(For more info on the rally read: http://tc.indymedia.org/2009/oct/community-mobilizes-opposition-first-neo-nazi-rally-minneapolis-over-decade )
We, the Minnesota Immigrant Rights Action Coalition (MIRAc), strongly oppose this rally by the National Socialist Movement (NSM). We stand in solidarity with other groups that oppose the NSM’s racism and homophobia. It is no coincidence that this fascist group has chosen East Lake Street, the heart of the Latino community in Minneapolis, as the location of their event. They believe that they can capitalize, during a period of economic crisis, on the confusion over dysfunctional immigration laws that mistake a legal status for the dignity of a human being. We oppose the use of economic uncertainty to fuel racism against immigrants. We uphold the dignity of every immigrant regardless of possession of papers, language spoken, or color of skin.
The NSM is mistaken if they believe that choosing this location will aid them in their cause. Looking around, we see the immense work of revitalization that the Latino and other communities of color have brought to East Lake. The hustle and bustle that surround us is a testament to the vibrancy of the community here. No amount of hate is capable of overshadowing the benefits and vitality that immigrants add to our community.
The NSM are blunt in their claim that the organizers of an anti-racist workshop here at the YWCA are traitors to the white race. Now let us be blunt — as blunt as the instruments the NSM would use to bludgeon the vulnerable and the innocent. The NSM are Nazis and Fascists. They believe that the current economy and the climate of racial resentment create the conditions for their increased legitimacy and visibility. Hence, their presence here in Minneapolis. We will aid in defending those whom they would harm.
For those who have the will to look, the NSM’s hate is clearly on the surface — on their websites, in their acts of violence (when they are caught), and often literally, with swastikas tattooed on their arms. But they do not always profess these beliefs openly. At times, in public, they will play the victim, act as defenders of free speech, or defend a mythic “Euro-American” identity they paranoically believe is under attack from an increasingly multicultural society. But they will not often speak aloud their belief in the legitimacy of the use of violence to intimidate communities of color, or gay, lesbian, bi- and trans- sexual communities. We discern the fascist boot behind their self-proclaimed victimization and we remember the history of a fascism whose legacy is millions murdered.
MIRAc absolutely denounces the racism, homophobia, antisemitism, and anti-immigrant sentiment of the NSM. We see through the costume they wear and down to the ugly nakedness of the hate and fear that they promote. Down with racism! Down with homophobia! Down with the hatred of immigrants! Down with fascism! We stand with all those whom the National Socialist Movement would oppress and eliminate.
Protest against anti-immigrant Nazi rally in Austin!
On October 17th the NSM Nazi’s Southeast MN unit will be holding a rally against “illegal aliens and communism” at 3pm located at the Veterans Memorial in Austin MN. We invite you to join us as we take the fight to Austin, where the local chapter of the NSM has been able to do anti-immigrant organizing without the level of vigorous opposition we see in Minneapolis. They recently disrupted an anti-racist workshop put on by Centro Campesino, have been able to sway City Council decisions, and are contributing to a dangerous atmosphere where racially motivated violence is becoming more and more common. Let’s show them that their hateful message won’t be tolerated anywhere in Minnesota.
From Minneapolis to Austin-Solidarity Against Racism! No to Nazis!
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MIRAC 