and economic frustraIdaho lastweek looking at dcrwntc,.vn tion have run high there ever since properties for a national beadquar- p ublic lands logging was aU but ters for their hate group apparently shut dmYil in the early 1990s. expected to find like-minded racBut the people who live there ists in the remote eastern Oregon are justifiably proud of how t hey county. lnstead, they discovered that have kept their schools and other GrantCountyis as repulsed by them commlllity institutions in tact as eve1yone else. through hard t imes. They care On 1v1onday, s cores of Grant deeply about Grant County's reCounty residents marched through mete and beautiful landscape, downtownJohnDayinop~ition to and they have no interest in havthe group. AsTheOregonian's Rich- ing it sullied by a white supremaard Coclde reported, log truck driv- cist compound. ers.tioukedtheir horns in support of The headline ofanew Facebook the marchers, who carriedsigns that page that popped up after the visit read "Say No to HateandVfolencel" by the supremacists' leaders to and "One Race.: Human."

Grant County nicely captured the On Friday, hundre ds of people community's response: "Not One are expected to gather at town.hall Square Inch."

T

cebruary 25, 2010 Powered by TECNAVIA

CopyrightŠ 2010 The Oregonian 02/25/2010 2:20 pm

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2010

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Oregon town rallies against white supremacists

By Alison Boggs allsonb@spokesman.com. (208) 765·7132 I

An Aryan Nations member from Athol visited John Day, Ore., last week, making clear his plan to set up a headquarters compound in that rural town.

"They just came by the office and said, 'We're here in town and • KIMBERLY LUSK we just want to let you know klmberlyl@spokesman.com what's going on,' " said Scotta 0

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Aryans seek new .city

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Callister, editor of the Blue Mountain Eagle, a weekly newspaper in John Day. Paul Mullet of Athol was joined by two Grant County, Ore., residents - Jacob Green and Christopher Cowan - and Leif Berlin, supposedly the Aryan Na· µons' Washington state leader, a story on the Eagle Web site said.

Mullet did not respond to numerous calls requesting comment.

white supremacy movement, its tactics, goals and strategies," said a notice posted on the newspaper .

Web site. ''We'll also talk about · I ways to meet this threat to our values - proactively, legally and safely."

On Saturday, 70 or 80 residents demonstrated, carrying signs that said: "God can love everyone. Why can't you?" ''No room 4 hate" and "Not 1 inch of our town," according to a video

In response to the news, dozens of Grant County residents demonstrated Saturday and now are seeking assistance from the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations. Two of the task force's founders, Tony Ste· wart and Norman Gissel, plan to speak at community meetings in John Day on Friday.

"The community is urged to attend and learn more about the See ARYANS, A10

ARYANS

Continued from Al

posted on the Eagle Web site.

"They're destructive, they're decei¢.tl. They claim to be Christians; .they're not Christians. And we've got to take a stand," said resident Jim Spell, in the newspaper's video. ''We can't just sit arid hope they go away. We've got to be visible.

That's why we're here."

Callister said the men visited the newspaper offices on Feb.17, the same day her weekly newspaper publishes, so the first' few stories on the topic appeared online.

"The outpouring we've seen from just online coverage has been intense," Callister said, explaining that two groups im.mediately formed on the social networking site Facebook op-

posing the Aryan Nations in Grant County. The first group had 1,000 fans within the first couple of days and the other had 600, she said.

John Day's population is 1,850, according to the city's Web site.

Callister said Mullet and the other men walked around town for two days, looking at property. They indicated their plan to establish a compound in Grant County and make it the organization's headquarters.

One of tlie newspaper's stories said other guests at the hotel the men were staying at left early due to their presence.

The Aryan Nations, once based near Hayden Lake, was put out of business after followers of founder Richard Butler chased and shot at two people whose vehicle had stopped

in front of the group's compound in 1998. A Coeur d'Alene jury in 2000 awarded $6.3 million in damages. Butler subsequently declared bankruptcy.

His assets were liquidated and the compound leveled.

Since Butler died in 2004, a number of people have tried to revive the Aryan Nations, but the efforts typically fall apart because of internal bickering.

Jerald O'Brien, an Idaho man who calls himself a spokesman for Aryan Nations, sent an email to the Associated Press saying Mullet "is not with Aryan Nations," he has "no right to use the name," and that he is "a usurper."

Stewart said he and Gissel have two goals for the community meetings on Friday - to promote human rights and to compare notes. Over the past ¡

decade, task force members have traveled from Florida to San Diego to educate communities dealing with racial hatred.

Stewart also emphasized that although the task force would love to see the Aryan Nations leave North Idaho, it would never deny another community's request for help. ''We've been at this so long.

Our first priority is here," Stewart said of the task force's 29year history. Kootenai County has a 100 percent conviction rate for hate crimes, dating back to 1983, he said. ''We want to send a message - if you stay here you won't have any comfort. If you're involved in hate, this is not a community you want to live in."

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

26, 2010

The Press, Friday, February

SECTION

C Human rights by example Area task force members share their experience

By ALECIA WARRE N Staff writer

COEUR d'ALENE Sustaining equal rights is worth a road trip.

Members of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations drove to Eastern Oregon this week to counsel residents of Grant County, who are rallying against Idaho Aryan Nations members threatening to relocate their national headquarters there.

"We won't tell them what to do about the advent of Nazis or Aryan Nations. We're just going to throw out numerous examples of how other people have responded," said Norm Gissel, Coeur d'Alene attorney who helped win the pivotal lawsuit that drove the Aryan Nations from Kootenai County in 2000.

'We'll also go into our own experiences here in Coeur d'Alene."

Gissel is scheduled to see RIGHTS, C6

from C1

give town hall meetings today in Grant County with Tony Stewart, a founder of the task force and also a key player in the 2000 lawsuit "It's very humbling but also very rewarding to know our wonderful community in North Idaho is looked upon as a community that helps support human rights, so we can go out and help other people," Stewart said. "We're extremely proud and we're taking (North Idaho's) message to Oregon."

The small town ofJohn Day, Ore., was reeling last week after a visit from Athol Aryan member Paul R Mullet, who called himself the national director of the supremacist group and said he was considering the rural community as a new headquarters for the Aryan Nations and a site for the 2011 national gathering.

Stewart said John Day residents had already taken the right steps in greeting Mullet with roughly 70 picketers, their signs flashing mes- ¡ sages for equal rights.

Their next step was calling Gissel and Stewart for a hand.

'The people in Kootenai County are our first priority, but when we're asked to go somewhere, we can't say 'No' when they're interested in human rights in their own community," Stewart said.

The task force has helped in human rights campaigns across the country, Stewart said, and there are plenty of past successes the pair can point to.

For instance, when the task force helped the town of Pulaski, Tenn.,

in the late '80s prepare for a visit from the Aryan Nations, then led by Richard Butler, which planned to march through town with the Ku Klux Klan.

"We had every store hang huge wreaths in their windows that read, 'I'm for human rights,' and got them to agree on the day and hour of the march they'd close every single store and leave town, so it was a ghost town," Stewart said.

"Butler and his people marched around, left and never came back."

Stewart also helped organize a statewide campaign in Wyoming in 1989, when Republicans and Democrats joined forces against a white supremacist running for Congress.

The campaign included massive, non-violent rallies, he said.

In Oregon, he thinks similar steps could be the answer.

"My advice to them is do like oÂľr community has done and many others in the U.S.," he said.

'They need to send a message to those peddlers of hate that wherever they go, they will not be successful."

Stewart observed that Mullet isn't the leader he made himself out to be, as another Aryan member in Idaho, Jerald O'Brien, denied Mullet's authority in an e-mail s.ent to the Associated Press.

'There's a fight between them, and Mullet'wants to come to Oregon," Stewart said.

"This is a tiny group. I think O'Brien has two in his group, and there are three in the other (Mullet's) faction. The good news is this is nothing like when there was an Aryan Nations compound and they'd hold

congress of 100 people."

He predicts that the Aryan Nations, which advocates white purity and the creation of an Aryan homeland, will never climb back to its peak in North Idaho in the '80s.

"Our communities in the Inland Northwest, over the years we've learned how to deal with the problem," he said.

"We've been so successful with our police and prosecutors with hate crimes.

Word is out that this is not the place.'; Gissel and Stewart are scheduled to speak in Canyon City - near John Day - at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. today. Between, they plan to meet with members of the business community.

"We want to share notes with one another," Stewart said. "Finding out what we know and what they know is helpful, too."

The Church of}esus Christ Christian-Aryan Nations was based in Kootenai County for decades, until followers of the group attacked two people in front of the Aryan compound in 1998. A Coeur d'Alene jury ordered the Aryan Nations to pay the two people more than $6 million in 2000, forcing the group into bankruptcy.

The compound in Coeur d'Alene was leveled, its location now home to the Human Rights Education Institute.

Stewart said the task force enjoys helping other communities take on the fight for human rights.

"When we go do these things, it says North Idaho stands up for human rights and helps other communities," he said. "It's very positive that an organization .of Idaho is looked upon as expert in this field."

C

SATURDAY FEB RUARY 27, 2010

BREAKING NEWS AT

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rcaontan WINNER OF SEVEN PULITZER PRIZES

"Never have I been to acommunity who reacted so quickly as you have to say no." 'lolly Stwart, civil rights activist

About 375 people attended a forum Friday morning In Grant County In response to a visit last week by a neo-Nazl who said he plans to establish a national headquarters In John Day. ANGEL CARPE NTER BLUE MOUNTAIN EAGLE

Residents unite against supremacists A crowd gives "voice to its values" at a meeting to fight neo-Nazis' plan for headquarters in John Day

By RICHARD COCKLE TH£ OREGONIAN

CANYON CITY - Grant County residents turned out in force Friday morning to send a message to a white supremacist group: Stay out About 375 people - in a northeast Oregon county of fewer than 8,000 attended a town hall meeting to fight a plan by a group calling itself the Aryan

Nations to plant a national headquarters in John Day. "Never have I been to a community who reacted so quickly as you have to say no," civil rights activist TonyStewart of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, told a standing-room-only crowd at the Canyon City Community Hall just south ofJohn Day. At least 100 others were turned away

because of fire code restrictions. About 300 more watched a live stream on the Internet, said Scotta·Callister, editor of the Blue Mountain Eagle newspaper in · John Day, which sponsored the meeting.

"It gave this community a chance to put a voice to its values," Callister said "That's powerful."

The community was reacting to a

visit last week byPau!R. Mullet ofAthol, Idaho, who told townspeople he is the leader of the neo-Nazi group and is shopping for John Day property for a new headquarters.

At Friday morning's forum, Stewart was joined by Coeur d'Alene attorney Norman Gissell to offer.encouragement and advice. The pair have battled neoPlease see SUPREMACISTS, Page AS

J

METRO I NORTHWEST

THE OREGONIAN â&#x20AC;˘ SATURDAY. FEBRUARY ZT, 2010

Residents carry slqns In John Day In recent days to protest Interest by a white supremacist r,roup In movlnr, to their eastern Oreqon town.

CHERYL JESSUP BLUE MOUNTAIN EAGLE

Supremacists: Town asks howtodeal with group Continued from Page One

Nazi groups for 29 years and helped win a landmark judgment in 2000 against Idaho's original Aryan Nations. leading to the group's downfall.

Many in the crowd, unmistakably rural in jeans and cowboy boots, said they've never dealt with white supremacists and neoNazis and arentsure what to do.

"I'm worried about my children," said one woman, fearing thegroupmighttrytorecruither 14-year-old stepson.

Others asked Stewart and Gissell how they could recognize hate-group members, how to interact with them in chance encounters at the grocery store or post office, and what their rights are if they have land for sale but don't want to sell to members of the hate grouo.

Some fretted about potential damage to the economy and the county's image. One man asked whether media coverage Is likely to encourage the neo-Nazis or keep them out Stewart assured him the attention will work in the community's favor. "Evil can grow in darkness," he said "The greatest danger is ignoring them and letting them grow."

Gissell told the gathering that supremacists have sought a racist homeland in rural America since the 1970s on the mistaken assumption that rural people are racist and would join them.

Stewart advised vigilance be-

cause, he said, the presence of a bate group inevitably leads to violence. "They won't stop with just literature," he said. 'Mer a period of time, they will go over the line."

Callister said the intentions of Mullet and his associates remain unknown. "They could move in.

They could go away and never come back." she said "If they do come, they won't have any success," Stewart told residents. "You ha~ e spoken with one voice, and there is no way hate can penetrate that kind of unity. You will win."

At the end of the morning session-anotherwasscheduled for Friday night - retired bus driver Meliana Lysne stood to speak.

She told how she feared racism when she moved to John Day 36 years ago but found "the people of Grant County are beautiful people."

"They are standing against this," she said, adding: "Loving one another is going to break this hatred.

Those gathered gave Lysne a standing ovation, ome brushing tears from their eyes.

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Richard Cockle: 541-963-8890; rr:ockle@oregon wireless. tU!t

Groups don't have riQht to name The neo-Nazi who visited John Day last week claims he's lhe leader of the Aryan Nations, as does a man in~ Cloud,Fla. Butneitherhastherightto use the name.

The original group was led bywhitesupremacist Richard Butler from a 20-acre compound near Hayden Lake, Idaho.

Butler was forced to sell the compound in 2000 after a Native American mother and son successfully sued the group for shooting at them. As part of a $6.3 million judgment, Victoria and Jason Keenan won the legal right to the name.

"None of them have legitimate use of it," said Tony Stewart, a human rights activist who helped represent the Keenans. "The Keenans could go to court and refuse to let them use it" That hasn't stopped Paul Mullet of Athol, Idaho, from

claiming the name- or from generatingan uproar by telling John Dayresidentshe's looking to site a headquarters there.

Nor has it stopped August Kreis mofSt Cloud, who says he's the true leader as well,as "an equal-opportunity hater - I hate everyone." .

"I don't even know who Paul Mulletis," said Kreis, 55.

"There's a bunch of idiots up there in Idaho."

Kreis said the original group "broke up into a bunch of phony splinter groups that nobody could keep track or' after Butler's death in 2004.

"You've got another guy in New Jersey claiming the same thing," he said.

Heidi Beirich, research directorforthe Southern Poverty Law C.enter civil-rights group in Montgomery.Ala, acknowledged that there are"remnants of people around the country who claim the mantle of the Aryan Nations."

- Richard Cockle

The Press

Saturday, February 27, 2010

AS

Nort west Carlene . . - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - _ _ _ ; Herburger, of Mount Vernon, Ore., holds a sign on Friday as she joins a group of local residents to protest the planned purchase of a building to house the future Aryan Nations headquarters in John Day, Ore. AP Photo/The Bulletin, Pete Erickson

Oregon town unites against supremacists ¡ By ABBY HAIGHT

Associated Press writer JOHN DAV, Ore.

