Aryan Nations founder Richard G. Butler, left, displays his new campaign signs, along with Aryan follower Zack Beck, right, outside Butler's home in Hayden on Oct. 1, 2003. At the time, Butler was running for mayor, and Beck for a City Council position. Both failed badly in their bid to win seats. Now, Beck has renounced his racism. (AP Photo/Jeff T. Green)

In a front-page apology in the Coeur d'Alene Press Sunday, former white supremacist Zach Beck writes: "You may recall me and my old associates and the many times I graced the front pages of your paper. If not, good for you. I want to formally apologize for the image of hate that I helped bring upon this decent community. I could tell you I was ordered to do what I did and that I was young and dumb, manipulated and lied to, but it doesn't change the fact that it was still me. I wish I could take it back. You don't have to forgive me and I don't blame you if you don't, but I need you, Coeur d'Alene, to know that I and so many before and after me are wrong. Hate is pointless, destructive to everyone involved, selfish, childish, and cowardly. I'm sorry." More here.

Question: What do you make of this apology by a former white supremacist who became a disciple and confidante of Aryan Nations leader Richard Butler after Butler lost his compound?