State's R status keeps the big crowds away

My wife and I recently completed a tour of the Holy Land. We were reluctant to make the trip due to security concerns. Visiting this area has been on our “bucket list” for some time so we decided to go for it. We were amazed how normal conditions were. We felt very secure and safer than we would in big American cites.

People running the resorts and tourist attractions had never seen a terror incident. They may have seen it on TV as we do. We did interact with many tourists from around the world and terror concerns does affect the tour business. I was asked if it was safe to visit North Idaho, the right-wing hate capital of America? I pointed out that North Idaho is safer than liberal American cities. I have never witnessed a hate crime and only on occasion hear about it in the media. Some indicated they could never visit or do business in North Idaho as it would condone right-wing thinking. Although I am very anti-right wing, I do appreciate that our image is helping to keep tourists out and economic growth down.

As a retired person, I came to North Idaho to get away from crowds and economic booms. I do not care to see economic development. Imagine the publicity the most red state in the union would get if we elected a non-R governor! The blow to our image would bring more business to our area. Boycotting causes in Idaho is hard to rationalize without an R governor! Be very careful of what you want!

HARVEY PINE

Sandpoint