- A community hall in Eastern Oregon couldn't hold all of the local residents who showed up Friday to voice concern that a swastika-wearing white supremacist might move himself and his followers to the town of John Day. In a session streamed live on the local newspaper's Web site, one resident after the other was emphatic: The Aryan Nations was not welcome in their community.

Not present was the white supremacist who started it all: Paul R Mullet, who strolled into town last week claiming he was the leader of the Aryan Nations and he wa going to move the group's headquarters there.

I s een clear for a week Mullet is unwanted.

He can't even find a real estate agent to help him find property.

On Friday a civil rights leader who helped bankrupt the Aryan Nations in Idaho a decade ago said he had never seen such swift and complete community opposition.

"What you've all done is spoken with one voice, and there's no way hate can penetrate that kind of unity," Tony Stewart told the 300 residents who filled the community center Friday morning in Canyon City, near John Day. Another 150 were turned away and told to come back for a second gathering Friday evening.

Like Hayden Lake, where Richard Butler once built an Aryan Nations enclave, Grant County is a sparsely populated area far from cities - 198 miles from Portland and 147 miles from Boise. Its largest town is John Day, with about 2,000 residents, and just 7,000 residents are scattered over more than 4,500 square miles, much of it forested federal land.

The ranchers and woodsmen of Grant County have reputations as strong-willed and independent Those traits have been tested by an unemployment rate of almost 16 percent - the highest in Oregon - and the death of the timber industry. Young people have been forced to leave to simply find a job.

Grant County also is one of the Wesfs most stunning regions, home

to the John Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the shimmering reds and ochre of the Painted Hills, and the John Day River.

'This is paradise," real estate agent Kathie Stoddard said in a telephone interview with The Associated Press. "'We live here with less. It's a tradeoff for the quality of life."

That's why Stoddard, a resident for almost 20 years, was at her office after business hours earlier this week, running off copies of a flyer made by her 12-year-old son, Kody.

The sheet read: "No hate.

No Aryan Nations. No neo-Nazis. God made everyone."

Kody had taken a stack of the leaflets to hand out on John Day's main street. He'd run out When Mullet visited John Day with a couple of followers Feb. 17, he was happy to hand out his business card and even dropped by the Blue Mountain Eagle, a weekly newspaper with 3,500 circulation, to talk about his plans to buy a downtown property.

Mullet, from Athol, told the newspaper he wanted to create a homeland for white people in the Pacific Northwest The group's Web site seethes with hatred toward nonwhites and promotes an all-white "state," with its own government and military.

The news swept the Internet In less than a week, three Grant County Facebook groups opposing the Aryan Nations sprang up, with a total of almost 5,500 members.

Dozens of people, from fifth-generation ranchers to town-dwelling newcomers, have rallied against the racist group. At lunchtime Friday, about 100 people waved signs at the town's only stop light, and drivers passing by honked their horns.

•AGE B2 • SA TURDAY • FEBRUARY 27, 2010

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

NORTHWEST

Residents: Eastern Oregon town discusses group's plans

By Abby Haight Associated Press

PORTLAND - A community hall in Eastern Oregon couldn't hold all of the local residents who showed up Friday to voice concern that a swastika-wearing white supremacist might move himself and his followers to the town of John Day. In a session streamed live on the local newspaper's Web site, one resident after the other was emphatic: The Aryan Nations was not welcome in their community.

Not present was the white supremacist who started it all: Paul R. Mullet, who strolled into town last week claiming he was the leader of the Aryan Nations and he was going to move the group's headquarters there.

It's been clear for a week Mullet is unwanted. He can't even find a real estate agent to help him find property.

On Friday, a human rights leader who helped bankrupt the Aryan Nations in Idaho a decade ago said he had never seen such swift and complete community opposition. ''What you've all done is spoken with one voice, and there's no way hate can penetrate that kind of unity," Tony Stewart told the 300 residents who filled the community center Friday morning in Canyon City, near John Day. Another 150 were turned away and told to come back for a second gathering Friday evening.

Like Hayden Lake, Idaho, where Richard Butler once built an Aryan Nations enclave, Grant County is a sparsely populated area far from cities - 198 miles from Portland and 147 miles from Boise. Its largest town is John Day, with about 2,000 residents,

ans not welcome and just 7,000 residents are scattered over more than 4,500 square miles, much of it forested federal land.

The ranchers and woodsmen ofGrant County have reputations as strong-willed and independent. Those traits have been tested by an unemployment rate ofalmost 16 percent - the highest in Oregon - and the death of the timber industry. Young people have been forced to leave to find a job.

Grant County also is one of the West's most stunning regions, home to the J oho Day Fossil Beds National Monument, the shimmering reds and ochre of the Painted Hills, and the John Day River.

"This is paradise," real estate agent Kathie Stoddard said in a telephone interview. "We live here with less. It's a trade-off for the quality oflife."

That's why Stoddard, a resident for almost 20 years, was at her office after business hours

"What you've all done is spoken with one voice, and there's no way hate can penetrate that kind of unity."

Tony Stewart North Idaho human rights leader

earlier this week, running off copies of a flier made by her Uyear-old son, Kody. The sheet read: "No hate. No Aryan Nations.

No neo-Nazis. God made everyone."

When Mullet visited J oho Day with a couple of followers Feb.17, he was happy to hand out bis business card and even dropped by the Blue Mountain Eagle, a weekly newspaper with 3,500 circulation, to talk about his plans to buy a downtown property.

Mullet, from Athol, Idaho, told the newspaper he wanted to ere-

ate a homeland for white people in the Pacific Northwest. The group's Web site seethes with hatred toward nonwhites and promotes an all-white "state," with its own government and military.

The news swept the Internet.

In less than a week, three Grant County Facebook groups opposing the Aryan Nations sprang up, with a total of almost 5,500 members.

Mullet, who declined an interview request from the Associated Press, told Oregon Public Broadcasting that be was not put off by the opposition and still plans to move to Grant County.

John Day Mayor Bob Quinton was not surprised by his community's response to the Aryan Nations.

"That group keeps saying their values line up with ours and we're scratching our heads, trying to understand which values those are," he said.

Serving Central Oregon since 1903

..

SATURDAY â&#x20AC;˘

February 27, 2010

Sherrie Dobyns, of Canyon City, joins a group ofabout60 people Friday afternoon who protested the announcement by the white supremacist group Aryan Nations that it wants to move its national headquarters to the John Day area.

Pete Erickson TheBullelln

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www.bendbulletin.com

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John Day to Aryans: 'We just want you out of here'

By Lauren Dake The Bulletin

JOHN DAY - When Gene Officer earned his real estate license, he took an oath not to discriminate.

After 15 years of selling houses, ranches and commercial prope11y to anyone who walked through the door, the born-and-raised John Day resi-

dent says he is willing to break that oath.

The self-proclaimed leader of the white supremacist group the Aryan Nations announced last week plans to buy property in the small Eastern Oregon town and move the group's national headqua11ers to the area. The group believes in creating a racially pure world

in which all non-white people pose a threat.

Officer said that if a white supremacist walks into his office, he will "show them the door."

"I sell real estate," Officer said. "But 1 won't sell my soul. I don't care about the legal consequences."

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More than 300 people fill the Canyon City Community Hall on Friday morning to listen to two experts speak about white supremacists.

More people were turned away because of the building's fire code.

John Day Continued from A1 The 71-year-old's sentiments echoed the community's on Friday when hundreds of residents showed up to listen to a civil rights activist and attorney who helped bankrupt the supremacists group in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.

Activist Tony Stewart said he had never been to a community that so quickly galvanized against the possibility of supremacists moving to town.

"There is no place in Grant County for hate in 2010," he told the crowd, which broke into applause.

Residents Lined up to ask the experts about the best way to react when encountering a member of the group and how to ensure their children weren't recruited or harmed by the white supremacists' tactics. Near the end of the two-hour meeting, 58year-old Meliana Lysne, a retired bus driver, stepped to the micro-

phone and told the crowd she didn't have a question, but wanted to share a story with them.

The Guam native told the crowd of discrimination she faced while in the military in the 1970s in the south.

"It doesn't feel good," she said.

She praised the people of Grant County, her home for the past 36 years.

"Look at these people," she said. "There are not many with my color of skin. . .. They are standing together, not for hate, but for love."

Minutes down the road, at the county's sole stoplight, a crowd of about 60 people had gathered for what has been one of several protests. Grandmothers with mixed-race grandchildren joined a Catholic priest from Africa who stood across the street from a retired sawmill worker near a group of middle school students.

The crowd, many holding anti-Nazi signs, would periodically chant, "We don't hate. We don't fear. We just want you out of here."

Charlie Fronapel wanted to be part of the protest on Friday, not only because he knows be could be targeted, but also because he has friends he would worry about. The 21-year-old Mount Vernon resident is Mexican-American and also developmentally delayed. The Aryan Nations see anyone with a disability as also being "not pure." If they moved to the area, Fronapel said he might have to be careful around town.

"It means I have to watch what I do," he said.

Paul Mullet, the self-described leader of the white supremacist group, said he initially thought his group's values were in line with the Eastern Oregon community. That statement upset the citizens, who have made it clear they do not want the group in their town. Mullet later said the community's resolve to keep him out has furthered his desire to move to the area. Mullet said the area is attractive for several reasons, in part because of the low property prices and the

nearness to mountains where members could practice survival tactics.

He could not comment on Friday because he was watching Live streaming video of the second town-hall meeting held in the evening.

While Mullet was in John Day, he stayed at a local hotel where he flashed swastika signs in the window.

"What are you going to do about it?" Johnny Lane, 53, an African-American who works at the hotel, said Friday. "Freak out?

Hunt 'em down? Then you're just like one of them."

Standing next to Lane, Efrain Camacho, 21, who also works at the hotel and who is Hispanic, agreed with his friend.

"I don't have a prejudiced bone in my body," Camacho said.

"Me neither," Lane said. "Not a prejudiced bone. Maybe a scared one."

Lauren Dake can be reached at 541-419-8074 or at ldahe@bendbulletin.com.

Blue MOuntain Grant County's newspaper since 1898

---- No.

Painting the town L Grant County launches human rights group to answer concerns about white supremacists

By Scotta Callister Blue Mountain Eagle_

JOHN DAY - Lime-green ribbons are sprouting across Grant County.

The ribbons are the first visible effort of the newly formed Grant County Human Rights Coalition.

A group of civic leaders met last Friday afternoon, Feb. 26, to discuss ways to respond to the possibility that an Aryan Nations leader would move his organization to John Day. Meeting in between the two community meetings scheduled by the Blue Mountain Eagle on the topic, the group decided to form a coalition. Other communities have formed task forces and coalitions to answer concerns about the white supremacist movement and its possible impacts on residents and businesses.

See COALITION, Page AB

9

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24

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Aryan update Paul R. Mullet, the Aryan Nations leader who toured John Day two weeks ago, said this week he's still looking for property in Grant County.

"It's still going to happen," he said. He claimed several people had offered land for him to buy.

Mullet declined to talk further with the Bl.ue Mountain Eagle, saying his allorney bad advised him against that.

Earlier calls to Mullet's phone number got a recording that ended with "Hail bis victory - Heil Hitler."

Contacted by other media last Friday, Mullet said he had wanted to attend the community meetings in John Day but couldn't get off work in Idaho.

Meanwhile. the rumor mill was running at high speed with talk of land sales in various parts of the county. Real estate broker Jerry Franklin, who was chasing down some of the rumors, said one tale of a ranch sale in Dayville was particularly persistent but turned out co be unfound~d.

S

Residents rally: Rights for all .

Community packs two meetings about Aryan Nations Blue Mountain Eagle

In this issue: • Human Rights Coalition forms • Paul Mullet says he's still looking at Grant County.

• Knitters say "Knot Here."

And see the video on: www.MyEagleNews.com

CANYON CITY - Grant County residents packed the house Feb. 26 for an intensive course on the Aryan Nations and came away with a message of hope.

"I've come tonight to declare a victory in Grant County," said Tony Stewart, a political scientist and noted civil rights advocate from Idaho. "Never have I been to a community that bas reacted more quickly than

you have in saying no - there is no room for hate in Grant County in 2010."

Stewart and Norman Gissel , a Coeur d 'Alene attorney who was instrumental in a 2000 lawsuit that deflated the Aryan Nations movement in northern Idaho, were the featured speakers fo r two " Know le dge is Power'' meetings hosted by the Blue Mountain Eagle at the Canyon City Community Hall.

The Eagle invited the two experts to Grant County after an- avowed Aryan Nations leader, Paul R. Mullet, strolled into the newspaper office Feb. 17 and announced his plan to buy property and create a white supremacist compound in John Day. The newspape r scheduled the meeti ngs to respond to p ublic concern and provide a good base of information about the white supremacist movement and its history elsewhere. .

Each of the Feb. 26 community meetings packed the hall with more than 300 people.

The morning session drew so many people, organizers had to turn away more than 100 people. The turnout prompte d a caution The Eagle/Angel Carpenter from the state fire marshal to keep the crowd Mellana Lysne of John Day stands outto the 300 capacity for the second session at side the Canyon City Community Hall.

6p.m.

She brought the crowd to their feet when The events also drew intense media covahe stated, ''Loving one another wlll break erage from throughout the Northwest and this hatred."

Eagle photos by Angel Carpenter

Norman Gissel and Tony Stewart applaud the local community for its stand on human rights during one of two community meetings held last Friday.

Below: Local medical staff Joined the Feb. 26 rally for human rights In John Day, Including Dr. Zac Balley, his family (left) and Dr. Andrew Janssen (right) with his daughter.

beyonc!, wi th both print and TV reporters converging on the rural county in an unprecedented but welcome show of attention. The Eagle filmed the programs and streamed them live on the website, MyEagleNews.com, adding about 500 viewers to the audience.

Mullet's plans - and particularly his contention that the Aryan Nations would be "a good fi t" in Grant County - inflamed the local populace. Residents, stirred to action

by Prairie City activist Delilah Michael. staged rallies at the main intersection in John Day last week. The largest was an allday affair set to bridge the gap between the two community meetings on Friday.

See MEETINGS. Page AB

COALITION: Group plans projects to inform, empower Continued from Page Al The new coalition is still in the formative stages and wil1 meet again late next week to firm up its organizational structure, membership and plans. The group picked Bob Quinton, John Day mayor, to lead the initial efforts.

In the meantime, coalition members identified several projects to tackle - either immediately or in the near future. The green ribbon campaign began before the meeting was over - with Undersheriff Todd McKinley dashing out to buy rolls of flagging ribbon at the local hardware stores.

