RESPONSE TO THE HOODS (October 2008)

Georgia Unity

Some honest answers to reasonable questions.

Isn't it better to ignore the rally? Aren't you giving the Klan
the attention they want?

The Klan and other hate groups thrive when left alone. They have been
around in some form for 143 years, growing when times are tough and people
need a scapegoat to blame for problems like a bad economy. They target poor
and undereducated angry young men who lack direction. To ignore them is to
allow others to think our community is okay with the group and its tactics.
It gives the misimpression that they are legitimate groups AND
that those who oppose them are afraid to do so publicly.

Terrorism and scare tactics are how cults build strength. They target politically
'acceptable'groups like gays and undocumented workers, since these groups
are invisible and weaker in the South, and reviled openly by churches, Republican
party members and others in the public spotlight.



What's the big deal anyway? What's wrong with the KKK ?

It's not just words they use; the words incite and inspire actions. They words make it
seem justifiable and righteous to treat these specific peoples as "less than," and that
leads to bias against those that are 'different.'

The press releases can't be believed; the Klan's entire existence is based on lies,
secrets, misinformation, hiding, and cowardice. They oppose all foreigners and
immigrants, not just 'illegals,' they still hate Blacks and Jews and Gays and Lesbians.
If the Klan is now family friendly and pro-community, then lose the robes and hoods
and names that have meant murder and terrorism during all the lynchings and house
and church bombings. It's still the same Klan. A snake can still smile.


________________________

"When good people in any country cease their vigilance and struggle, then evil men prevail." 

- Pearl S. Buck


In 2006, there were 7,722 REPORTED hate crimes in the U.S. alone, with 9, 642 victims. These crimes are ones specifically motivated by racial, religious, sexual orientation, and ethic/nationality based discrimination. Torture and assault and murders like these occur every day, and the FBI statistics reflect an 8% rise in events from the prior year.

The Southern Poverty Law Center reports there are at least 888 active organized hate groups in this country; 42 operating in Georgia alone. That's a 48% increase since Bush took office in 2000.