D.C. stands up to racist hate

SOME 150 anti-racist activists from the Washington, D.C., area turned out September 22 to counter a rally by the neo-Nazi Aryan Nations and send the message: "We won't tolerate your racist hate."

A grand total of 14 neo-Nazis dressed in military-style uniforms decked with Iron Crosses and other Nazi symbols staged a rally at Lincoln Park, ostensibly to protest the "genocide" of white farmers in South Africa. In reality, the aim of the Nazis' rally and march was to spread their racist message here at home.

Protesters--including members of the International Socialist Organization, students from El Cambio at Northwestern High School in Hyattsville, Md., members of Occupy DC and others--arrived at the park early with anti-racist signs and drowned out the racists with chants that included "Don't give in to racist fear. Immigrants are welcome here" and "No Nazis, no KKK, no fascist USA." Even with a bullhorn, the neo-Nazis couldn't be heard.

Despite a large phalanx of riot police designed to allow the racists to march, anti-racist protesters were able to initially block the march route, locking arms and facing off with mounted police. Despite being eventually dispersed, the anti-racist protesters dogged the neo-Nazis by surrounding the police who continued to protect the Aryan Nations members as they walked through the streets. The racists were heckled every step of the way.

By 2 p.m., the racists were quickly led away to their waiting tour bus and were whisked out of the city--by an African American bus driver.