An email between J.M.A. (a Coeur d'Alene resident) and Kootenai County Commissioner Chris Fillios. I have labeled JMA and Fillios in the conversation for easy reading.
JMA: I sat through two of your meetings on (March 15th 2021). My primary interest was with the making Kootenai County a sanctuary county for the 2nd amendment. Obviously, the two males did not side with Mrs Duncan. Surprise. Their reasons were extremely flawed, but expected.
Fillios: "In your opinion of course. You haven’t seen or read the emails and letters that we receive."
JMA: Before I proceed, I must comment on the 10:00AM meeting. The discussions centered around our waterways, lakes and no wake zones. There was discussion that the elected Sheriff really wasn't into enforcing violations pertaining to these rules. This really wasn't any concern to me since I am not versed on the rules. What did pique my interest was what Mr Fillios said. He stated since the Sheriff is elected and not appointed by the commisioners they could not make him enforce the rules. I found that very intriguing due the fact Mr Brooks and Mr Fillios want to change how our county is run. One thing they want is to have an appointed Sheriff.
Fillios: "Can you share when you heard me assert that I want to appoint the sheriff? What we’re doing, and I’m surprised you don’t seem to understand, is appoint a study commission to evaluate the possibility of one of the alternative forms of county government that State statute clearly allow for, and which identifies different forms, which could include the continuing election of the sheriff and/or prosecutor. If you’re opposed to a study commission, then it seems you’re opposed to the discussion."
JMA: Now to the question of making Kootenai County a 2nd Amendment Sanctuary County. The answer is unequivocally YES. Sheriff Norris's statement on resisting a Federal order to confiscate our guns was reassuring, his resistance to declare his support for making Kootenai county a sanctuary county left me to wonder, WHY? Pressure? Political? His reasoning was suspect. To be concerned over national notoriety is bogus. Don't be scared. Had the Sheriff sided on the sanctuary side, I am sure the meetings outcome would have been different. One or both naysayers might have stepped up and done what is right. Mr Brooks bloviated about his many firearm accomplishments. I am sure it made him feel good, however his comments on the issue were meaningless. Mr Fillios told a heartwrenching story of his families travails. Lecturing us on what is real tyranny minimizing what is happening in America today. Taking away our constitutional liberties. Such as mandating masks. Changing our schools into progressive think tanks. Indoctrinating our children, such as not teaching history, cancelling history and rewriting history(1619 Project)*, taking down historic monuments and a total assault on the 2nd amendment. They have removed God from our nation. History shows this has happened before to countries and the results were disastrous. Another comical reason these fellows had was, if we have a sanctuary county skin heads and all kinds of mean evil nasty folks are going to set up shop right here in Kootenai County. Come on boys there are laws that can and will be enforced. The county is not going to be known as a lawless place.
Fillios: "Oh really? Have you not read about the growing lawlessness exhibited recently in downtown Cd’A, largely attribute to drunkenness? It has certainly caught the attention of the mayor and city council."
JMA: The inability of these two to do the right thing is sickening. This is not over. The public outcry will be deafening. Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it.
Fillios: "What is patriotism? January 6th? Who decides? You?"
JMA: --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.-
Fillios: "Spare me the soliloquy. What Commissioner Duncan proposed was an ordinance, which means, a law. We pass ordinances for those matters within our purview such as: waterways, land use, and others; and to the best of our ability, and given available resources, enforce them. The proposed Second Amendment Sanctuary Ordinance has no place here in the county as it deals strictly with federal law, over which we have no jurisdiction. The Sheriff was correct when he said that he would, “…not confiscate your guns.” He cannot; it’s not for him to enforce federal law! Did you also hear the Sheriff state that he preferred to see us Commissioners invest our time on more important things? This proposed Ordinance by Commissioner Duncan is merely symbolic, and presents issues for our prosecutor, who, along with the Sheriff, also indicated that it would not afford us any additional protections.
As you can imagine, we receive lots of emails, especially with regard to charged issues such as this. I certainly don’t expect to change your mind, nor will I try. However, as I get the opportunity to respond, I do so, especially when I strongly agree, or disagree. "