Members felt the ribbons would be a visible reminder of the area's commitment to human rights - and would help carry on the activism started by the citizens who rallied in downtown John Day several days last week.

Tbe group also launched a web page to keep residents informed. Kim Randleas of The Outpost took charge of the project and got the page up before the weekend was over. It includes the group's mission, information about the green-ribbon campaign, and a copy of the Birmingham Pledge, described as "a grassroots effort to recognize the dignity and worth of every individual by making a personal, daily commitment to remove prejudice from our own lives and to treat all people with respect."

The group also plans to coordinate a campaign of positive signs at local businesses, research answers to legal and real estate questions raised by residents during the community meetings, and offer a panel

discussion on human rights next Wednesday, March IO, on radio KJDY's 10 a.m. Coffee Time program. Nancy Nickel also is organizing a facilitated talk and showing of a "Not in Our Town" movie that deals with such issues.

The actions followed an emotion-filled and inspirational gathering from 9 to 11 a.m.

Friday at the Canyon City Community Hall.

Speakers at the session were Norman Gissel, a Coeur d'Alene attorney who was instrumental in the lawsuit that brought down the Aryan Nations in 2000 and its late leader, Richard Butler, and Tony Stewart, a political scientist, speaker and human rights advocate from Idaho.

KNOT here Lime green support takes a worsted twist

By Cheryl Jessup Blue Mountain Eagle JOHN DAY - It was one of those momems - The idea just popped into Teresa Southworth 's head last Saturday morning, Feb. 27.

The idea: "Knot Here.''

"Everyone was looking for a way to be involved and this was a quick and easy way for us knillers to do some-

•••

thing," Southworth said.

The "something" was a pile o' ...,icted knots in lime-green yaru. to be worn as a sign of support and commitment to human rights.

Southworth, owner of Skeins in John Day, e-mailed the suggestion out to some of her customers that day.

With a bit of help, she had about 18 knots to give out at the Five Rivers Grazing Benefit auction and dinner that night.

Southworth said there is more green yarn available at her shop for knitters who want to create more knots.

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Blue Mountain Eagle

News

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

'Name one time in history when being silent about Nazis benefited anybody but the Nazis' - Norman Gissel

MEETINGS: Love, not hate Continued from Page Al The audience listened intently to Stewart and Gis' sel, as they discussed the history of the Aryan Nations movement and recounted strategies used by communities across the nation to combat hate.

They said bate groups thrive " in darkness," so it's important for communities to speak out against racism and support rights for people of all color and religious beliefs. The Aryan Nations movement has targeted all nonwhites, but particularly Jews and blacks. The late Richard Butler, who is still revered by various Aryan Nations groups, created his own church that preached against non-whites and also targeted some mainstream religions - Catholics and Mormons have drawn their ire - as enemies.

Gissel noted that the movement arose out of roots in the Christian Identity movement in Britain and the

Ku Klux Klan in the United States, and was affected by the rejection in the 1950s and '60s of "Jim Crow" laws that bad mandated racial segregation.

He said racist extremists in the South spread out in search of a new place - and they set their sights on the wide swath of rural Northern America. The fact that the population in such areas was predominantly white led them to the belief "that you live here because you are inherently racist," Gissel said.

"They completely misunderstood us," be said.

The neo-Nazi movement became entrenched in Northern Idaho's Kootenai County in part because Butler, moved in "under the radar," purchased land and set up a compound.

While it was going strong, Butler's group believed they could take over the culture and political structure of northern Idaho, the state and

The Eagle/Chel)'1 Jessup

High school students Ashleigh Sampley (left) and Laci Powell take a stand at the human rights rally in downtown John Day Feb. 26.

The Eagle/Angel Carpente

Joined by her dog, 2poc, high school student Saloni Mecham takes part In the rally. /

eventually the Northwest, Gissel said. Meanwhile, observers documented more than 100 felonies com.mined by followers, while Butler denied personal culpability for those actions.

The movement finally collapsed because of a lawsuit that stemmed from a brutal attack on a mother and her son.

"When they failed there, and they did fail there, they did not give up and (members) continue to look for a place to locate and to nurture the movement," he said.

Gissel and Stewart said remnants of the movement have tried to locate in other communities across the nation.

They stressed that communities must respond with peaceful means, Stewart and Gissel told the crowd. They urged the community to continue to embrace democracy and human rights , and to decide its own path in facing this challenge.

"You have to decide for yourselves," Stewart said.

A group of community leaders began that process

r

Friday afternoon, forming the Grant County Human Rights Coalition. The group is looking at several projects, including a campaign to fly lime-green ribbons from homes, businesses and auto antennas throughout the county as a sign of commitment to democracy, equality and rights for all.

Gissel said that Grant County already has taken "massive first steps" and "you're going to prevail."

Residents who lined up to ask questions at two microphones stirred strong emotions and even prompted tears for audience members.

At the close of one session, Meliana Lysne stepped forward to talk about her life in John Day, offering a message that had many in the crowd wiping away a tear.

Lysne admitted to some trepidation as a nonwhite moving into the community in 1976, thinking that the largely white community might shun her. She had faced discrimination in the South and "it doesn ' t feel good."

However, she said she has come to know the people of Grant County as "beautiful people."

She drew a standing ovation when she told the crowd "Loving one another will break this hatred."

Mike Cosgrove, a retired school counselor, said the response by the community will ensure that Mullet won't want to stay here.

He noted that people will follow the law, but "we believe in Oregon we can say 'no' to these people," be said.

In answer to a question about whether the Aryan Nations should be involved

in the discussions, Stewart was firm: "No." He said arguing with neo-Nazis only gives legitimacy to their agenda of prejudice and bate. Instead he urged the people to continue to take a proactive stand and endorse democracy, equality and justice.

Several people asked about the possibility that The Eagle/Angel Carpenter local youth would Jerry Franklin liste ns to the speakbe r ecruited for ers address a question during the Q&A session Friday. such groups.

Gissel said Aryan Nations hasStewart acknowledged n 't been ve_ry successful that they "love publicity," but recruiting young people, he said there is greater daninstead drawing members ger in ignoring such groups. from their "prison ministry."

In an earlier interview, He and Stewart said strong Gissel noted, "Name one family values and communitime in history when being cation would help prevent silent about Nazis benefited youngsters from being vulanyone other than the nerable. ...

N aztS. And they urged people to Overall, they urged a posexamine their lives for itive stand. " Don't return racism. hate with hate. If you hate, Stewart noted the case of you die inside," said Stewart. a young skinhead imprisoned "Rely on friends and family. for a violent crime. The I promise you'll win out." man 's parents were disThat may take time, othtraught and blamed themers pointed out selves in part because they Vernita Ediger, the Rural had accepted racist language Development Initiatives Inc. in their home. That made it coordinator who served as easier for the young man to moderator for the program, cross from rhetoric into viosaid that "clearly this is just lent acts, he said. the beginning" of the comKeith Hutchison asked if munity's efforts. the media coverage would be ''Think of it not as a sprint just free publicity for the but a marathon," she said.

Aryan Nations.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Respond with care To the Editor:

Att di Eagle photos/Atlgof Carpenter en ng the evening session of the Knowledge Is Power meetings, high school teacher Carol Kilpatrick ( left) asks what students can do to get Involved In human rights. Vincent Maurer asks about fund-raising opportunities.

I

A wise man once said something along the lines of, .. Never nrgue with a fool. People will have a hard lime telling the difference."

Our response 10 this situation needs to be carefully measured. If we mee1 hate with bate, discrimination with discrimination, bias with bias, then what is U1e difference? It is 100 easy 10 say. "Fight foe with fire."

J was in the military in the laie 1970s and early '80s. We were , banned rrom patronizing businesses 1ha1 posted signs refusing to serve blacks. Some of our local busi nesscs have posted signs refusing to serve members of the Aryan Nation. I heard there was a group of concerned citizens 'visiting' the local Realtors yesterday.

Could this be viewed as intimidaJtion?

There is talk of boycotting any business that does business with the Aryans. Have we given them the power lo divide our community . and pit neighbor againsi neighbor? Are. y,,c marching 10 their

1tune'?

People have said they will move if the Aryans come here.

Don't give them the power. We've already given them tons of publicity they couldn't afford.

I hope we can take the mora l high ground while !cuing them know they are not welcome here. I really hope we can look back on this in a few months and be able to say lha1 we kept the Aryans rrom coming here without stooping 10 their level.

Bill Woodard Jol,11 Dov

More comments online In addition 10 the leuers printed here. the Blue Mountain

Eagle website and Pacebook page have been overwhelmed with comments about the Aryan Nations issue. from local people and folks across the globe.

Check them our at: www.MyEagleNews.com www.foccbook.com/MyEagJcNcws

congresspeople 6) Meditate/pray 7) Be proactive 8) Relax and do the next right thing It's always one person at a time.

This is that time ... for me.

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Nanette Walker

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Ca11\'on Gil\â&#x20AC;˘ ..,_

No room for fascism To the Editor :

One person at a time To the EdJtor: I bad a knee-jerk reaction to the news re: the Aryan plans for Grant County. Thank goodness conciousness prevailed. A Course in Miracles says "what is not love (based) is fear (based). Love is all there is." Ponder that one! ''Bad things happen when good people do nothing" also came to mind.

So, what to do?

1) Get my "I don't want to get my butt up before 10 a.m." butt up and attend community meetings 2) Get informed (knowledge is power); 3) Keep my big mouth shut until [ know what I'm talking about! 4) Talk a lot! 5) Call my

This is an open letter to Mr. Mullett: Don' t mistake our conservative family values, our love of the outdoors, our simple lifestyle and our patriotism for bigotry or antiSemitism. Just because we',ve b.~e.n hard hit by the recession doesn ¡ t mean we' ll sell out to a group that espouses bate and domestic terrorism in the guise of "Christian Identity."

I ' m fairly certain Jesu s of Nazareth , a Jew himself, is nowhere to be found in your incarnation of his teachings. There are some still among us who fought in the war and against the man your swastikas represent - the leader responsible for the murder of 8 million innocent men, women and children in the name of "racial purity."

I'm a six generation Grant Countian - my mother, sister, grandparents, and three generations of great-grandparents all rest in the cemetery in Canyon City.

My life, my family are woven into the fabric of Grant County. While I've lived in Portland all of my adult life. I call Mt. Vernon home.

W~ o~ a home here and hope to rettre 10 a few years. pick huckleberries, go to the John Day Senior Center on Mondays and Thursdays. play bingo at the Grange and have our grandchildren visit in the summer.

There is no room for a fascist hate group in our peaceful little community. We don' t need you and your followers to "patrol our

streets" for us.

Grant County has had it's hard knocks in the last 30 years, but we are working to reinvent ourselves.

We now have bike tour groups (both motorized and nonmotorized), snowmobilers. sportsmen and folks just wanting to get away who are discovering our beautiful little communities, our friendly, decent citizens, our little piece of Americana - in a rich history and bucolic landscape.

Do not underestimate us. There is nothing you have that we want.

Like your hero. Richard Butler (who went bankrupt along with the ..~cyan Nations in 2000 because of litigation stemming from assaults by the group's guards on a mother and her son outside their compound) you have everything to lose by choosing your "new" location poorly.

Penny Godwin __l:!_1. Vemo11

Blue Mountain Eagle

News & Co""mentary Wednesday, March 3, 2010 LETTERS FROM NEIGHBORS

residents of greater Eastern Oregon are characteristically bigoted, and not receptive to diverTo the Editor: sity and individual differences.

I read an e-mail sent to me on the Feb. 17 However, in the wake of recent happenings article from the Blue Mountain Eagle concern- 路 involving the white supremacy movement, the ing the white supremacists and I don' t mind citizens of John Day have earned my utmost telling you it sent cold chills down my spine. I respect and admiration in the way they have thought it was bad enough having these dan- banded together in voicing their collective sengerous people in Northern Idaho, but to have timent saying that an organization that advothem just an hour or less away is even worse. cates such policies of hatred are not welcome.

I can't imagine that very many of the local Dan Shoop citizemy of Grant County are even mildly conDeschuJes Ccunty sidering allowing the supremacists to settle in your area, but let me just say this to those of you who might think it might not be such a To the Editor: bad idea Your prompt response to the proposed Mr. Mullet said in his interview that his members would be patrolling the streets. Yep. Aryan Nations compound will become a A bunch of wild-eyed, shaved headed men model for communities everywhere that wish with Nazi armbands strutting down main to preserve their integrity. You've earned the street That's bound "to be good for tourism and admiration of many, far and wide, who you not so good for the peace of mind for the rest will likely never meet. I hope each of you appreciates the frenzy of discussion you have of us law-abiding citizens. 路 He also said one of the reasons be chose fostered here in Lake Oswego and clearly in this area was the availability of wilderness for many other communities as well.

I am proud to share a state and a nation training camps. So how many of us are going to feel comfortable taking our kids and grand- with you.

Mary Ann Kunkd kids hunting, fishing, hiking and camping with Lake Oswego these radicals in the hills doing God knows what and with what caliber of fire power? And it wouldn't be confined to Grant County. in These things have a way of spreading. It To the Editor: would be just a matter of time until Harney, Please pass on to the grand folks of John 13alrer, Umatilla and other surrounding coun- Day and the surrounding communities my sinties would be infiltrated, so to speak. cere congratulations on taking a stand conLets face it, folks. We've had it good out cerning the Aryan Nations wanting to set up here on the east side of Oregon. The valley shop in the community. folk come on over and grace us with their I was blessed to have graduated from Grant presence in the warm months, but scurry back Union High School in 1965 and still have fond across the Cascades at the first threat of snow memories of the "Can Do Community Spirit'' 路leaving us to the peace and quiet and wide of Grant County. During times of stress, ecoopen spaces and freedom that causes us to live nomic or weather related the community bas out in the middle of nowhere. Please, let's always found a way to rise to the occasion keep it that way. with a positive vision.

Sharon M. Jones I know others that have lived in Grant B1tms County share the same strong feelings and passion for the community and wish God speed on defeating this evil virus attempting to take hold.

To the Editor: William R Mamfield Sometimes it is easy to stereotype and fall Col (Ret) U.S.A into the trappings of making assumptions that Milwaukie geographic location and demographics can determine the thoughts and the actions of othMore letters ooline at ers. Being ideologically left of center, I have www.MyEagleNews.com often been guilty of Lhinking that most of the

Cold chills in Bums

Discussion spreads

GU grad checks

路Perception corrected

MORE LETTERS FROM READERS

Meeting hate with faith, compassion To the Editor: I have on the wall of my office an icon written by Brother Robert Lentz, Order of Friars Minor. It is called, "Christ of Maryknoll," and is an image of Christ looking out between strands of barbed wires while bis pierced hands use the wire to bold him up.

