Trump Country billboard is a political statement

The welcoming messages to Bonners Ferry on both billboards south of town along Highway 95 are an indicator that Americans of our area feel free to exercise their 1st Amendment right to free speech without fear of reprisal, intimidation or harassment as experienced in some other countries. When I see messages like this, I appreciate the positive values on both billboards that apply to all of our American citizens.

The “Welcome to Boundary County” message, respecting diversity, equality and human rights — keeping our community friendly, being honest and kind, and promoting mutual respect printed against the backdrop of that beautiful American flag unfurled in the wind — is a message all Americans can appreciate.

While the “Welcome to Trump Country” is more of a political statement, the values printed under that statement, love of God, family, freedom, and your neighbor are all wonderful values that can apply to all Americans.

I respect the fact that there are a great many Trump supporters in this area and while I respect their free speech right to label it Trump Country, I also exercise the right to disagree. This is not Trump Country, any more than it is the country of any political figure. And while Trump and all other politicians will come and go, this country is and forever will be America — here and now and for all of its citizens not just a political few.

Jeff Fee, Bonners Ferry