A march, "…celebrating the birth of one of the greatest leaders of the white race, Adolf Hitler… and the stronghold of the Northwest as being Headquarters of the Aryan Race" is plannejd for July 18, in Coeur d'Alene. The quote is from Richard Butler, leader of the Aryan Nations.

Twenty years ago, Butler staked a claim in Hayden Lake. In all this time he has failed to draw a following from the citizens of this area. However, he continues to draw from elsewhere those who share his racist views. Many of his "followers" are arrested for crimes of violence. Others move on. However, they stain this region with a reputation that it does not deserve -- a reputation that intimidates and frightens many people of color who are afraid to even visit North Idaho.

In 1994, five hundred people attended a human rights rally in Sandpoint, to make the statement that Butler's dream of turning the Northwest into an Aryan homeland is ridiculous and repugnant. It is time, once again, for all those who oppose racism to take a stand.

The Kootenai County Task Force on Human Relations, which has for many years taken a proactive stance in promoting human rights, is providing a number of ways for people to demonstrate a belief in "liberty and justice for all." The Bonner County Task Force is joining with them in promoting a "Lemonade Campaign." The idea of this is to take something bitter and turn it into something sweet. Individuals can sign a pledge, committing an optional amount of money to a human rights organization of their choice, for every minute that the Aryans march. It is estimated that the march will last about 45 minutes. Over a thousand people have already signed a pledge. Pledge forms are available at many local businesses and from Task Force members. Widespread commitment to this campaign will challenge the Aryans to decide if this march is worth strengthening the very groups that oppose their ideology of hate.

On the day of the march, July 18, there will be a "Hands Across the Border" motorcade into Spokane for an old-fashioned human rights rally at Gonzaga University. This is another activity provided for people who want to show their opposition to the Aryan beliefs, and serves to draw attention away from the Neo-Nazi display. Those wanting to join the motorcade should meet at the dog-track at 8 a.m. The rally is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. -- the same time as the parade.

A number of people believe strongly that those opposing the Aryan views should be present at the site of the march as well. Because of this response, members of the BCHRTF will be having an organizational meeting for those planning to attend and who are committed to maintaining a peaceful presence. By meeting and discussing some guidelines, a more unified and definitive front can be presented and ways to further the safety of participants and prevent the situation from escalating into violence can be discussed. There will be a designated place to park, and to stand along the parade route. Banners will be displayed stating, "CITIZENS OF IDAHO DECLARE THIS A HATE-FREE ZONE." The Task Force is gathering signatures of those who would like to be represented on this banner, without attending the march in person. Those wishing to have their names on the banner can indicate that on the lemonade pledge form, or by calling the Task Force.

Those whose conscience dictates that they be present at the march, to express their opposition, are encouraged to attend the organizational meeting at the Gardenia Center, Wednesday, July 15, at 6:30 p.m. More specific information will be available then.

It is not necessary to be present at the march to make a difference. But it is incumbent for every citizen of North Idaho who finds the idea of a "whites only" region unacceptable, to take a stand. Join the Lemonade Campaign; place your signature on the banner; participate in the motorcade; attend the rally. Or, if you plan to be at the parade, come to the meeting designed to coordinate the efforts of people and groups who choose to express their opposition in person.

It is up to each of us to decide how he or she wants to make a statement. There are many ways being offered. What is most important is that we not be silent or try to ignore this event. Silence is acceptance and ignoring Nazis will not make them go away. History bears witness. Martin Luther King, Jr., wrote from the Birmingham jail:

"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and deeds of the bad people, but for the appalling silence of the good people." Citizens of Idaho, it is time to take a stand. Updated information can be obtained by calling the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force hotline: (208) 263-0275 and e-mail: bchrtf@dmi.net.

The Rights Stuff is published "occasionally" by the Bonner County Human Rights Task Force. Helping with this issue were: Jane Clark, Brenda

Hammond, Jeanette Lucas, Lela Lucht, Tammy Moikeha, Donna Parrish. The Task Force can be reached at 208-263-0275 and e-mail:

bchrtf@dmi.net

"We have torn down the [racial] barriers in our laws. Now we must break down the barriers in our lives, our minds, and our hearts."

-- Bill Clinton, in his speech beginning a "year long initiative" to determine how best to deal with historic racial rifts in our society.