We've lost a good American patriot

Once in a great while a giant tree falls in which if no one is present to see or hear it then it becomes as if it never happened.

Recently, a similar local went happened here, but there were witnesses to note this and so it did not go unnoticed.

William Smyth, known as “Bill” to his friends was tragically killed in an auto accident, he liked the big tree stood for many years and had a firm grounded purpose.

I had the pleasure to meet him and his family over 20 years ago and called them my friends. He helped form a organization called ICAN, which was a watchdog for Constitutional rights and which kept the general public (if they were interested in knowing) about the ever growing presence of a “Big Brother” type of government. He had spent tireless and countless hours and money to inform the public of our ever eroding American freedoms as we had known them. For over 20 years he tried to tell the American people to wake up and see what is coming and now 20 years later much of it is here, not a pleasant sight!

I’m not going to go here into politics, or religion in this letter, whereas I’m sure we all have our own views and opinions, but rather just state that a good American patriot has fallen. Bill will always be greatly missed, appreciated and remembered for his efforts to wake and inform the people. Hopefully, another true American will pick up his torch and carryon this message to the people.

To all who knew Bill and his family we should say thanks for their efforts, time and sacrifice for what they have done. In closing I say it was a pleasure to meet and know Bill Smyth and his family.

ALAN ANDREWS

Sandpoint