[Vision2020] Reward Fund Regarding Bouma Postcard Hoax

Fri Oct 29 11:08:04 PDT 2010

Kayla Herrmann of the Argonaut wrote:

"Whoever made these postcards did so with malicious intent and that is pretty obvious, however I do think it's cool that the community got together to help him out."

This statement is grossly inaccurate, and one suspects that Kayla Herrman would be the kind of reporter the local print media would love to hire:

1.    Since the sender is unknown, the intent is unknown.  It could of have been sent by the Bouma campaign or a Bouma supporter.  Given the money and sympathy raised by Bouma on the mailings, a healthy dose of skepticism about who sent the mailings is indicated.  In fact, if the LCSD asked at the start of their investigation "Who benefits?" they would not be wasting time interviewing Saundra Lund and attempting to intimidate her for expressing her views in a public forum.  It appears that the LCSD is again floundering around.  Given the sheriff's religious and political perspectives, this is hardly surprising.

2.    I do not think those would contributed to the reward fund did it to help Bouma out.  They believed at the time, thanks in part to the kneejerk reaction of the local media, that the postcard was a nasty political hoax.  At best, we don't know if it was a hoax or not.  Smart money is on the side that it was a cleverly crafted political ploy that has very successfully benefited Bouma.  

Pursuing this line, let us not forget that the postcard was an invitation to attend Freeze Church.  The language clearly indicated that the recipient targeted was already assumed to be committed to vote for Bouma and McGraw.  There were political implications -- implications which those already committed to vote for Bouma would presumably be in agreement with and supportive of candidates that held such beliefs.  

The religious driven beliefs expressed on the postcard were not only consistent but in agreement with the beliefs of Freeze Church where Bouma attends and occasionally preaches.  In this regard, the religious statements/imperatives on the postcard were accurate, not libelous, hence not defamatory.

Wayne A. Fox
1009 Karen Lane
PO Box 9421
Moscow, ID  83843

waf at moscow.com
208 882-7975

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Tom Hansen 
  To: Moscow Vision 2020 
  Sent: Friday, October 29, 2010 10:08 AM
  Subject: [Vision2020] Reward Fund Regarding Bouma Postcard Hoax

  Courtesy of today's (October 29, 2010) UI Argonaut.

  ---------------------------------------------------------

  Reward Fund Regarding Bouma Postcard Hoax
  Kayla Herrman, Argonaut

  A $3,000 reward has been promised by an Idaho non-profit cooperation to
  anyone who is knowledgeable about the "Friends of Bouma" postcard hoax
  that happened the weekend of Oct. 16.

  Currently, the city, county, and state are involved in investigations
  regarding the hoax, which blatantly attacked several groups and targeted
  Latah County Senate candidate Gresham Bouma.

  The fund has been put together by David Nelson, chair of the local
  Democratic Party, Walter Steed, chair of the local Republican Party, and
  Tom Hansen, owner and manager of Moscow Cares, a service entity that
  contributes to and funds charitable causes.

  A reward of $2,900 and $500 that is further promised has been pledged to
  the Postcard Hoax Information Reward Fund, which includes $1,000 from
  Gresham Bouma, and $1,000 from Moscow Cares, Hansen said.

  "The remaining contributions were from the community.  The largest
  contribution we received was $100, and donations have ranged from $20 to
  $100," Hansen said.

  "The main purpose of the reward is to clean up the damage done to the
  community.  If it is ignored it could eventually grow like a cancer," he
  said.

  Dani Bright, a member of College Republicans, said she was very upset
  about the postcard hoax.

  "I just think it is sad that people have to debase themselves to such a
  dirty level of politics to throw an election like that.  I feel horrible
  for Bouma and hope that Election Day goes well for him and everyone,"
  Bright said.

  "Whoever made these postcards did so with malicious intent and that is
  pretty obvious, however I do think it's cool that the community got
  together to help him out."

  If no one has been arrested by Dec. 1 the funds will be returned to the
  donors, however if the county sheriff has any suspects, the funds will be
  put on hold for an additional 30 days, said Hansen.

  "It's not if they get caught, it is when they get caught.  I hope people
  in the future will learn to not participate in such illegal activities,"
  Hansen said.

  ---------------------------------------------------------

  This morning an additional $500 will be deposited into the Postcard Hoax
  Information Reward Fund on behalf of Debi Robinson-Smith and several other
  local citizens, bringing the fund to a total of $3,900.

  I have but one thing to add to this article, Moscow . . .

  "Be a Hero"
  http://www.MoscowCares.com/Hero

  Seeya round town, Moscow.

  Tom Hansen
  Moscow, Idaho

  "The Pessimist complains about the wind, the Optimist expects it to change
  and the Realist adjusts his sails."

  - Unknown

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