Board not racist in support of AZ bill

I was wrong in my opening statement on KSPT’s, “The Voice,” when I said Mr. Keyes and my thoughts were perhaps more parallel than contradictory. I thought he had been misinformed on the “fiesta” issue, and when he heard the truth he would redirect his thinking. 

Wrong! I explained the Bonner County Republican Central Committee is not racist, and we did not criticize the Fair Board. We merely approved the use of the word “celebrate” on our fair booth. The Fair Board has never disallowed using synonyms in booth decorations.

Mr. Keyes’ issue is not really about the word “fiesta.” He implied in his July 8 column he wanted to see the Republican party RIP, meaning dead and buried.  He used the familiar government pattern of “I am here to help you,” meaning the fair board and the public, to protect them from the bad BCRCC.

He insists the Republicans are trying to do wrong things at the fair. I ask you, is it bad for us to publicize Arizona’s illegal alien problem?  His goal is to prevent this, and arouse the public against us by implying we are racist. We were never on the racist bandwagon, Mr. Keyes.

Editors certainly have a right to express opinions, but when based on untruths, they do the public a disservice.

When they can’t defeat the message, critics will pretend to be offended by insignificant side issues, and try to discredit the messenger. Mr. Keyes seemed unconcerned that Bonner County’s share of Idaho’s illegal alien problem is $5,174,000 this year. He continues to try to emotionally persuade people to stop us from publicizing Arizona’s illegal alien problem at the Fair.

I do not believe the people of Bonner County are offended or want to prevent us from boldly standing with Arizona.

Mr. Keyes’ column resulted in more than 600 news stations publicizing Arizona’s illegal alien problem, far more than our fair booth ever could accomplish. I thank Mr. Keyes for that.

CHALON HARRIS

Hope