Hello to all of you who have opinions about anything. I have some thoughts regarding Millie, her opinions and the comments of those who have responded to her opinions.

My name is Jerry Martin. I'm 68 years old and have lived in the CDA and Post Falls area for a little over 36 years. For several weeks now I've noticed a plethora of comments in the “Opinion” section of the CDA Press directed toward an unhappy lady by the name Millie for her opinions regarding North Idaho and the general area. I don't know Millie nor do I know any of those who have been so upset with how she feels about living here. I would like to share a few things and I accept the fact that what I have to say may upset some right away; even though I know it is the truth because I and others I know have seen it, lived it and experienced it.

First of all a lot of what was described by most of you about our area is right on the mark but some of the flowery descriptions made about our community reminded me of someone who stepped in bull crap and was unwilling to see it for what it was so they pretended it was chocolate pudding.         The population here has been described as if (every single local) is warm and welcoming. I will say most I've met are, but for many of them it depends on where you are from…regardless of how you are as a person; so come on folks, let's be honest. I love Idaho as a whole but here are some truths many either have not experienced or choose to pretend are pudding. I moved here from Southern California in 1978; that's right, California so I'm sure I will hear from many in the next “Opinion” addition just because of that fact even though you don't know me. But here are some sad truths.             When I came here I was told I should change my license plates ASAP because Californians were not liked let alone welcome and that some have had eggs thrown at their car while still carrying California license plates. So I went to register my car at the DMV and was standing in line with about 20 people when I saw and heard this young man in line with his son who looked to be about 5 years old. This young man began to yell and rant that the long line was because of all the Californians moving in. I was a little stunned but the thing that upset me most was that his little boy was being prejudiced against other people for no reasons other than where they had come from.     

That spectacle reminded me of back in the ‘60s when I saw a man in the news from the Deep South do the same thing with his little son by his side as he was screaming his hatred of black people. Most likely neither one of those little boys understood why their dad was acting that way but you can bet they were both greatly influenced by the one they looked up to and trusted.             Another time I was in a store at Hayden Lake while on a visit before moving here and while going through the checkout stand to purchase a box of Idaho Spud candy bars to take back home, the cashier looked at me and with a sneer said, “You must be form California?” I answered, “Yes, I am.” To my surprise she didn't let it go; she went on about locals not liking Californians coming up here and causing the price of homes to go up. I noticed something in her that caused me to ask, “By the way, where are you from?” She stammered a little then under her breath murmured, “Fresno.” I responded, “Oh, you mean, Fresno, California”? As judgmental as she was, at least she didn't lie, but neither did Millie.

I don't agree with all of Millie’s assessments and comments but she was honest and frankly, that makes her a breath of fresh air because I admire those who have the guts to be open and honest about their opinion as long as those opinions aren't (intended) to be mean spirited or personal. As best as I can remember, most of Millie’s comments were critical of the weather, shopping distances and the lack of choices to shop etc. and then the warm and welcoming community hammered her. I didn't read all her comments but if she was mean spirited I guess the thing to do is be mean spirited right back; right? There's a definition for claiming to be one way but acting the opposite; like being warm and welcoming, only to those you agree with or who fit the mole; it's called hypocrisy. Personally I would rather listen to an angry person I disagreed with than a hypocrite.

It was also implied by those critical of Millie that all locals appreciate the area and environment and the Californians don't. When I moved here I became good friends with a home grown local who took me up on Canfield Mountain to get firewood. I was impressed with all the dead firewood lying on the ground and started picking it up. My friend told me to leave it because he wanted to cut down some trees rather than clean up the abundance of firewood already there. I was struck by his lack of appreciation for the abundance he had; but I realized he was simply use to having it. I was also appalled by all the trash dumped in various areas up the mountain; yes; by locals according to my local friend. Thankfully he was appalled by it as well.

Some were critical of Millie for complaining about the weather and loving the weather in California; really? Come on, is anyone going tell me none of us have ever gotten sick of some of the long winters and springs? I sure have and I don't like cold and gray weather…shoot me! I've lived through -20 degree winter and seeing CDA Lake freeze over; it was beautiful but it wasn't fun. North Idaho is an awesome place to live for most of us, especially for the younger like I use to be but for some of the older folks like I am now; it can get tuff in winter. So please; let's not pretend all is perfect all the time.

I would have been truly impressed if in the Opinion section I read letters that tried to encourage Millie, or showed some interest in why she is feeling the way she is, maybe some effort to understand or relate by sharing any tough times you may have had and how you dealt with them. It's much easier to be a critic and jump on the bandwagon, isn't it? I know it is, because I've done it as well. It makes one feel a little superior and righteous.

I'm reminded of when a prostitute about 2,000 years ago was going to be stoned and One who was truly righteous told those who were about to stone her, “You who are perfect, through the first stone.” Millie’s not perfect but neither are we. I know because I step in crap all the time — but I don't pretend it’s pudding. We all have opinions; that's human nature. I just hope and pray we don't become so hard on each other that we're afraid to share them because we may be stoned. It takes much more effort to be understanding, accepting and especially forgiving, but it feels so much better.

I welcome your opinions, and I hope you do mine. If we disagree, that's OK. Let's try to disagree with (honest respect), not as the hypocrites and the self-righteous pretend to.

Jerry Martin is a Post Falls resident.