There are still efforts to revive Butler’s legacy.
The Aryan Nations Web site lists Coeur d’Alene residents Jerald O’Brien and Michael Lombard as leaders. Both hold the title of pastor, which was also used by Butler. O’Brien declined to say how many people had joined the group, but welcomed a reporter’s attention.
“Any publicity is good publicity,” O’Brien said. “If the enemy is not screaming for our blood, we are not doing a good job.”
INTOLERANCE
Northern Idaho is not a tolerant paradise, Stewart said.
Right-wing political attitudes are common. It’s not unusual to see people sporting Confederate flags, anti-government slogans or even a swastika tattoo. Many of the newcomers hail from California, including a large cadre of retired law enforcement officers.
“LA cops move up here to get away from diversity,” said Rachel Dolezal, director of education for the Human Rights Education Institute in Coeur d’Alene.
Dolezal, a multi-racial woman who graduated from Howard University, jokes that she traded one monoculture for another when she moved to Coeur d’Alene in 2004.
She finds plenty of challenges. The center’s efforts to bring black history programs to schools, and a black student association to North Idaho College have resulted in letters to the editor criticizing the efforts, she said.
There was also a recent incident in which three skinheads asked for a tour of the office, she said. They showed little interest in the center’s work, but saluted a Nazi flag that was part of an exhibit on propaganda, she said.
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