America’s largest neo-Nazi group will be rallying at the Statehouse on Saturday. While they’ll be voicing their vehement opposition to immigration (um, I mean illegal immigration), conservatives are trying to distance themselves while others prepare a silent protest to the rally.
The State says 200 people are expected to participate, according to John Tayor Bowles, head of the organizations state operations.
Some NSM storm troopers are expected to attend in uniform, wearing brown shirts with swastikas on the left armband, black pants and army boots, Bowles said.
NSM members plan to carry 10 flags, five of which have swastikas on them and a banner advertising the movement, Bowles said.
They are expected to be joined by members of the Ku Klux Klan and other white-supremacist groups as they give speeches opposing illegal immigration and the Iraq war, organizers said.
The Sons of Confederate Veterans sent out a release earlier this week disavowing the rally and the use of the confederate (battle) flag.
The NSM’s misuse of this time honored symbol that we hold in the highest regard is blatantly offensive and totally disrespectful to the citizen soldiers of the Confederacy, especially the more than 25,000 South Carolinians who courageously fought and bravely died under this flag.
At the same time, the group recognizes that there maybe (will be) members of the group among the neo-nazi bunch.
Any SCV member found to be in violation of this policy sets firm grounds for immediate expulsion from our organization.
Meanwhile, the state House of Representatives has approved a resolution supported the groups right to assemble, but treating the event as a good “opportunity to express our opposition to the ais and words of this group.”
While these groups are talking the talk, others will be walking the walk. The Coalition Against Bigotry, an ad hoc coalition of churches, civil rights groups, immigrant rights groups, and anti-racist groups. The group has organized a peaceful counter-demonstration at the state Supreme Court building across from the Statehouse from noon to 2 p.m.
While CAB strongly supports the right to free speech, we feel it is our duty to make a statement against hatred and bigotry. Neo-Nazi groups like the NSM are steadily on the rise in the US, especially across Southern States. These white-supremacists pose a threat to minority groups, as their teachings could encourage people to commit hate crimes. CAB refuses to remain silent while these hate groups march through our Capital. CAB’s goal for this event is to peacefully demonstrate that we are keeping a watchful eye over their activities. CAB will counter their hateful rhetoric with a message of love and silent prayer.
—GH
Help keep the City Paper free.
No paywalls.
No subscription cost.
Free delivery at 800 locations.
Help support independent journalism by donating today.
