Many of you have shared your deep concern and frustration resulting from the expression of hate that is increasingly prevalent in our society, both locally and abroad. The events in Charlottesville a couple of weeks ago were heartbreaking, demonstrating how hate groups like neo-Nazis and the KKK are poised for terrifying and lethal violence. This kind of hate and the violence that it incites is abhorrent and repugnant.

It is uncomfortable to acknowledge the reputation that our region has earned as a place that fosters racism, white supremacy and hate. Many have fought hard over recent decades to erase that identity from our home. Their efforts are to be applauded. We have come a long way since the days of Richard Butler and the Aryan Nations. Yet today we see a vile resurgence of these toxic attitudes in our community. Numerous flyers, emails and social media campaigns have been launched recently to attack, and misrepresent myself and other human rights leaders in our community. The perpetrators lack the courage to stand behind their beliefs, so they hide their identity with false addresses and midnight flyer drops. Their beliefs can’t be supported by facts or morals, so they forge false statements of others to promote their agenda.

Allow me this opportunity to say, as clearly as possible, that neither I nor the city has had any conversations, intentions or taken any actions whatsoever to relocate refugees in the region. This is one of many false rumors that continue to circulate in traditional and social media. The city is focused on improving the local economy, ensuring that Sandpoint continues to be affordable for all and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors.

It is said that we now live in a “post truth era,” where despite the unprecedented availability of information, lies and misinformation are treated by many as the truth. It can be difficult to discern the truth from fiction and it can be impossible when the mind is consumed by fear. In a state of fear rational thought is severely impaired. It is far easier and feels much safer to accept misinformation that supports one’s beliefs than it is to change one’s beliefs to align with the truth. We must be steadfast in our commitment to truth. We must check our sources, verify our assumptions and practice discernment.

We live in the midst of radical transformation driven by changing technology, redistribution of wealth, and mass migration of people across the world. World-wide many are seeing their livelihood, their way of life and their communities changing dramatically. The entire economy is permanently shifting eliminating whole sectors of jobs that have existed for generations. At the same time, and to a lesser degree, we see new jobs and new industries for those who are fortunate enough to be part of the new innovative class. This difference in economic opportunity is real, tangible and unpleasant for those who are left behind in the new economy. For many the social and economic privilege they have had for generations is disappearing before their eyes. Simultaneously this generation is witness to a global politic moving from a historical construct of institutionalized racism, white supremacy and privilege and aspiring towards a more equitable, just society. Understandably, many who have something to lose in this transition are fearful for the future and the future of their families.

This is not to justify or excuse hate, but to understand its cause. Fear is the source of all hate, injustice, lies and violence. The stability of our environment and the strength of our character shape our capacity to manage it, or be managed by it. These dramatic times remind us of the importance of building strong communities, strong faith, and strong character. We live in one of the most beautiful, abundant places on earth. We have the every opportunity to strengthen our community with our wisdom and compassion, not ignorance or fear. We must stand up for our humanistic values: that all persons are created equal and deserve the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness. Let us not forget that this is our community, these are our values.

Shelby Rognstad is the mayor of Sandpoint. He can be reached at mayor@sandpointidaho.gov.