So, the Neo-Nazis are coming to town tomorrow for those of you that haven't heard...
The National Socialist Movement, a neo-Nazi group, is scheduled to march in downtown Columbia Saturday from noon to 5pm. According to a press release sent by the group, they plan on sponsoring 2008 presidential candidate John Taylor Bowles, who plans to attend this weekend’s event. According to the Columbia Tribune, the march is intended to recruit new members and act as a political campaign. The parade permit says the group wants "to protest the promotion of Marxism by the University of Missouri."
In an interview with the Tribune, Professor Larry Brown, who teaches a class about White Nationalism said the group wants to "create a scenario where they can justify their white supremacy." He also said "What they have been doing in recent years, they have a march and broadcast their propaganda verbally and try to get a violent reaction from the community,"
In October of 2005 this same group held a march in Toledo Ohio (in a predominately African-American Neighborhood) where a riot broke out and over 100 people were arrested.
Brown also said the public should avoid downtown on Saturday. "Unfortunately, they are great verbal manipulators," he said. "Whether you think you can just listen, next thing you know you’re angry."
Also, in a message to all Faculty, Staff and Students at MU, Chancellor Brady Deaton stated that "While I certainly respect the right of free speech protected for all Americans by the First Amendment to the Constitution, I am concerned that the views of this organization certainly do not support our campus values, especially those of respect and responsibility. Our hope is that all members of the University community will simply ignore the event."
Here is my protest, and here is my advice. Stay out of downtown on Saturday. Don't even give them the time of day, ignore them completely. What they want is to get people riled. How great would it be if no one even noticed they were here, so to speak? I honestly fear for the safety of anyone who does go downtown, especially to protest. We don't need to make national news for this. I believe in the 1st amendment right wholeheartedly! I will be exercising my right by not going downtown at all on Saturday. That is my protest. I think of the scripture 1 Peter 5:8 that says, "Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." So, if you must go downtown. Please, be careful. These groups know what they are doing.
I do hate that we are affected by them regardless. I am tempted to be so angry at just the thought of them coming to our city. I feel invaded. But, it is naive to think they are not already here. They are here, they have been, and they aren't going anywhere. At least not anytime soon. I have also noticed that I have become suspicious. I saw a young white man with a buzz cut in the store and my first thought was that he was "one of them". I hate to admit that, but it's true. Maybe he was, maybe he just likes short hair, who knows? But, that's not my right to judge him like that! I guess this is just a great lesson of tolerance for our city, huh?
Here is their website for more information if you must http://www.nsm88.com
Here also is the Anti Defamation League's Profile on the group with good information http://www.adl.org/Learn/Ext_US/The_National_Socialist_Movement.asp?xpicked=3&item=nsm
Well, so far the blog has been pretty heavy, I hope my next post is on the lighter side of life!! Have a great weekend and please, ignore the Nazis! Enjoy each other and enjoy the city, O.K.?
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