June 25, 2001:
Anti- Racist Action
ARA
South Bend
At our monthly meeting on Sunday, Richie and Ray Loy and the Klan boys actually showed up!
They’ve taken their stupidity to a whole new level with this latest attempted act of intimidation.
Here’s the scoop:
Because of some corporate policies and some other legal issues Kinko’s was forced to hire security to watch their grounds at our meeting. The Klan had apparently called in a threat of some kind or another to Kinko’s and said that if we were allowed to hold our meeting there this Sunday, then “something might happen.”
Well, what happened is that the Klan showed up and tried to disrupt our meeting. After a brief argument with the manager and some police folks, they were fairly quietly escorted off the property. They didn’t even get in the door so in no way was our meeting disrupted.
The police on a national level are usually not on our side, and often take the stance of defending the racists. In South Bend that is not the case. The police here have (so far) minded their P’s & Q’s. They have been fairly decent in the fact that they are an apolitical body and are not allowed to take sides. In the one instance where there were questions raised about their level of violence and brutality, they did spread it pretty equally among the Klan and the onlookers.
So, for now, the police are not a problem. The Klan however has stepped up their movements and visibility. History shows that when a Klan chapter or group gets involved with Naziskins, they elevate their status and increase their militancy. Rick Loy is a (possibly ex) Hammerskin possibly from Indy.
We are worried that in the near future they will be stepping up their campaign of hatred and terror.
There have been some recent events in Klan politics that lead us to believe that their increased visibility is a recent stunt to gain new recruits and gain the sympathy of the media and public.
DO NOT BE FOOLED!!!
They are the same old Klan. They will argue first and second amendment rights that supposedly allow them to shoot off their mouths and guns. They will work their propaganda of hate and intimidation, and will make their claims of victimization at the hand of the local media.
Just because they’ve increased their presence and visibility does not mean that have suddenly become right!
This is the point where we need to maintain our vigilance and increase our presence. We our calling on you – our supporters and members – to take this time to step up the anti-racist activity in your everyday life. That racist guy at work? This is the time to stand up and open your mouth. Use your brain to stop him from spreading the manure of his sentiment. You see a pile of flyers at the local book and/or record store? ARA literature? Grab a handful and pass them out. Klan propaganda? Grab a handful and toss ‘em in the trash! Take the time and make this city your own! Keep our city clean! They will be stepping up their campaign. We need to beat them to the punch! For every step they move ahead, we need to move two ahead. We must come together and consolidate our ideas and tools to utilize the most efficient methods of eradicating this threat.
The time to act is now.
LOCAL NEWS
Well, supposedly the Klan got their electricity back, but now one of their guys is being charged with harrassment against a South Bend Tribune reporter.
Proving once again that they just fail to function when confronted with civilization and laws.
Cinco de Mayo Klan Violence
ARA launches campaign against White Power music
link to story
South Bend couple helps celebrate Race Unity Day in Niles, MI
link to story
We're working on getting a (semi)monthly newsletter together, and it should be ready to go for July.
It will be available for free at local record and bookstores. If you want to get a copy mailed to you, send a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
South Bend ARA, PO Box 302, Mishawaka, IN 46654
MAIN PAGE
There are plans in the works for a possible CD compilation for next spring/summer. We are very interested in getting local and independent bands involved. If you have a band and are interested in getting on the comp, e-mail us to get the info.
Procfits from sales of the CD would go to benefit South Bend ARA and another as yet unchosen charity.
This site is being maintained now as a kind of a collective assignment between different members of the organization.
If you have any cool ideas or cool graphics, send them
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Many, many, many infinite thanks to Sharon for the hard work she did on the site. She put in hundreds and thousands of hours worth of work and research over the years to bring you all of the important info you could always find here. We hope she will continue to contribute in the years to come, as she is sometimes our only calming voice in the storm. We hope you will find the new look and editors just as helpful, and enjoy the time you spend here!
KEEP THE FIGHT ALIVE!!!
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