As Neo-Nazis rally across the nation on their way to us in July, I think it is helpful to see what other communities are doing. This call to action just came out from Lansing Coalition Against Nazis.

Call to Action Against National Neo-Nazi Rally In Lansing, Michigan!

The National Socialist Movement (NSM) is planning a public demonstration on April 22nd on the steps of the State Capital in Lansing, Michigan. The NSM,  who refer to themselves as "America's Nazi Party" have chosen to come to Lansing following their visits to Toledo, Ohio in October and December of this past year.

We, the Lansing Coalition Against Nazis (LCAN), feel that their message should not go unopposed. We are planning a visible and vocal counter-demonstration to combat their message of hate. We are inviting all those who believe in freedom and equality to join us in sending the NSM a strong message that fascists and racists are not welcome in Lansing!

More...

Please join us in opposing the NSM rally in Lansing, Michigan on April 22nd. A strong, creatively confrontational presence against the Nazis is the best way to show the neo-Nazis that their hate will not be tolerated in Lansing, or anywhere else.

It is important that those present are disciplined and principled in their actions. The counter demonstration is our time to express direct opposition to the NSM while also providing relative safety to those community members who are low risk. If you are coming to do your own thing without thinking about how it will effect the people of Lansing then stay home. If you are coming to stand in solidarity with the people of Lansing in their visible and vocal opposition to the Nazis, then you are welcome and encouraged to attend. We'll see you in the streets!

The Counter-Demonstration will begin around 12:30pm. The NSM Event is scheduled from 2-4pm. Further details will be provided closer to April 22nd. There will be a strategy meeting the night before the rally in Lansing for coordinating with people from out of town. To receive updates on details for the 22nd or for more information email: afdlansing@riseup.net

Yours in struggle,

Lansing Coalition Against Nazis (LCAN)

***************************************************

Statement of Purpose:

Although some people say that ignoring the Nazis is the best way to oppose them, we know from experience that ignoring a problem never makes it go away. Some people say that the NSM is just a fringe group but their websites: www.nsm88.com www.overthrow.com get over 9,000 hits a day.

If hate groups do not encounter opposition to their activities in a community, they'll take that to mean no one is willing to stand against them. Not directly opposing the Nazis isolates the people they target- people of color, immigrants, religious or ethnic minorities, lesbians, gays, bisexual and transgender people, the disabled, womyn, etc. - making these communities feel like no one will support them. Because we recognize the struggles of these targeted groups of people and do not wish to ignore them, LCAN supports a visible and vocal counter-demonstration to the Nazi rally on April 22.

Other opponents of counter demonstrating say the Nazis should be allowed to speak because of the constitutional right to free speech. We say that giving racists and other bigots "free speech" silences the voices of entire groups of people through intimidation. We say that it is not just free speech because racist propaganda leads to racist violence.

Yours in struggle, Lansing Coalition Against Nazis (LCAN) afdlansing@riseup.net