Aryan Leader Richard Butler Appeals Ruling

Avowed Racist Richard Butler has about two weeks before authorities begin removing property from his Aryan Nations compound.
Butler filed a notice of appeal yesterday, effectively delaying the seizure of assets from his 20-acre compound.  Coeur d'Alene Attorney Norm Gissell represents Victoria and Jason Keenan, who won the civil lawsuit against Butler and the Aryan Nations.  "If there is no bond posted following the 14 day period, we can then commence, once again, to have a writ executed on the property of Aryan Nations, Sapphire Inc., and Mr. Butler."  Gissel says someone would have to be willing to risk nearly one-million dollars to satisfy the bond requirement.  If Butler's appeal were to fail, the bond would become part of the award to the Keenans.
Gissel also told News Four that despite other racist hate groups still in the area, the verdict against Butler sent an important message.  When he filed the notice of appeal, Butler asked for free copies of the trial transcript.  He claims he is broke.  Also today, the Coeur d'Alene clerk's office confirmed that the Aryan parade permit request has been approved.  The parade will take place Saturday, October 28th on Sherman Avenue.
With Butler's guilty verdict at hand, more anti-racist voices are being heard in Spokane.  Bill Wassmuth, the head of the Northwest Coalition of Human Dignity, made an appearance at the city council chambers this afternoon.  A former victim of an Aryan Nations fire bombing himself, Wassmuth encouraged citizens to fight bigotry and help improve race relations.   He says it's a job that everyone is capable of doing.