Apology owed for disrespectful statements

I am the youth committee officer for the Bonner County Republican Central Committee. I am writing in response to what you recently published in regards to the Bonner County Republican Central Committee and its support of Arizona’s immigration law.

I was astonished when reading the piece to find such irresponsibly strong wording and  misguided statements. I will be completely honest when I say that I am thoroughly disappointed in the paper and its lack of respect and professional journalism. To make it clear, the committee’s intent of changing the wording of the fair booth to “celebration” in place of “fiesta” was by no means a way to stir any trouble or prejudice toward any ethnic group. I was out of town when the letter to Gov. Brewer was drafted and sent so I can’t speak on that behalf and I will agree it could have been worded more appropriately. The committee’s support of Arizona’s law is nothing more than a statement to affirm the states’ sovereign right to govern and maintain law and order as it is enforced by our Constitution.

I lived in Los Angeles County for more than nine years, so I have a pretty good idea to how unchecked immigration can take its toll. It is one of the greatest reasons why California is now financially broke. America is a melting pot of many nations and peoples, and I fully support and encourage that. But I also strongly support established law and order. Without law and due process, a civil society cannot survive and by the paper’s attacking established law, you cause descent and encourage disrespect to established law. Perhaps the thing I find most disturbing was your inappropriate and completely misguided statement labeling me and the entire committee racist. I most adamantly rebuke such a false accusation against me as well as the good members of our committee. I am the farthest thing from a racist and am offended to be accused as one. One of my closest friends is Joel Aispuro, whose family owns and runs Joel’s restaurant in Sandpoint.

As I have already said, it is law and order I promote by my support of Arizona. I fully encourage legal immigration. The way you presented the column was dishonoring and contrary to established law. Profanely disrespectful and insulting toward me and the rest of the committee as well as it being regrettably unprofessional, filled with personal opinion rather than unbiased facts as any news outlet should report. I ask for a sincere apology for the damage caused by such careless accusation. I hope you see the truth when I say that no man is perfect, but by acknowledging the truth can we find strength to amend and correct our deeds. I hope that you take the time to consider this request and act upon good character to rise up as the better man and I will be most eager to forgive and forget.

JOSH RICHARDSON

Sandpoint