It is a powerful image that takes me back to the camps of Nazi Germany as well as the internment camps of the United States. As I look into those eyes I see all those people unjustly judged and condemned because they were easy to hate and I'm reminded of a conclusion made about Nazi Germany and evil and I don't know if it was a conclusion drawn by an actual historical figure, or the conclusion made by the writer of the movie but either way, there was truth in it. It was, "Evil was the absence of compassion."

As I look into the eyes of this Christ of Maryknoll, I see

the truth in the statement and remember that Christ was all about compassion: compassion for the sinner, compassion for the children, compassion for the rich young man who walked away.

I am a newcomer to John Day, but I have been proud to witness the spontaneous and overwhelming response to the Aryan Nation's plans to move into the area. From the rally on the comer of Main St. and Canyon City Blvd. to the signs appearing in business, homes, and trucks, Grant County is making a clear statement against hate.

But we must be careful that we don't let them manipulate us into returning bate for hate. Even in this, even with these people who choose to believe in and join such organizations, we must have compassion. We must be able to feel sorrow that they fell to the propaganda, sorrow that they felt such a lack in their lives that they were vulnera-

ble to the distorted reality.

And then, we need to be willing to change things. My faith tells me that those who follow the path of bate are not lost to God until the end, and I encourage all people to pray for their healing.

But we also have a responsibility to the next generation.

We have the task of looking upon them with compassion and guide them into healthy people who know love, who have felt love, and who are not vulnerable to the teachin:'S of those who only find who. ness by bating others.

It is a daunting task, but when I look at the compassion which shines from the eyes of Christ of Maryknoll for those who sought to imprison him behind strands of barbed wire, I know that the task is worth it, and we can help end hate, not just in Grant County, but in the world.

Pastor Marcie Collim John Day United Methodist Church

Center stage: The good people of Grant County

G

ant County, you stole the how. When Aryan Nations leader Paul Mullet strolled into the Eagle office two weeks ago, he likely expected the spotlight to remain firmly on him and his plan to move the white supremacist group to John Day. However, when all those TV news crews and newspaper reporters rolled into town last week, there was not a neo-Nazi in sight. Instead, the star of this show was the resilient, outspoken and independent-minded community of Grant County.

No doubt about it, the community showed solidarity and pride. Residents packed the two meetings the Eagle hosted in Canyon City, and the rallies organized by local residents lined the main drag of John Day with flags, placards and signs supporting rights for "one race - the human race."

The response - swift, vocal, positive and lawful - sent a clear signal about the people who live here and the culture they hold dear.

In an odd sense, Mullet's foray into Grant County provided an unintended side benefit an opportunity for Grant County to reconsider its values and its image. A recent editorial in The Oregonian described the county as one of the most misunderstood places in Oregon, and that's probably true. We have an economy that defies description in 50 words or less, and a complex socio-political background marked by moments of eccentricity ... but let's put the U.N.free zone aside for now. ¡ "'Instead let's focus on the positives we're finding in the community's response to the prospect

of a bate group taking over Grant County for its "white homeland."

The rallies in downtown John Day were an example - not angry protests but celebrations of who we are. The people who took the microphone in the community meetings, with TV cameras rolling, showed courage not common in some communities that face similar threats. And the immediate distribution of limegreen ribbons by a brand-new human rights coalition sent a clear message in the face of hate.

Tony Stewart, one of our Idaho experts at last week's meetings, noted that the community will always have disagreements on some things, "and that's OK- but you are not divided on this beautiful place ... it doesn't belong to people who peddle hate.

Regardless of what happens in the future, keep that unity .. . send that message."

This has been a signature moment for the community, and it's not insignificant that folks from across the state, even the nation, were watching. They read about Grant County in Boston and Birmingham; they saw John Day online in Europe and New Zealand, and they cheered for human rights and our battle in small towns across the western United States. That scrutiny probably won't end right away, and that's good. We can use the spotlight to show the world that this is a lawful, caring and inclusive community.

Remember, neo-Nazis don't like bit parts. Faced with the Paul Mullets of the world, Grant County's main challenge is to continue to write its own script and be the star of its own show.

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The Eagle/Angel Carpenter

Community members applaud the speakers at one of two Informational meetings held last Friday.

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And now for a few kudos ...

As the dust settles from last have treated Grant County as the week's rallies, protests and public punchline to a redneck joke - but meetings about the Aryan Nations, a didn't With few exceptions they few folks deserve some credit for showed a respect for the people their actions, large and small. they met here and it showed in the The Eagle offers kudos to: positive coverage that went coast • Dee Michael and other citi- to coast, and beyond. zens who organized, with lightning • Local teens who went to the speed, the community rallies for rallies and the meetings, proving diversity and equality in downtown that their interests extend well John Day last week. beyond school activities, sports, • Meliaoa Lysne, for the dating, pop stars and texting. They courage to stand up and proclaim give us great hope for the future. her Jove for a county she once Readers who want to offer their feared would reject her because of own congrats can do so at racial bias. www.facebook.com/MyEagle• The Northwest media - TV, News. radio and print - who could easily

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· Doug's Motor Vehicle Repair DP Home Entertainment I Radio· Shack Duke Warner - Lori Hickerson, Sally Knowles & Babette Larson Eastern Oregon Realty Ferguson Surveying & Engineering Figaro's Pizza Grant County Building Supply Greg & Marla Armstrong Huffman's Select Market Jackson Oil ·James R. Sanders Construction, Inc. Jennifer & Lance Barker Jessica & Drew Knowles John Day Auto Parts John Day Video

Karin Barntish _ Kathy Smith Kathy Stoddard Realty Keith J. Thomas, MD, FAC Board-Certified General Surgeon, Blue Mountain Hospital Kim_berly Rock Products Brad & Julie Smith Larry & Stephanie Walters Larry Hatfield Marciel Well Drilling & ¡Pumps Magic Wand Markku Sario Mills Building Supply Mitch Saul ¡ Mobile Glass of Oregon Naturally Yours Nydam's Ace Hardware Oster Professional Group, CPA's

Pio.n eer Feed & Farm Supply Prime Time Video Russell's Custom Meats Silver Spur - Dale Finley, owner Sisul Engineering Snaffle Bit Dinner House Squeeze In Restaurant Strawberry Mountain Graphics .

Subway of John Day The Cut Above The Outpost Pizza, Pub & Grill

The Press

Sunday, March 14, 2010

AS

North Idaho

Weaver to address human rights banquet COEUR d'ALENE - An international human rights and education expert will be this year's keynote speaker at the 13th annual Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Human Rights Banquet on April 12.

Dr. Reginald Weaver is currently vice-president of Education International, Inc., which has 401 organizations representing 30 million teachers and educators in 172 countries.

In recent years, he has been lis ted in Ebony magazine's "100 Most Influential Black Americans" for his national and international influence on public policy issues including human rights and is one of America's "History Makers."

Weaver will address the topic 'Toe Current Status of Human Rights in the United States and Around the Globe".

IBANQUET

see BANQUET, A6

said KCTFHR Board College Foundation minority student scholar- member Tony Stewart "Fallah, a child soldier ship winners. Forty-five from AS during the two civil wars minority students h ave in Liberia, bas traded in &een the recipients of This year's banthese full-ride scholarhis AK-47 for paint brushquet will also include es. a s poon and a canvas," ships since 1999. the annual civil rights Several paintings Stewart said. awards and the introducof 19-year-old Liberian Wilson Fallah works in tion of the 2009-2010 a small room of a group Human Rights Education Wilson Fallah will be on house near the Port of Institute and North Idaho display at the banquet, Monrovia. The room, with a mattress on the floor and art covering the with renowned chef Jerrie Strom walls, doubles as a bedroom and studio.

Tf)ltr.1,)av, A/arch J&h 5-7pm Banquet tickets are $40 Join us for a cup ofsoup while J errie.delights us with or a table for 8 persons stories about her colleague Julia Child. can be purchased for Cali11ou• to make your re,1r1wlfio11 I either $600 or $1,000. The public reception begins at 5:30 p.m. with the banquet starting at 6:30 at The Best Western Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 Appleway.

Proceeds go to the Human Rights Education Institute to support the lns titute's work includ· ing the year's minority student sch olarships at Where There's »-,t Som8INng Cooking.

North Idaho College.

8222 Government Way in Hayden Creek Plaza Information: 765-3932 or 292-2359 208-762-1333

An E,,enin,q About Julia

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THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

MARCH 17, 2010 â&#x20AC;˘ WEDNESDAY â&#x20AC;˘ PAGE A9

NORTHWEST Education, rights advocate wlll speak at banquet An international advocate for public education and human rights will deliver this year's keynote address at the 13th annual Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Human Rights Banquet.

Reginald Weaver is vice president of Education International, which represents 30 million teachers and educators in 172 countries. He is a past president of the 3.2 million-member National Education Association and has traveled the world advocating for the right of every child to attend school.

The banquet will be held April U at the Coeur d'Alene Inn, 506 W. Appleway Ave. Profits benefit the Human Rights Education Institute. A public reception begins at 5:30 p.m. and the banquet starts at 6:30. Tickets are $40 per person. For more information, call (208) 765-3932 or (208) 292-2359.

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AN's Mullet has prison in his past

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By Scotta Callister

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Blue Mountain Eagle

JOHN DAY - The man who wants 10 crearc while supremacist homeland in Grant County has served prison Lime in two stares for theft and burglary. according to coun records.

Paul R. Mullet <,et off a wave of concern among Grant Counry residents when he said in February tha1 he wan1ed 10 establish a headquaners and training base in John Day for the oeo-Nazi Aryan Nations organization.

He contacted the Blue Mountain Eagle during a visit 10 John Day, saying he wanted to be upfront abour his plans and to show people that "we're not as bad as people lhink we are."

Mullet. 36, said he and his Aryan Nations followers are "very Jaw-abiding.''

However, officials say Mullet is wanted on warrants dating back to 2004 in three Minnesota counties. Ramsey County lists him on two warrants for probation violation. Washington County officials said he is the subject of a warrant for failure lo appear on a charge of issuing a worthless check, and Polle County has a warrant for him for failure to appear on a theft by check charge.

Mullet did not re1urn telephone messages for comment on the warrants on Monday but sen! an e-mail thar he was getting 1he paperwork to show that "all charges were laken care of."

Contacted by phone Tuesday. Mullet said he didn't recognize the information from Polk and Washington counties; of the others, he said, ''All tha1 sluff was paid."

He didn 't respond to wri1ten questions about other court records, and declined to discuss the prison terms Tuesday.

'Tm no1 making any comments on any of this until I get the records,'' he said. just before the connection went dead.

Records obtained by the Eagle from Ohio and Minnesota document a criminal history dating back I 7 years.

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MULLET: Court records detail cases Continued from Page Al

In one Minnesota felony case, the charging document said Mullet admitted stealing payroll checks in part to buy items for an Aryan Nations group.

Ohio records reveal two cases that occurred while Mullet was still a teenager. Records from the Franklin County Court in Ohio show that Mullet, then 19, in 1992 pleaded guilty to unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. He.was

ordered to pay the costs of the prosecution and given six months in the county jail, a term that was suspended because of time he had already served.

He drew a state prison stay, however, in a felony theft case about the same time.

In 1993, a grand jury indicted Mullet on 19 counts - theft, receiving stolen property, forgery, and passing bad checks stemming from incidents involving stolen cars, credit cards and forged checks. The indictment said that at the time of the incidents, Mullet previously had been convicted of passing bad checks in violation of a Columbus, Ohio, city code.

In April 1993, Mullet subsequently pleaded guilty to four counts of felony theft, and the other charges were dismissed, according to court records.

With concurrent sentences, Mullet's term came to two years in state prison. However, the judge suspended the prison term and put Mullet on probation for three years. Probation was revo1:ea in November 1993 and he was sent to prison, with w i ~ t for about six months he had spent in jail.

He was imprisoned in the Ohio state system from December 1993 to July 1995, according to the Ohio Department of Corrections.

Mullet was back in prison in 2002 - this time in Minnesota.

The Minnesota term stemmed from his convictions in two felony cases: a 1999 theft and a 2000 business burglary.

According to Corrections Department records, the first case began in the predawn hours of July IO, 1999, when St. Paul police were sent to a Super America store - a gas station convenience market. Customers found the store open but no workers were around. Police said about $2,000 was missing from the cash registers and the safe, along with cigarettes and lottery tickets.

The investigation found that Mullet, who had been fired from the business, bad returned and sent the other workers home. The store's surveiJlance cameras recorded the theft of money.

Mullet was convicted of theft of business in that case.

The other case began Dec. 3, 2000, with a call to police in

Roseville, a suburb of Minneapolis and St. Paul, about a burglary at a business, Albrecht Companies. The company owner reported that he had locked up as usual the previous night but when he anived at work the next morning, the front door was open and a window on one side was broken.

Initially nothing seemed to Eagle Ille photo be missing - until the owner Paul Mullet sported discovered that some payroll swastika and Aryan checks had been torn out of Nations shirt patches durthe middle of one book. Three ing his February Interview In John Day. days later. a woman was arrested after trying to pass one of the purloined checks; the company owner told police the woman was Mullet's wife. A bank employee said Mullet was the man with her when she tried 10 cash the check.

In a sworn statement to support the charges Jan. 10. 2001, the police investigator on the case said Mullet agreed to be questioned and, during the interview, admitted that he had broken into Above: This photo the business and that he formerly of Paul Mullet, taken March 28, worked there.

'The defendant said that he took the 2003, Is from the Minnesota Departchecks so that he could pay for various ment of Correcitems, including Christmas gifts, as tions files. well as buying items for a skfahead group of which he is a member, the Aryan Nation," investigator Robert Hawley said in his statement.

Mullet was convicted of third-degree burglary in the case.

The Department of Corrections said Mullet was put on probation in both cases. but his probation was revoked in December 2002. He was ordered to serve one year.

Minnesota law in such cases requires that the offender serve two-thirds of the total sentence incarcerated, minus any jail credit, and one-third on community supervision. For Mullet, that fonnula and his previous jail time resulted in actual prison time of three and a half months, from Dec. 13, 2002 to March 31, 2003. He remained on probation until Aug. 17, 2003, according to prison records.

Mullet also -was- convicted in 2004 in Ramsey County for issuing a dishonored check. The complaint in the case involved a series of checks written by Mullet at a Sam's Club store. An investigator found that Mullet opened a business membe.rship for Paul Mullet Enterprises and, over a two-day period, wrote four business or personal checks for purchases at the store. All four checks - totaling $2,115.52 - were returned by the bank marked "account closed."

In the complaint, a police sergeant said he interviewed Mullet who "admitted he wrote the account-closed checks. He said he had a criminal history and has never attempted to deny any of his criminal behavior."

