My heartfelt apology to the state of Utah and the Ute women’s basketball team members who were verbally assaulted in downtown Coeur d’Alene during their visit during the NCAA tournament held in Spokane. Having washed ashore here from Hawaii 32 years ago, this abhorrent behavior isn’t normal for Coeur d’Alene.
No excuses but maybe an explanation might help other transformed communities learn from our mistakes. While most residents dismiss the growing problems as noise, the ugliness by a few is becoming all too common in north Idaho, which is attracting hordes of new residents, many apparently seeking political and social refuge from perceived tyranny in their home states. Sadly, in just a few years north Idaho has evolved into a heavily armed camp engaged in political tribalism, and deeply suspicious of anyone outside of their social and religious circles. This has led to open disrespect and hate directed at outsiders and established institutions.
No excuses, we know we have a serious problem in Idaho, particularly up north. And unless we are willing to confront the lies and distortion promulgated in our government, in the streets and on social media by well-funded and notorious racists and anti-American government provocateurs, the sickness that has engulfed north Idaho will become a plague on this nation.
Again, I sincerely apologize for the sickening behavior your women’s basketball team experienced. Sad as it is, hopefully this will serve as a wakeup for the masses in Idaho, the hate must stop.
Reid Harlocker, Coeur d’Alene
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