Legislator condemns white supremacist actions

As an elected official an emissary of Whitefish within the state, I unequivocally condemn the thoughts and actions of white supremacists in Charlottesville. Specifically and germane to this house district, I condemn Whitefish resident Richard Spencer and those who side with his obnoxious and demented thoughts. The 14th amendment of our federal constitution was adopted in 1868 to provide the equal protection and rights of former slaves. The amendment also addresses due process which prevents citizens of being deprived of life, liberty or property. The proverbial train has left the station. Case closed! White supremacists, those with nostalgic thoughts of apartheid in South Africa, revisionist interpretations of Nazism or separate and unequal schools in a segregated America of the past, ultimately will find isolation and rejection.

I’m proud to be a member of the Montana Legislature. Throughout the session fellow legislators and the highest elected officials relayed their concerns and support to the people of Whitefish. They did so to counter the ideas and actions of Richard Spencer and his contemporaries. Make no mistake, all governmental entities in Montana oppose Spencer as an anathema to American and Montanan values. We stand united, opposed to the alt-right movement and dangerous ideas that can only cause pain and continued disharmony in our country.

Democrat Dave Fern represents House District 5 in the Montana Legislature.