'The criminal history for Mullet includes three prior property crime convictions and he was sent to prison for all of them," the sergeant said in his sworn statement.

Mullet also had a 2004 conviction in Ramsay County for offering a forged check. The case began when a man reported that blank checks and other items were taken from his home.

A woman told police she took the checks and later gave them to Mullet, who was identified cashing one of the checks at a credit union in St. Paul. Another check was cashed by a different man, who told police Mullet wrote out the check and paid him $50 to cash it.

In the 2004 cases, Mullet was sentenced to 13 months in the Ramsey County Workhouse, with credit for time served, and five years supervised probation.

His probation period ended in July 2009, just four months before he appeared on an Idaho TV station and announced plans to establish an Aryan Nations headquarters in that state, and just seven months before he came to John Day with a similar revelation.

In John Day, Mullet stressed that adherents of the Aryan Nations operate under a strict regime and must "obey the laws." ''We are very pro-America, but pro-America with the original Constitution," he said.

Mullet also contended the presence of Aryan Nations members would make communities safer. ''I think people will be able to leave their doors open, and know that they are safe," he said.

Message from Idaho To the Editor: On behalf of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, I extend our heartfelt joy and congratulations to the citizens of Grant County on the tremendous response that you are conducting in support of human rights. As an educator, 1 want to salute the students at the Grant Union High School for their organizing a club on behalf of human rights. I am so proud of you.

We also are very impressed with the support you are receiving fro m your state and national political leaders. I have been in discussions with your Governor's Office. They are all very proud of you in Grant County.

I recently did an interview with Voices of America about yo ur work. Th e in terview was broadcast through out Asia. You are becoming known worldwide for your work.

We will continue to be with you in spirit.

Tony Stewart Coeur d'Alene, Idaho

J

The Press, Thursday, March 25, 2010

Aryan ¡ member's record revealed Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations found information

By ALECIA WARREN Staff writer

COEUR d' ALENE The Athol Aryan Nations member planning to create a new headquarter in Oregon ha rved prison time in two tat , according to a press relea e by the Kootenai County Ta k Force on Human Relations on Wedn sday.

The ta k fore di tributed an article by . - - ~ - - the Blue Mountain Eagle in John Day, Ore., revealing that Paul Mullet ha Stewart had several felony conviction for theft and burglary.

Task¡ Force spokesman Tony Stewart identified this as an example of how racist hate groups have a history of convicted felons a members.

"Over and over again we have een attempt by these felons to move to the Northwest and create an atmosphere of hate," Stewart wrote in the release.

According to the Eagle article printed on Wednesday, Mullet pleaded guilty to four counts of felony theft in April 1993 in Ohio for incidents involving passing bad checks.

see ARYAN, C1 2

County, Minn., for an incident where he issued from C1 a dishonored check and another offering a He was sent to prison forged check. He was in Ohio from December sentenced to 13 months 1993 through July 1995. in the Ramsey County Mullet was back in Workhouse, and five years prison for a year in 2002, supervised probation. this time in Minnesota, Officials say Mullet is for two felony cases, one still wanted on warrants a theft in 1999 and the dating back to 2004 in other a business burglary three Minnesota counin 2000. ties. Ramsey County lists In the 1999 case, him on two warrants for Mullet stole $2,000 from probation violation, and a gas station store in St Washington County offiPaul where he had been cials said there is a warrant fired. Mullet entered the for him for failure to appear store and sent the other on a charge of issuing a workers home, according worthless check. Polk to the article, then stole County also has a warrant the money, as well as ciga- for him for failure to appear rettes and lottery tickets. on a tht1t by check charge.

The other Minnesota Mullet said in an e-mail case involved Mullet to the Eagle that he was breaking into a business getting paperwork to in Roseville, where he show all the charges were was also fired, and steal- taken care of. ' ing payroll checks.

Mullet did not return Mullet was also conphone calls from The victed in 2004 in Ramsey Press.

ARYAN

The Eagle article pointed out that the criminal background diverges from Mullet's statements when he was scoping out locations for a new headquarters in John Day in mid February.

During that visit, he assured that Aryans Nations followers are "very law-abiding."

Mullet had called himself the national director of the supremacist group and said the rural community was ideal for the group and its 2011 national gathering, despite the protesters who greeted him.

Stewart said the Task Force will continue to support Grant County, Ore., in all its efforts to promote human rights.

"We reject both the hate-filled doctrines of the Aryan Nations as well as any criminal activities that it may become involved with in the future,'' he wrote in the press release.

COEUR d'ALENE

Monday March 29, 2010

Teach 'em early Dolezal: Informing young minds about human rights 'more efficient' than trying to change older minds

By DAVID CO LE

curator and director of education for the Human COEUR d'ALENE - The Rights Education key weapon against hate groups Institute, of Coeur of any kind is education. d:Alene. She also That was Rachel Dolezal's .._._.'--"-- - - teaches at North Dolezal Idaho College. message Sunday at the Harding Family Center during "Education her presentation to the North being a tool to transform, a Idaho Unitarian Universalist tool to motivate people to get Fellowship. Dolezal is the engaged is really what we Staff w riter

are all about," said Dolezal.

"Education should compel us to do something."

Meanwhile, as she spoke, four white supremacists protested outside, waiving an Aryan Nation's flag and holding signs that read "Equal rights for whites." Coeur d'Alene police questioned the protesters.

see RIGHTS, A3

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Dolezal said teaching kids in kindergarten through grade 12 about human rights and to have empathy for others is a major part of what the institute does. It works with schools here to provide cultural education. It also has a summer program for middle and high school students that teaches about human rights issues.

"Informing minds while they are still young is much more efficient, much more productive than waiting until they are older and trying to change minds," Dolezal said.

The North Idaho Unitarian Universalist Fellowship last month hosted Saleh Elgiadi, education and outreach coordinator to the Muslim community of the Spokane Islamic Center. Elgiadi spoke about the articles and pillars of the Islamic faith.

Marian Breckenridge, who attended Dolezal's presentation, said Dolezal gave a concise history of human rights issues in the Coeur d'Alene area, explained where things stand now, and how people can help.

Breckenridge, 76, of Coeur d'Alene, is cofounder of a spiritual training school here and a fundraiser for human rights causes.

"Seeing the white supremacists protest

The Press

Monday, March 29, 2010

A3

in front of a Sunday service that focused on modern human rights issues was a sharp reminder of how much work still remains to be done, Breckenridge said.

Tony Stewart, of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, who was at Dolezal's presentation, said a collision between two principles of the U.S. Constitution could be seen by the protesters showing up.

One constitutional amendment protects free speech, while another protects people from harassment.

'They can be out there, sit there and demonstrate," Stewart told the 30 people in attendance Sunday. "But there are lines that can't be crossed."

Protesters can't threaten or harass other people, he said. People must be wise about how they confront hate groups, he said.

The task force was founded as a response against the harassment and criminal activities of the Aryan Nations.

He agreed with Dolezal that educating people early in life is the best way to bring change. Stewart said changing minds that are already made up is difficult, and sometimes impossible. He said the Aryan Nation's former leader Richard Butler, who died in 2004, was never going to change his mind.

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f you don't know who Milt Priggee is, you probably haven't lived in the Inland Northwest for long. For years, Milt was the free-spirit cartoonist for The Spokesman-Review who was always in hot water and loved being there.

Once, he ticked off Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls chamber members with a 'toon that showed North Idaho kids participating in a Junior Bloomsday. In racist bedsheets. Milt has moved to Western Washington. But he hasn't lost his ability to anger readers. Recently, he gained national attention with a 'toon portraying Tea Partiers as redneck bigots. The 'toon showed them with signs for various causes around a tree, with a noose hanging from it, marked "health care reform." The head of the lynch mob wonders where President Obama is.

Only a racial epithet is used for Obama to add to the incendiary nature of the cartoon. Which 57 percent of my Huckleberries Online readers thought was "highly offensive." This time, however, someone else has to field the angry phone calls from readers.

Not Sarah's friend Local human-rights activist Tony Stewart isn't amused by those cross-hairs that conservative firebrand Sarah Palin uses on her Facebook page - you know, the ones that show the 20 congressional Dem seats that SarahPac has targeted for Repub takeover. Tony told reporter Erika Bolstad/Idaho Statesman that Palin and other high-profile leaders "have See HUCKLEBERRIES, 6

HUCKLEBERRIES

Continued from 1

a very, very serious responsibility to measure their words carefully. I'm deep!~ concerned about that type of trend m our country and what it could do to the ~~e elements. When people are very dJV1s1ve or extreme in their comments, unfortunately, our history has taught us that some individuals who are on the very fringe - and are oftentimes not even stable - may take that and engage in violence." On the other hand, my Huckleberries Online readers didn't agree with Tony. In a poll last week, 57 percent (107 of 189 respondents) said they weren't bothered

by Palin's Facebook cross-hairs. How

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The right to learn and _ teach the global federation of teachers, was the keynote speaker at Lhe 13th annual Human Rights Banquet hosted by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human

By M AUREEN DOLAN Relations.

Staff writer "Education is a key component to all human rights issues COEUR d' ALENE of our times," Weaver said to the Reginald Weaver's passion rever- 300 people at the dinner. berated Monday through a banA past president of the quet room at the Best Western National Education Association Coeur d'Alene Inn. and national media expert on Weaver, one of the vice presidents of Education international, see BANQUET, A2

Speaker: Educationis key component to all human rights issues

Dr. Reginald Weaver, waits to take the podium as he is introduced at the 13th annual Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Human Rights Banquet held Monday.

JEROME A. POLLOS/ Press

BANQUET

from A1

education and human rights, Weaver said he travels throughout the world working.to ensure that all children are able to receive an education. "'The one thing that I have seen here as well as abroad, it is so painful, and that is education under attack," Weaver said. "Assassinations, kidnappings, disappearances, illegal imprisonment, torture, mass poisoning, acid attacks, sexual assaults, forced recruitment as soldiers or suicide bombers, rocket and mortar attacks, gunfire, aerial bombings, burning, looting ...

All of these have been perpetrated on teachers, students, school support professionals at schools and universities over the past few years."

The attacks and threats all disrupt and deter educators from doing their work, he said, and put them and their students at risk.

Whether people are teaching students in a school, or working to further human rights causes and concerns, Weaver said the common denominator is education.

"A lot of times people think that because you

are a union, you are not caring about those things that are important to kids, but I'll tell you this, it makes it much easier for a strong unionist to provide strong services because of the support they have from their union," Weaver said.

"That's something many across the world have, and there are many who want that."

He commended the people at the banquet for standing up for what they believe in no matter what, no matter how difficult it becomes.

Weaver said he gets tired sometimes and doesn't know if he'll be able to carry on, but he does.

"I get back up again so that I can continue to fight these suckers with every ounce of breath that I have," Weaver told the group. "You know what folks, that's what you do. You fight these suckers with every ounce of breath you've got."

Longtime area human rights activist and former North Idaho College political science instructor Tony Stewart recognized the diversity represented in the banquet attendees, who stand

"united in support of human rights and as a counter force to malicious harassment, Stewart hate crimes or other acts of bigotry."

'Tonight's human rights banquet is characterized by women and men who are Republicans, Democrats, third party, independents, conservatives, moderates, and liberals," Stewart said. "In this banquet room tonight, we have individuals from different racial and ethnic origins, different socioeconomic backgrounds, different ages, different interests, and different challenges."

Regarding four picketers who stood until sunset on the sidewalk outside the parking lot of the Best Western Coeur d'Alene Iru:i, Stewart said, "We will never accept their message of hate.

Many of your wonderful family members died in World War II, fighting the Nazis, and we will never forget what they did ...

They will never, never rise in this country."

Before the end of the evening, former Kootenai County prosecutor

Glen Walker, and Coeur d Alene School District teacher Jo Ann Harvey were honored with awards from the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

Walker, recipient of the organization's 2009 Civil Rights Award, served as county prosecutor from 1978 to 1988.

During his terms, he and his staff worked with the task force to draft and coordinate successful campaigns for the passage of Idaho's anti-hate crime laws.

Walker obtained the first conviction under Idaho's 1983 AntiMalicious Harassment Act when an African American man was attacked by a racist in a local Coeur d'Alene store.

Educator Harvey received the 2009 Bill Wassmuth Memorial Volunteeer-of-the-Year Award. She is serving he1 fourth term as president of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

Harvey previously served as a member of the National Education Association's Human and Civil Rights Committee and is the former chair of the National Education Association's Native American Committee.

No. 15 •

SERVING BROADWATER

CouNTY, MONTANA, SINCE APRIL 24, 1897 •

www.rowNSE~"IAll.NET

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THURSDAY,

~ 15, 2010 •

Human Rights Activists to speak in Townsend I Human rights activists Tony Stewart and Norman Gissel, both of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, will speak in the Community Room at the Library in Townsend on Friday, April 30, at 7 p.m.

Stewart, a retired college professor, author and community organizer, will discuss his experiences with public education about human rights. His topic will be "Saying Yes to Human Rights is the Best Way to Say No to Prejudice, Bigotry and Discrimination".

Gissel was co-counsel on the legal team that in the year 2000 won a $6.3 million jury verdict against the infa-

mous Aryan Nations white supremacist sect in northern Idaho. The judgment bankrupted the organization and its leader Richard Butler, forci ng Aryan Nations to lose its 20-acre compound at Hayden Lake north of Coeur d'Alene.

The two will present ideas on how communities can stand up to hate groups, hate activities and ways for community leaders to unite to promote democratic values. They will also talk about ways to effectively combat ethnic slurs and bullying by adults.

Stewart serves oo the board of directors and was a founding member of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human

Relations. When he was a professor · at North Idaho College, he headed a committee to rewrite the college's Civil Rights and Anti-Malicious Harassment Policies for Employees and Students. The policies forbid discrimination or harassment based on race, color, ethnicity, nationality, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or status as Vietnamera veterans.

The program is sponsored by Broadwater County Democratic Party CeotraJ Committee and is free and open to the public. For more information please call 266-5937.

North Idaho

C2

The Press

Saturday, May 22, 2010

Groundbreaking ceremony held for new Hospice House facility . .--' Contractors I ~. .:/ Northwest I -

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Courtesy photo

A groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction of the new Hospice House facility at 2212 West Prairie Ave. in Coeur d'Alene was held Tuesday. More than 150 people turned out for the event. From left are Dr. Tim Quinn, Dr. Tom Martin, Dr. Robert Anker, Jim Faucher, Paul Weil, Jon Hippler, Cindy Reed, Joe Morris, Mayor Sandi Bloem, Dr. nm Stoddard and Tony Stewart.

