An apology is not enough

Flathead County Commissioner Phil Mitchell’s comments, as reported in the local media, about American Indians and the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes in general, regardless of the issue, appear to be racist.

Mr. Mitchell’s statements about the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes not being part of the United States and other derogatory comments are way out of line. Mr. Mitchell’s apology is groundless and has no real meaning — he said it.

It is felt that commissioner Mitchell should be asked to resign, or at the very least be censured and be recused from participating in any agenda items regarding bona fide Native American issues in Flathead County.

Further, there could be some civil rights issues not yet explored.

Craig Wagner

Bigfork