Man's actions bring shame to self, Idaho

Although we dearly love living in North Idaho, we are finding it increasingly difficult to defend to friends in communities around the country where we have lived before moving here, our decision to reside among mentally challenged former deputy sheriffs who post signs of President Obama in Nazi garb on schoolhouse doors; of a wannabe Idaho congressman in Rexburg joking, we hope, about getting a shoot President Obama tag along with his coveted shoot a wolf tag; of a bus load of school kids, also in Rexburg (home of Brigham Young University of Idaho and its adherents) shouting “assassinate Obama” following his election to the presidency; of a redneck state governor who boasts not of leadership in education, health care or highway safety (there is precious little of any) but of his urge to shoot a wolf; of surly-looking tough guys in Bonners Ferry forming yet another Idaho militia to set things straight; to say nothing of intrepid United States Senator Larry “Wide Stance” Craig’s foot-tapping fetish. In the recent story about posting pictures of the President at Sandpoint schools (Daily Bee, Sept. 29), that loser was undoubtedly influenced by the burst of national infamy gained by recent publicity-seeking loudmouths (especially South Carolina legislator Tom Wilson, who shouted “You Lie!” during the President’s speech, and inspired a warped form of hero worship and campaign contributions).

Having gained the front page of our local daily newspaper, as he hoped, the former deputy can now spend weeks of publicized apologizing, of defending his recklessness, of challenging fellow nut cases to share his bold stand — or however he elects to milk his newfound nationwide shame. And, yet again, Idaho’s as well.

TIM H. HENNEY

Sandpoint