The Press

Monday, June 21, 2010

A7

North Idaho

Nation's educators to honor Tony Stewart Will receive H. Councill Trenholm Memorial Award The National Education Association, the nation's largest organization of educators, will honor Coeur d'Alene human righ ts activist Tony Stewart Stewart will receive the H. Councill Trenholm Memorial Award on July 2 in New Orleans at NEA's annual Human and Civil Rights Awards Dinner.

"Tony Stewart became a leading voice against Aryan Nations and played a central role in establishing human rights as a community value to fight the group's presence and activities," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "He is a shining example of how passion and commitment to human rights can transform a community."

When white supremacists calling themselves the Aryan Nations moved into Kootenai County to set up a compound,

Stewart, a political science professor at â&#x20AC;˘ North Idaho College, refused to r-emain silent.

Stewart He helped organize the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations to counter the propaganda and activities of the hate group.

Stewart led a decadelong fight against the Aryan Nations. He enlisted support not only from his neighbors and colleagues but also from national organizations such as the Southern Poverty Law Center, which in 2000 brought legal action against the Aryan Nations. Stewart served as jury consultant in the case, which resulted in a $6.3 million verdict against the white supremacist group.

Stewart produced a 90-minute documentary entitled Stand Up To Hate Groups by Saying Yes to Human Rights: The First

Ten Years of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relation as an aid to other organizations facing similar social justice issues.

Although Stewart has retired from North Idaho College, he continues to co-chair School District 271's Fifth Grade Human Rights Week, along with Pamela Pratt, director of elementary education.

"In more than 35 years of working with educators, I have never met a man more passionate and committed to human rights," Pratt said of her colleague.

The NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards program honors individuals and organizations that promote peace and advance social and economic justice. The H. Councill Trenholm award is given to an individual whose activities make a significant impact on education as a profession and promoting understanding among racial and ethnic groups.

.

PAGE A7 I FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2010

Racist

graffiti drawn on street Retired chief finds swastika near home

By Allson Boggs alisonb@spokesman.com,

(208) 765¡ 7132

A retired police chief for the city of Coeur d'Alene awoke Wednesday morning to find a swastika and the words "white power'' painted in the roadway outside his Hayden home.

Robert Nuttelman, who is in his early 80s, told the Kootenai County Sheriffs Department that the graffiti was not there Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m., but that he found it Wednesday morning around 6 a.m., a sheriffs report said.

The graffiti was located in the southbound lane of the lUOO block of North Avondale Loop, in front of Nuttelman's home. The swastika was about 2-feetsquare and the letters in the words "white power" were about 10 inches high, the sheriffs report said.

A deputy drove through the area looking for additional graffiti but found none. He asked that Lakes Highway District send a crew to remove the graffiti.

Roads Supervisor Joe Wuest said the highway district painted over the graffiti on Wednesday morning.

He said the highway district doesn't deal with racist graffiti "very often at all."

It was the latest in a series of racist incidents that have plagued the area for the past couple ofyears. On Tuesday morning, a resident of Hudlow Road, just east ofRimrock Road in Hayden, reported finding a swastika sign on her door, according to police scanner reports.

Last Tuesday, a human rights activist discovered a noose hanging from a beam of the carport in her downtown Coeur d'Alene neighborhood.

"For way over a year now, we've been dealing with these incidents," said Tony Stewart, a founding mem. ber of the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations.

"It's always done apparently in the middle of the night. Finding evidence of the perpetrators is incredibly frustrating. It's kind of hit and run.

"It's of deep, deep concern to us," he added. "I have no question if we get any evidence, there will be prosecution. Vigilance is really important. If an automobile is involved, getting license plates is really important."

THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW

JULY 1, 2010 • THURSDAY • PAGE A7

NORTHWEST

Stewart to receive education award National teachers group honors ing among racial and ethnic groups, an rupted the Aryan Nations with a NEA news release said. $6.3 million verdict.

N. Idaho human rights activist NEA President Dennis Van Roekel

By Alison Boggs alisonb@spokesman.com. (208) 765·7132

FILE The SPokesman·Revlew

Human rights activist Tony Stewart, shown last year where the Aryan Nations compound once stood near Hayden, wlll receive the H. Councill Trenholm Memorial Award.

The nation's largest organization of educators will honor Coeur d'Alene human rights activist Tony Stewart on Friday in New Orleans at the annual Human and Civil Righ ts Awards Dinner.

The National Education Association will present Stewart with the H . Councill Trenholm Memorial Award, which is given to an individual who makes a significant impact on education as a profession and who promotes understand-

called Stewart "a shining example of how passion and commitment to human rights can transform a community."

Stewart helped found the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations in 1981 when the Aryan Nations, a white supremacist organization, became active in Kootenai County.

For 30 years, Stewart bas helped lead the community's fight against racism by providing support to victims, countering hate propaganda and activities, and pursuing legal action when laws are broken.

Stewart served as a jury consultant on the landmark 2000 lawsuit that bank-

Stewart produced a 90-minute documentary chronicling the first 10 years of the task force as an aid to other communities and organizations facing similar issues, the release said.

Stewart, who is retired from a 38-year career teaching political science at North Idaho College, continues to serve as co-chairman of the annual Martin Luther King Jr. human rights celebration for fifth-graders in Kootenai County.

The NEA Human and Civil Rights Award program honors people and organizations that promote peace and advance social and economic justice.

·couNTY: Continued mistreatment of tribe To the Kootenai County Board of Commissioners: The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Executive Committee on behalf of the Board of Directors is both shocked and amazed at your unwise decision to appeal the decision of the U.S. Bureau of · Indian Affairs to place 142.56 Coeur d'Alene Tribal acres into trust land status for the first time in 30 years. Your decision defies logic, fairness and a good neighbor policy.

You are opposing the annual loss of $9,900 or .0001 percent of a county budget of $73 million while ignoring the tremendous annual financial contributions of the Coeur d'Alene Tribe. Let us be specific with a few examples: 1. Last year the PlummerWorley School District received $1.085 million from the United States Impact program as compensation for loss of property tax revenue due to Indian tribal trust lands.

2. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe is contributing $1,000,000 to the Kroc Center through annual payments of $100,000. The Kroc Center serves more than 20,000 people.

3. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe donates more than $1,000,000 annually to area schools.

4. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe provides $1.1 million for Citylink, providing free transportation to our citizens.

5. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe in 2009 spent $2.9 million on roads and transportation.

6. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe gave $500,000 to local charities last year.

7. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe spends $500,000 a year on Lake Coeur d'Alene that is enjoyed by all our citizens.

8. The Coeur d'Alene Tribe

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Readers Write employs more than 1,700 people that provides a $309 million annual economic impact to our region. We need not remind you that these employees own property and pay county property taxes.

We see your decision as yet another example of a long history of unfair treatment of Native Americans.

We urge you to pause and appreciate the tremendous economic and culture contributions provided by the Coeur d'Alene Tribe to our state, the Pacific Northwest and the United States. You can demonstrate your gratitude and appreciation of the Coeur d'Alene people by reversing your decision.

TONY STEWART Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Executive Committee

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Tribe land appeal dropped sioners announced Friday that they had withdrawn their appeal on the trust status awarded to

By ALECIA WARREN 142.6 acres of Coeur Staff writer d'Alene tribal land.

"We withdrew Currie yesterday or the day COEUR d'ALENE - Upon further review, they changed before," said Commissioner Rick Currie. their minds.

The Kootenai County commisHe declined to give reasons

Commissioners feel understanding can be reached with Tribe

Sunny High 81, Low 54 Weather, A2

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for the withdrawal. He said further details are being worked out with the Tribe on a memorandum of understanding, though over what he wouldn't say.

Currie had no worries about the appeal being withdrawn before the memorandum was completed.

"We feel we can reach an understanding with the Tribe," he said.

The Tribe welcomed lhe news, said spokesman Marc Stewart.

'This is extremely important to the Coeur d'Alene people, because this is their homelancL" Stewart said. "All they're trying to do is get it back."

Tribal Chairman Chief Allan said, 'The Tribe sees this as

see APPEAL, A2

APPEAL A1

from

the dawn of a new day with the Kootenai County commissioners. We are very pleased by their decision."

The commissioners had appealed when the U.S. Department of the Interior and Bureau of Indian Affairs granted the tribe permission to put 142.6 reservation acrescalled the "Ramsey Property" - into trust, part of a method tribes can use to recover native lands they have lost.

The commissioners had justified the appeal by pointing out the county would lose $9,900 a year in property taxes if the acreage were put in trust, under which land is exempt from property taxes.

The Tribe had purchased the land 10 years ago. Putting it into trust status was important because it puts the land back into the sovereign nation of the Tribe, Stewart said.

"It's a political distinction, not a racial one," he said.

But obtaining the status can be slow, on account of rigorous procedures, Stewart said.

"It's a very cumbersome process. Literally this is the first

one done (on the reservation) in more than three decades," he said.

Most tribal land across the nation was opened to settlement in the 1887 General Allotment Act The federal government did away with the law in 1934, and tribes have since pursued buying back their lost property.

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe owns roughly 20 percent of the land on the reservation, Stewart said.

Tony Stewart with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations Executive Committee, which had opposed the commissioners' appeal, applauded the withdrawal.

"Justice is prevailing in this decision," Stewart said. 'They (the Tribe) are buying back land that was taken from them and paying top sales price for what was taken from them. We're just delighted that this happened."

Marc Stewart said the Tribe isn't sure how the withdrawn appeal affects the overall trust process, though it is surely symbolic.

Some bureaucratic measures still remain to go through before the trust is finalized and the land is tax exempt, he said.

"It still could be awhile before it's actually done," Marc Stewart said.

The Press, Tuesday, August 24, 2010

SECTION

C NORTH IDAHO: Nominations sought for art awards / C3

A celebration of human rights Task force marks 10-year anniversary of Aryan Nations court verdict COEUR d'ALENE - It's been a decade.

And the Kootenai County T ask Force on Human Relations is celebrating the 10 years it has been since a $6.3 million jury verdict bankrupted the Aryan Nations in North Idaho.

A ceremony remembering the Sept. 7, 2000, decision will be held at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 7 this year at the Veterans Plaza at the Kootenai County Courthouse.

It will include a presentation to the task force of a black mar ble monument in the form of an open book designed by Julie Wood and donated by the Davinchi Stone Company of Post Falls. The open book is engraved with quotes about justice and pays tribute to the jury, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the task force, the attorneys for the victims in the civil suit and philanthropist Greg Carr.

JEROME A. POLLOS/Press

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations is celebrating the 10-year anniversary of a $6.3 million jury verdict that bankrupted the Aryan Nations in North Idaho with a ceremony at noon on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at the Veterans Plaza at the Kootenai County Courthouse.

Before the ceremony, it will be on display at the courthouse from Sept. 3-7. "(The) board of directors is deeply appreciative to the

Kootenai County commissioners for, their willingness to expedite approval of our veterans plaza see HUMAN, ca

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The Press

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

HUMAN

from C1

application so that the public would have advanced notice of the event," said Tony Stewart, KCTFHR secretary. "'The Kootenai County Commissioners were very supportive and most helpful in making this anniversary , happen."

The Southern Poverty , Law Center and the KCTFHR helped victims Victoria and Jason Keenan win the $6.3 million in the civil trial that bankrupted the Aryan Nations and their leader Richard Butler.

Photographs surrounding the trial will also be on display, and comments from attorneys Norm Gissel and Ken Howard will be given.

It has been 10 years since the verdict, but 12 years since the incident that led the parties to the courtroom.

On July 1, 1998, Victoria Keenan and her son, Jason, were driving by the Aryan Nations compound when they were attacked by its security guards. The Keenans' car was hit by bullets and driven off a public highway. The guards threatened to kill the Keenans if they reported the incident Victoria Keenan contacted the task force, and two security guards were later arrested. They pleaded guilty to the crime and were sentenced to prison.

Following the verdict Butler and the Aryan Nations declared bankruptcy in federal court, and the Keenans were awarded its compound. The Keenans in turn sold the compound to human rights activists and Carr, who destroyed it, and ~reated a Peace Park. He gave the park to the North Idaho College Foundation.

Information: 765-3932

PROGRAM

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7-

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KCTFHR 10th Anniversary Ceremony of the Keenans v. Aryan Nations' Trial Opening Blessing

Father Roger Lachance, Pastor St. Pius X Catholic Church

Introductions & Task Force Statement

Tony Stewart

Welcome

Jo Ann Harvey, President KCTFHR

Comments

Rick Currie, Chair, KC Commissioners

Comments

The Coeur d' Alene Tribe

Comments

Sandi Bloem, Mayor of Coeur d'Alene

Comments

Greg Carr, Gregory C. Carr Foundation

Comments

Norm Gissel. attorney

Comments

Ken Howard, attorney

Introduction & Unveiling of the Marble book

Christie Wood, VP of the KCTFHR

Public Views the Marble Book

******* KOOTENAI COUNTY TASK FORCE ON HUMAN RELATIONS P.

. Box 2725

Coeur d Alene, Idaho 83816 Phone: (208 765-3932 E-Mail: Vi tim Support S r ic Fr. Rog r LaChance (20 ) Sgt. Chri ti Wood (208) -

:

www.idabohumanrights.org

' AYIN YE TO HUMAN RIGHT IS THE BEST WAY TO SAY NO TO PREJUDICE AND BIGOTRY -

'

he Late Bi ll Was ·mu th . atholic Prie t

PAGE AS I TUESDAY, AUGUST 24, 2010

SPOKESMAN.COM/COLUMNISTS

-

ARCHIVED COLUMNS FROM DOUG CLARK

Event set to mark Aryan Nations trial The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations next month will celebrate the 10th anniversary of the civil trial that bankrupted the Aryan Nations and leader Richard Butler.

On Sept. 7, 2000, an Idaho jury delivered a verdict awarding Victoria and Jason Keenan $6.3 million after they were attacked by Aryan Nations guards while driving past the racist group's compound. Task force attorney Norm Gissel worked with Morris Dees and the Southern Poverty Law Center to represent the Keenans in the trial.

The task force will post a photographic display at the Kootenai County Courthouse Veterans Plaza from Sept. 3 to 7. On Sept. 7 at noon, a black marble monument commemorating the event will be presented to the task force.

The program also will include comments from Gissel and Ken Howard, another of the Keenans' attorneys.

The public is invited to attend.

Alison.Boggs

SPOKESMAN.COM/OPINIO

EDITORIAL

Enduring Unity event counteracts intolerance Ben Cabildo, chairman of Unity in the Community, wants the annual multicultural celebration to become one of Spokane's "signature" events. Equaling the turnouts and name recognition enjoyed by the examples he cites - Hoopfest, Bloomsday or Pig Out in the Park - would definitely be a stretch goal, but crowd size and awareness aren't the only measures of significance.

The 16th Unity in the Community took place over the weekend, with vendors, political candidates, performers and participants spread around the Clocktower in Riverfront Park. It is said to be the largest event of its kind in the Inland Northwest.

The setting, notably, was not far from that where Aryan Nations racists rallied in 1983, with the permission of African-American Mayor Jim Chase, who insisted on protecting the bigots' free expression rights but encouraged citizens to ignore the attention-getting ploy.

Remembering the climate of those times helps us appreciate what the Rev. Lonnie Mitchell launched in 1995 as a get-together for the East Central community and members of his Bethel AME Church. It was. an era of racial tension, ignited primarily by Aryan Nations founder Richard Butler, who was charring the Inland Northwest with an unwanted reputation for narrow-mindedness.

The U.S. Senate was inve.stigating the shootout at Ruby Ridge, and Bo Gritz, the former Green Beret who helped negotiate an end to the standoff, made Idaho the headquarters of his own "Campaign to Save America."

The O.J. Simpson trial made a celebrity of former police detective Mark Fuhrman, which in turn called more attention to the Idaho Panhandle as a retirement area popular with Southern California law enforcement officers with troubling racial attitudes.

Against that background, Unity in the Community could easily have become a confrontation-minded countermovement. Instead, it has remained more in line with the "Not in Our Town" response that the people of Billings modeled in i993 after a Jewish family's window was smashed with a brick.

Not that confrontation with hate movements isn't to be applauded, too. Two weeks from today, human rights activists will gather at the Kootenai County Courthouse in Coeur d'Alene to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the civil trial that toppled Butler's Aryan Nations.

Racism may be less virulent than it used to be, but it hasn't disappeared, and periodic outbreaks must be combated when they occur. As Cabildo notes, "There's a lot more multiethnic population in Spokane now."

But the hallmark of Unity in the Community is that it represents not a defensive reaction but a triumph of diversity for its own merits. That's a compelling signature.

To respond online, click on Opinion under the Topics menu at www.spokesman.com.

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Monday, August 16, 2010 9:04 AM

Subject: Celebration Date: Wednesday, August 11, 2010 10:14 AM From: Morris Dees To: Tony Stewart -

Tony Good to hear from you. Thanks for the information on the marble piece that will recognize the demise of the Aryan Nations ten years ago. we are so grateful to be included on the marble piece.

I will be unable to attend. I hope Norm will be there

and will say a few words on our behalf. He is the greatest. Please send me his email address and phone number.

We would like a copy of the program, news release (if any) and a photo of the piece. We will run it in the Center's newspaper.

Give my regards to all our friends in Idaho.

Morris

M

The Press, Saturday, September 4, 2010

SECTION

C NORTH IDAHO: History presentation set for Wednesday / C2

Celebration marks Aryan verdict Carr, whose foundation bought compound, set to speak during Sept 7 ceremony COEUR d'ALENE - It's been a decade, and the man who helped tum a compound of hate into haven of peace will reflect on the victory.

Gregory C. Carr, the Idaho native whose foundation purchased the Aryan Nations compound in Hayden Lake, will be one of the honored speakers at the 10th anniversary celebration dedicated to remembering the feat see CELEBRATE, C3

Tony Stewart and Christie Wood, both with the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, make the final touches to a display Friday commemorating the 10th anniversary of the organization's jury verdict against the Aryan Nations.

SHAWN GUST/Press

The Press

CELEBRATE C1

from

The anniversary, hosted by the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations at noon Sept. 7 at the Kootenai County Courthouse Veterans Plaza, commemorates the 10 years since a $6.3 million jury verdict bankrupted the Aryan Nations in North Idaho.

But a year later, Carr helped erase the painful reminder of what happened there by transforming the scene of terror into a yard of bliss.

As part of the ceremony, a presentation to the task force of a black marble monument of an open book designed by Julie Wood and donated by the Da Vinchi Stone Company of Post Falls.

The open book is engraved with quotes about justice and pays , tribute to the jury, the Southern Poverty Law Center, the task force, the attorneys for the

Saturday, September 4, 2010

victims in the civil suit and the philanthropist Carr.

Carr, a human rights activist from Idaho Falls, purchased the compound in 2001 after it was seized by court order following a successful lawsuit brought by the victims Victoria and Jason Keenan and the Southern Poverty Law Center against the Nazi group.

He has dedicated himself to humanitarian activities since 1998, and founded the Gregory C. Carr Foundation in 1999.

His efforts, which include the Gorongosa National Park restoration project in central Mozambique and cofounding the Museum of Idaho in Idaho Falls, were highlighted on the CBS News program "60 Minutes" in 2008, according to his biography.

It has been 10 years since the verdict, but 12 years since the incident that led the parties to the courtroom.

C3

On July 1, 1998, Victoria Keenan and her son, Jason, were driving by the Aryan Nations compound when they were attacked by its security guards.

The Keenans' car was hit by bullets and driven off a public highway.

The guards threatened to kill the Keenans if they reported the incident.

Victoria Keenan contacted the task force, and two security guards were later arrested.

They pleaded guilty to the crime and were sentenced to prison.

Following the verdict Butler and the Aryan Nations declared bankruptcy in federal court, and the Keenans were awarded its compound.

The Keenans in turn sold the compou9-d to human rights activists and Carr.

Photographs surrounding the trial will also be on display, and comments from attorneys Norm Gissel and Ken Howard will be given.

COEUR cl'ALENE

1,-.--------------------

www.cdapress.com ~~~_.;:i

Wednesday September 8, 2010

'The Triumph ofJustice Over Hate'

SHAWN GUST/Press

Humanitarian Greg Carr, right, talks with attorney Ken Howard Tuesday following a ceremony at the Kootenai County Courthouse in Coeur d' Alene m arking the 10th anniversary of the Keenans v. Aryan Nations court case.

A place of peace Ceremony marks 10-year anniversary of Aryan Nations court decision

the Old Testament, the words are etched on the new monument at Ronald D. Rankin Veteran's Memorial Park, next to the Kootenai County Courthouse - an elegant

By NICK ROTUNNO stone shaped like an open book, Staff writer commemorating the 10th anniversary of Keenans v. The Aryan Nations.

COEUR d'ALENE - The On Sept. 7, 2000, a Kootenai passage is carved in stone, white County jury ruled in favor of letters on shiny black marble, a Victoria and Jason Keenan, who permanent reminder that hatred were pursued, assaulted and held has no place in Kootenai County: captive by security guards from the "Justice did roll down like water Aryan Nations comPound that forand righteousness like a mighty merly stood in Hayden Lake. The stream." jury awarded the Keenans $6.3 Paraphrasing a sentence from million, a decision that bankrupted

A&

The Press

the Aryan Nations and drove the Nazis from North Idaho. ¡ To celebrate this final verdict, the Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations hosted an anniversary ceremony at Memorial Park on Tuesday.

Nine speakers addressed the crowd, including several who played a part in the trial. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the polished memorial - donated by Da Vinci Stone of Post Falls and carved by local artist Julie Wood - was unveiled.

see PEACE, A&

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

North Idaho from A1

"Ten years ago today, at this courthouse, a jury returned a very important verdict:," said Tony Stewart, secretary and an original founder of the task force. ''You cannot commit hate crimes in this community without (consequences)."

The Aryan Nations, he continued, was not denied its constitutional rights to freedom of speech and freedom of peaceful assembly. But those rights only go so far. "'There is no constitutional right to extend that hate speech into violence," Stewart said.

Following representatives of the Kootenai County commissioners and the Coeur d'Alene Tribe, Coeur d'Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem remarked

on the bravery of the trial's participants, especially those who ¡sPoke out against injustice.

"What a great day this is," Bloem said. "Today, because of the heroes standing here, we can celebrate the fact that we don't live in fear. Silence never did win any rights.

Silence never did pick up and make us a better place. Today, instead of a place of hate, we have a place of peace."

Upon completion of the trial, the fortified Aryan Nations compound was sold to Greg Carr, a humanitarian and philanthropist who runs the Gregory C. Carr Foundation. The compound was leveled, and a tranquil Peace Park was built in its place.

The park was later given to the North Idaho College Foundation.

"I think what I like

most about this victory is the way in which the local community handled it," Carr remarked, saying that Kootenai County's residents made their "own voices louder" than the Aryan Nations'.

"I'm proud to be among you, thank you," he said.

After the Keenans were assaulted near the compound, they contacted the task force, which in turn recruited the Southern Poverty I.aw Center.

Norm Gissel, a lawyer working for the SPLC, and Ken Howard represented the Keenans during the trial. ''We can see that the chapter of American cultural history that took for granted our racism, and all the cultural ills that racism has created, is closing, and when closed will stay closed forever," Gissel said. "Our particular jury (the group that

decided Keenans v. Aryan Nations)tookitupon i~ self to send that message.

The Aryan Nations heard this message; a number of whom left North Idaho looking elsewhere in America for greener pastures. For them 30 years of advocating, proselytizing, parading and organizing went for nothing."

Christie Wood, vice president of the task force, revealed the new monument.

'The Triumph of J ustice Over Hate," it reads, honoring the task force, the attorneys, the SPLC, Greg Carr and the Kootenai County jury.

Not more than 50 yards from the site of the trial, the black and white monument stands proudly, a fine work of craftsmanship that recalls a day 10 years ago when justice rolled like water and righteousness like a stream.

STATEMENT FROM THE KOOTENAI COUNTY TASK FORCE ON HUMAN RELATIONS GOOD AFTERNOON FRIENDS OF HUMAN RIGHTS: AS WE GATHER HERE TODAY TO REMEMBER AND RECOGNIZE THE SIGNI FICANCE OF THE VERDICT IN THE KEENANS V. THE ARYAN NATIONS' CIVIL TRIAL IN 2000, IT IS IMPORTANT TO UNDERSTAND THAT BOTH THE CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS AND THE CIVIL JUDGEMENT OF $6.3 MILLION AGAINST THE ARYAN NATIONS' SECURITY GUARDS, RICHARD BUTTLER AND THE ARYAN NATIONS WAS NOT A DENIAL OF THEIR FIRST AMENDMENT RIGHTS TO FREE SPEECH OR PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY. RATHER BOTH THE CRIMINAL AND ClVIL VERDICTS WERE BASED UPON THE APPLICATION OF THE RULE OF LAW, DUE PROCESS AND JUSTICE WITH REGARD TO PUNISHING THESE CRIMINAL ACTS. NO INDIVIDUAL OR GROUP HAS THE CONSTITUTIONAL OR LEGAL RIGHT TO USE THEIR IDEOLOGY OF BIGOTRY AND HATE TO COMMIT ACTS OF MALICIOUS HARASSMENT OR HATE CRIMES.

THE UNITED STATES SUPREME COURT IN WISCONSIN v. MITCHELL IN 1993 RULED THAT ALTHOUGH THE CONSTITUTION PROTECTS THE RIGHT OF PEACEFUL ASSEMBLY INCLUDING THE RIGHT TO ENGAGE IN HATE SPEECH DURING THE ASSEMBLY, THERE IS NO LEGAL OR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT TO EXTEND THE HATE SPEECH TO ACTIONS OF VIOLENCE INCLUDING HATE CRIMES. THIS FACT IS WHY THE KOOTENAI COUNTY JURY GOT IT RIGHT ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2000 AND WHAT THE ATTORNEYS FOR THE SOUTHERN POVERTY LAW CENTER AND THE KOOTENAI COUNTY TASK FORCE ON HUMAN RELATIONS UNDERSTOOD WHEN THEY REPRESENTED THE KEENANS IN THIS HISTORICAL TRIAL. TONY STEWART, SECRETARY KOOTENAI COUNTY TASK FORCE ON HUMAN RELATIONS BOARD SEPTEMBER 7, 2010

KEENAN TRIAL - 10TH ANNIVERSERY COMMENTS On this 1Qth anniversary of the jury verdict in the Keenan v. Aryan Nations and Richard Butler et al it is useful to reflect on the importance of that event.

Richard Butler and the Aryan Nations Church had for years prior to the Keenan trial used the notoriety they created to embarrass and define this beautiful north Idaho homeland of ours as a place inhospitable to all of those who were not of the white Christian race.

Using the national and even international press exposure that they created with their public scorn and hatred of a ll those that they opposed, they had sought to depict our community as bigoted, intolerant, and hostile to anyone who was not white, Christian and sympathetic to their ideology.

For years they held their "Aryan Nation Congress" parades along Sherman Ave. They used our community as a stage from which to try and define this beautiful area as "their" homeland populated by Aryans'.

Over the years there were many followers of Richard Butlers' teaching's who violently acted out his hatred and intolerance by engaging in bombings, shootings and murder, but, none of those acts could be directly attached to him.

As others he had inspired were sent to jail, he successfully remained on the perimeter, protected by his constitutional rights of due process, free speech and religion. He was able to escape the penalty of lawbreaking due to insufficient evidence of his involvement in the violence.

During these years this community sought to show the world that we did not believe as Richard Butler.

We sought to present the real conscience and substance of this community as open, tolerant, independent, resilient, self-sufficient, giving and forgiving.

We sought to display our belief and commitment to that "frontier spirit" that has formed us into the great community that we are.

Unfortunately, the eyes and the ears of the world were more attracted to the news of the "outrageous" than by the news of the "ordinary".

The untold and unspoken truth of those years was that Richard Butler survived in this community only because we live and hold dear our belief that

1

KEENAN TRIAL- 10TH ANNIVERSERY COMMENTS he was entitled to his constitutional protections of due process, freedom of speech and freedom of religion.

•

He was the beneficiary of our commitment to honor his freedom of speech, regardless of how much we disagreed.

• He was the beneficiary of our commitment to honor his freedom of religion, regardless of how hate filled and out of touch it was with our beliefs.

• He was the beneficiary of our commitment to require, through the due process of the law, adequate proof of his violation of the law.

• All of these protections were honored with the caveat that he must not violate the trust of this community and engage in illegal and violent conduct in pursuing his beliefs.

Although we were deeply troubled by the undeserved reputation of hatred and intolerance which Butler was bringing down on us, there were no violent acts visited upon him or his followers.

There were no hostile acts directed against his property or possessions.

Unlike some other communities faced with similar situations, we peacefully opposed his beliefs and tolerated his differences so long as he did not violate the law.

In July 1998 Richard Butler breached this community's trust when his "security guards" with automatic weapons provided by Butler, without provocation, shot at, pursued and assaulted Victoria and Jason Keenan and held them at gunpoint on the public roads of this county.

The Keenan's, although fearful of future attacks, demonstrated great courage by pursuing legal action for that outrageous conduct.

The ensuing investigation and trial revealed to the jury a long pattern of violent conduct and hostile attitudes which Butler and his followers had engaged in both within and outside this county.

At the close of the evidence it was clear that Richard Butler and his followers had for a long time presented a dangerous threat to our community.

This trial was not about Richard Butler's freedom of speech or freedom of religion; it was about violent and hostile conduct toward members of our community.

2

KEENAN TRIAL- lOTH ANNIVERSERY COMMENTS Although Butler attempted to again hide behind the constitutional rights we hold so dear, it was clear to the jury that he had violated this community's trust and the law.

On September 7, 2000, our tolerance of Butler came to an end with the jury's verdict of $6.3 million.

This verdict was, in part, directed to compensate the Keenan's but to a larger extent it was to punish Butler and his followers and to serve to deter similar conduct in the future.

We owe our gratitude to the Keenan's and the Jury for their courage in this trial.

They helped the world to know: •

That Idaho is a community that is open, tolerant, independent, resilient, self-sufficient, giving and forgiving.

• That we abide by our belief and commitment to the Constitution and that "northwest spirit" that has formed us into the great community that we are.

• But that in exchange for these rights we require that every person must live within the law and not resort to violence and injury to further their beliefs.

THIS VERDICT REMINDS US that when we are confronted with ideas and beliefs with which we do not agree, which test the very fiber of our tolerance and which cause us great discomfort and distress; it is these times that test our true belief in constitutional and human rights. It is these times that require that we DISTAIN VIOLENCE and look to the RULE OF LAW for proper resolution of our disputes. This trial and the verdict of the jury stand as a monument to THIS COMMUNITIES commitment to these values.

Ken Howard Attorney at Law

3

c-·orvi.m€,vTs oY ~0ofm (;I :;-s-£L

1·- t ·- ID The jury verdict in the Keenan vs Aryan Nations case was for 6.3 million dollars. The evidence admitted in the case was that the sole asset of the Aryan Nations was the 20 acres of land on Rim Rock Road. It was valued at $225,000.00. Full success for the Keenans would have been for a judgment of $225,000.00. The jury returned a verdict 28 times higher than the value of the real estate owned by the Defendants.

Why this occurred is the subject of these remarks.

A number of years ago the Southern Poverty Law Center commenced a series of high profile and very successful lawsuits against the Ku Klux Klan and Klan like organizations such as the Aryan Nations.

These cases were started shortly after the Emmitt Till case, a case which seemed to declare that all reason, all humanity, and all morality was drained out of American culture leaving only a bleak nihilism for us, our children and our children's children. That case was nothing more than a jury approved kidnaping, torture and murder of a 10 year old boy.

The genius of the Southern Poverty Law Center was to sense early on that the civil rights movement in the late 1950s and-the 1960s had brought about a

fundamental shift in the culture of our country. A shift towards Jeffersonian truths and away from the dark side of American culture - racial hatred, divisiveness, and fear. ¡ Keenan vs. Aryan Nations was the ninth in that series which is ongoing.

These cases take place in rural and urban court rooms all across America. We invite you to view these cases as moral dramas. Each jury was asked to assess damages against the Defendants and for the victims. Which they did.

We believe that each jury was cognizant of_its larger role as representative of its local culture by setting down clear, life affirming cultural markers for all to see and remember.

Each of these juries said metaphorically and with unsurpassing clarity that freedom, fairness, and the rule of law are present in our lives, embedded deep into our culture and define us as Americans.

We can now see what these juries saw. We can see that the chapter of American cultural history that took for granted our racism, and all the cultural ills that racism has created is closing, and when closed will stay closed fqrever. :2.

-¡

Our particular jury took it upon itself to send that message, over and over again 28 times. The Aryan Nations heard this message, a number whom left North Idaho looking elsewhere in America for greener pastures. For them 30 years of advocating, proselytizing, parading and organizing went for nothing.

I asked Morris Dees what he would like to say to Kootenai County on¡the tenth anniversary of Keenan vs. Butler. He said to say how honored the SPLC was to have played a role in this important period in our County's history. And we say to him and the SPLC, "Dear Friends, the honor was ours."

Good news begets other good news. We learned how important jury verdicts can be, but waiting for a jury can be a long wait. We in Kootenai County became convinced as have other civil rights groups that cities and counties all across our great land can in real practical terms achieve cultural successes against racism well before the opportunity to have a jury trial even presents itself. We _have and will continue to seek out those opportunities as they present themselves.

-------~--------------------~--------------------------------~-

Minutes of Meeting August 17, 2010 2:00 p.m.

The Kootenai County Board of Commissioners, Chairman Pro-tern Piazza and Commissioner Tondee met in continuation of the regular meeting of the second Monday of August, with Deputy Clerk Teri Johnston present. Also present was Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Pat Braden. Chairman Currie was excused.

Human Rights Display/Veterans Plaza Due to time constraints involved, Commissioner Tondee moved that the Board consider adding this item on today's agenda. Commissioner Piazza seconded the motion.

There being no discussion, Deputy Clerk Teri J ohnston called the roll: Commissioner Tondee: Chairman Pro-tern Piazza: Chairman Currie:

Aye Aye Excused

The Board met to consider the unveiling of a Display proposed by Tony Stewart, Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations to commemorate the tenth anniversary of "The Triumph of Justice over Hate" in which a Kootenai County Jury found the Aryan Nation guilty of hate crimes and awarded $6.3 million to the victims, illustrating that the citizens of Idaho do not tolerate hate. The Aryan Nation compound was seized in lieu of payment and subsequently turned into a "Peace Park". A marble commemorative plaque will be unveiled and dedicated at a ceremony at the Veterans Plaza on September 7, 2010 at 12:00. Speaking for the Task Force, Tony Stewart stated that Mayor Bloem would be in attendance, and invited the Commissioners and Sheriff's Department to be in attendance as well. Both Commissioners Piazza and Tondee commented that they were in favor of the ceremony and felt it would be a positive reflection on the citizens of Kootenai County.

Commissioner Tondee moved that the Board approve the Display and Ceremony on September 7, 2010. Chairman Pro-tern Piazza seconded the motion.

There being no discussion, Deputy Clerk Teri Johnston co.lled the roll: Commissioner Tondee: Chairman Pro-tern Piazza: Chairman Currie:

Aye Aye Excused

The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

C: Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations

PAGE AS I WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2010

SPOKESMAN.COM/COLUMNISTS

FIND ARCHIVED COLUMNS FROM SHAWN VESTA

Anniversary of a community victory

KATHY PLONKA kathypl aspokesman.CO"J

Norm Gissel, a Coeur d'Alene attorney who assisted Southern Poverty Law Center attorney Morris Dees In the legal case that bankrupted the Aryan Nations, receives applause after addressing the crowd at the Veterans Memorial Plaza in Coeur d'Alene on Tuesday.

JUSTICE WAS SERVED Leaders mark 10 years since verdict that crippled Aryan Nations

By Alison Boggs

za The Kootenai County Task Force on Hu-

alisonb@spokesman.com, (208) 765¡n32

man Relations unveiled a monument made of black marble to commemorate the day.

"What a great day this is. Ten years ago and more, we had people living in this community and in this area that were full offear," said Coeur d'Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem. "We had many people that lived outside Gf this community that wouldn't come here because they were afraid. And today, because of the heroes standing here, we can celebrate the fact that we don't live in fear and people come to this community from all over the world.

"Silence never did win any rights," Bloem

On Sept 7, 2000, a Kootenai County jury rendered a $6.3 million verdict against the Aryan Nations and its leader, Richard Butler.

That action bankrupted the racist organization, severely diminishing its influence in North Idaho.

On Tuesday, 10 years later, civil rights leaders joined with leaders from Coeur d'Alene, Kootenai County, the Coeur d'Alene Tribe and law enforcement to celebrate the victory at the Kootenai County veterans' pla-

"You.didn't take away the free speech of the other side; you just made your own voices louder. And because your cause was just, you won the argument."

Human rights activist Greg Carr

said. "Silence never did pick up and make us a better place. And silence certainly wouldn't have done it 10 years ago."

On July 1, 1998, Victoria Keenan and her See ANNIVERSARY, A7

ANNIVERSARY

Continued from AS

son, Jason, were driving past the Aryan Nations compqund near Hayden whenthey91ereattacked by the organization's security guards after their car backfired. Bullets hit their car; they were driven off the road. The guards threatened to kill them if they reported the incident. When the Keenans contacted the task force, its attorney, Norm Gissel of Coeur d'Alene, recruited renowned human rights lawyer Morris Dees and the Southern Poverty Law Center to representthe Keenans in the civil trial Coeur d'Alene attorney Ken Howard also joined the legal team. On Tuesday, Howard said that for years, Butler and the Aryan Nations used their notoriety to "embarrass and define this beautiful North Idaho

homeland ofours as a place inhospitable to all of those who were not of the white Christian race." For years, he said, they held parades along Sherman Avenue, and followers of Butler acted out "hatred and intolerance" by engaging in bombings, shootings and murder, but none of the violent acts could be tied to Butler.

Butler survived in this community, Howard said, because people here believed in the constitutional protections of freedom of speech and religion, despite being "deeply troubled" by the reputation of hatred and intolerance brought upon the area.

"On Sept. 7, 2000, this community's tolerance of Butler came to an end," Howard said. "This verdict was, in part, directed to compensate the Keenans, but largely to punish Butler and his followers and to

@

OntheWeb: Find

background information on the ArYan Nations and the latest coverage at

spokesmm.com/

toplcs/aryan-natlons.

serve to deter similar conduct in the futurel' Following the jury's civil verdict, Butler and the Aryan Nations declared bankruptcy in federal court.

The Keenanswere awarded the compound, which they sold to philanthropist and human rights activist Greg Carr. He destroyed the compound and turned it into a peace park, which he donated to the North Idaho College Foundation.

"What I love most about this victory is the way the local community handled it," said Carr, also among Tues-

day's speakers. "You didn't take away the free speech of the other side; you just made your own voices louder. And because your cause was just, you won the argument" The stone for the monument unveiled Tuesday was donated by Da Vinci Stone Design of Post Falls.

Artist Julie Wood contributed her services designing and engraving the stone.

The monument will be displayed permanently either at the Coeur d'Alene Public Library or at the North Idaho College library, following a decision by the task force's board of directors.

Paul Mullet, the self-described national director of the Aryan Nations, contacted the media two weeks ago when he heard about the ceremony. He said that although he has moved to Ohio due to a family death, the Aryan Nations will never leave North Idaho.

Plea in N. Idaho pipe bon1b case postponed Alleged victim flies

affidavit opposing deal

By Meghann M. Cunlff meghannc@spokesman.com.

(509) 459-5534

A plea hearing for the hitman-turned-informant in an alleged North Idaho murder plot was postponed Tuesday because the suspect was reluctant to acknowledge that the pipe bomb

he's accused of placing under the would-be victim's car could have exploded.

The move to delay the apFairfax proval of Larry A Fairfax's plea deal came the same day an affidavit signed by his alleged target, Cyndi Steele, was filed in U.S. District Court objecting to the proposed deal with Fairfax. The

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affidavit said approving the deal "would be like letting Charles Manson off with a traffic ticket."

Cyndi Steele's husband, attomey Edgar Steele, is in jail facing charges he hired Fairfax to kill his wife and mother-in-law.

The affidavit signed by Cyndi Steele and one signed by her mother, Jacquanette Kunzman, say Fairfax's accomplices in the murder plot remain at large. Allowing Fairfax to plead guilty as charged would Jeave him no in-

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centive to help investigators arrest the others, the women argued.

"I have learned more from news media accounts of said plea agreement than from the U.S. government officials who have the responsibility to provide that information to me," according to Cyndi Steele's affidavit. "My mother and I believe that it is now crucial that we come forSee PIPE BOMB, A7

f

PIPE BOMB

Continued from AS ward in order to demand enforcement of our rights as victims because we can see that the Government is ignoring the unnamed accomplices of Larry Fairfax whom these FBI agents said existed."

After Fairfax and Edgar Steele were arrested, the FBI said there was no outstanding public safety risk.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Traci Whelan said in court Tuesday that Cyndi Steele has made it clear she does not wish to communicate with federal prosecutors regarding the case. Whelan also questioned whether Cyndi Steele wrote the affidavit and said she anticipates "an investigation into how the affidavits came to be drafted."

The documents contain "statements set up to bolster Mr. Steele's defense," Whelan said.

Whelan recently accused Edgar Steele of violating a no-contact order by addressing an envelope to his daughter but including a birthday card prosecutors say was written to Cyndi Steele.

The 16-page affidavit signed by Cyndi Steele on Saturday called Edgar Steele her "loving husband" and called for additional charges, including conspiracy to commit murder and attempted murder, to be brought against Fairfax. The nearly identical affidavits by Cyndi Steele and Kunzman each mention death threats against their family whenever Edgar Steele "would take political positions on various issues."

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I

:'Death threats occurred quite often when my husband was acting as a First Amendment defense lawyer protecting the individual's right to freedom of speech:" stated Steele's affidaVJt. Edgar Steele unsuccessfully defended the Aryan Nations in the landmark case 10 years ago that bank~pted the white supremac1~oup. er auto shop emtoyees found the pipe omb under the car Cyndi Stee.le was driving during an oil change June 15, "I be-. came so fearful that I could ~ardly function," she said 10 the affidavit.

The affidavit claims FBI agents knew of the pipe

On theWtb: @ Find previous coverage of this case and related court documents at spokesman.con,/ tags/edgar-stNfe.

bomb when they spoke with Cyndi Steele at her mother's house in Oregon on June ll, the day her husband was arrested.

Whelan said in court that the affidavit contains state~ents that "are clearly opiruon and from our position, untrue." She declined to comment after court on the affidavits, which were filed under seal but obtained by The Spokesman-Review.

Fairfax was expected to plead guilty to possession of an unregistered firearm and making a firearm in violation of the National Firearms Act. The charges carry a maximum of 10 years in prison, but federal sentencing guidelines show he could receive as little as 18 months.

According to court documents, Fairfax approached FBI agents June 9 and said he'd been talking with Edgar Steele since November 2009 about a plan to kill Cyndi Steele and Kunzman.

Fairfax told investigators he planted the bomb under the car to convince Edgar Steele the plan was moving forward. Edgar Steele planned to detonate a bomb under his own car after his wife's death to try to make it look like both had been targeted, according to court testimony.

Fairfax. has said he attached the pipe bomb to Cyndi Steele's car in such a way that it wouldn't explode, but his plea deal calls for him to acknowledge the device had the potential to explode. Fairfax was reluctant to do that Tuesday, and the hearing was postponed to Thursday at 10 a.m.

Fairfax remains in custo~y at the Bonner County Jail. Edgar Steele is in the Spokane County Jail. His trial is set for November on charges of use of interstate commerce for the commission of murder for hire, use ofexplosive material to commit a federal felony, and possession of a destructive device in relation to a crime of violence and tampering with a victim.