What Heritage?

Immediately after the Klan rally in Gettysburg the York Daily Record published an article claiming the debate over the Confederate flag had been refueled by the events of September 2nd. Their premise is based on the fact that a small unit of the Sons of Confederate Veterans protested the Klan at Gettysburg and that protester Mike Duminiak said “the flag belongs to those who want to honor the memory of their ancestors who fought on the side of the secessionist south.”

Most of us who claim anti-racist status have dealt with this issue on more than one occasion and cast a wary eye on such claims as “heritage not hate.” And to say that we have been more than circumspect when it comes to the Sons of Confederate Veterans would probably be an understatement. Floyd Cochran, who spent the week leading up to the rally educating people in Gettysburg, has been quite outspoken about the flag and what it stands for.

Daryle Lamont Jenkins, of One People’s Project, was quick to tell the York reporter that the heritage they are attempting to preserve is “not one that’s really favorable to my people.”

Ann Van Dyke, of the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, said she is skeptical about whether or not the Confederate flag could ever be “removed from its identity with racist causes.”

Let us first consider that the Sons of Confederate Veterans has been permeated with some of the worst racists and anti-Semites that there are out there. Over the last few years, many members have left in protest over, not only the acceptance of racists within the rank and file, but the promotion of these hate-mongers into the upper-echelons of the organization. While the Unit that demonstrated in Gettysburg may have been attempting to paint themselves in a positive light, the fact still remains that their house is in desperate need of cleaning.

The “heritage” that the SCV and others claim they want to preserve and honor, is suspect, as well. Just what was that heritage? The Civil War was fought for a variety of reasons – one of which was the wish of certain people in the South to protect the institution of slavery and the economy of same. Is that cause for pride? The South seceded from the United States of America, wanting to go their own way. Additionally, there are those within the SCV who would like nothing more than for the “South to rise again” and, once again, to disaffiliate itself from the rest of the country.

Now, I don’t know about anyone else, but regardless of the faults and the problems that are endemic to this land, I happen to love America. To my mind, anyone wanting to engage in such actions cannot be seen as anything other than detrimental to a unified nation. One simple Google search of the Confederacy or the flag will take the surfer to hundreds of quotes just like these:

“i support secession by what ever means it may take we live under tryanny by liberal athesit from the yankee north and hollywood and other yankee liberal minded states we should and have every right to secessed from the tyrants of the leftist liberals who are benton destroying us threw thier own cowardice and acting as traitors by giving aid and comfort to our enemies”

“It is past time for the wrongest wrong in American history to be righted. Southern secession NOW!”

“Southrn's hear you country call you! Rise up! Rise again! We are losing control here! Let's get organized! I love America, and if we could stay together as a God-fearing nations, I would that we do that, but we can't. General Jackson, General Lee, and the reast of our 1860 patriots had the right idea. Then, we lost the war! We gotta re-claim the victory!!!!!!!!”

Yes, the spelling and punctuation and grammatical errors are all theirs – and so is the insanity. I have always been somewhat amazed at how fervently these people present their case and at how they seem unable to appreciate the reasons why many of us don’t take them seriously. Some of the most heated debates and discussions I have witnessed or been a party to have been with the neo-Confederates.

To claim in one breath to be “Patriots” and call for secession in the next breath seems more than just a little oxymoronic to this writer. Additionally, preserving and honoring a heritage of slave-owning, traitors is just a little more than I can comprehend.

When it comes to the issue of the flag itself, Duminiak claimed that the history “…has been hijacked by those who have no honor, who are politicizing the symbols of his ancestors who fought and died for the ‘Lost Cause.’”

Ummm…well, if that is the case, then it was hijacked a hundred and forty years ago and has been the symbol of the most abominable kind of hatred for one whole hell of a lot longer than it was a symbol of Glory for the South.

Racism and bigotry may not be unique to the South. Actually, geographical setting has little to do with any of this in modern day society. The fact remains, however, that there is racism and bigotry still within our society and like it or not, the Confederate flag is a constant reminder that we, as a society, have a long way to go.

Night raids, lynchings, and burning crosses are the only images evoked by the Confederate flag just as death camps, oppression, and gassings are the images brought forth by the swastika. As the swastika had a kinder and gentler meaning long ago, there aren’t too many out there running a campaign to fly it from atop state capitols. Why? Because it has taken on a whole new meaning – one of hate.

Once again, beware of those who say, “I’m not a racist, but….,” There are no “buts,” just as there is absolutely no valid argument for displaying a symbol that is equated with the oppression and death of a whole race of people.

As Holocaust deniers attempt to rewrite history, so do neo-Confederates. The Confederate flag is a symbol of hate and has been for well over a century. There are many neo-Confederates trying to sell mainstream America a bill of goods. Claiming “heritage not hate” really doesn’t carry a lot of weight with me – not when that “heritage” is one of hate-filled abuse directed at an entire race of people – not when that “heritage” is used as a smoke screen to further oppress or secede.

Groups such as the Sons of Confederate Veterans and the League of the South have thousands of members. Many belong to both groups and many of them are very racist. The whole of the flag argument is fraught with errors and is transparent at best. There is nothing that justifies displaying such a symbol in 21st Century America.

87 Year Old Junker To Be Sued

What part of this agreement does this old Nazi fail to understand? I doubt very seriously that Schoep and friends will be very benevolent when Junker has to foot the bill.

TO ORIGINAL ARTICLE


Channel3000.com
Walworth County Officials Plan Suit Against Hitler Museum Owner
Junker To Be Served Early This Week

UPDATED: 6:50 pm CDT September 4, 2006

SUGAR CREEK, Wis. -- Walworth County officials said that they plan to file a civil suit against a man who claims that he was a Nazi SS officer after he had a gathering at his Adolf Hitler memorial.

Walworth County officials said that Theodor Junker, 87, had about 20 people at his Hitler memorial in Millard on Aug. 25.

Assistant Corporation Counsel Michael Cotter said that the meeting created a public gathering on land not zoned for such an event, prompting the county to file a $2,000 civil suit against Junker.

The National Socialist Movement, which had a rally in Madison on Aug. 26, publicized on online message boards it wanted to have a meeting at Junker's memorial.

The group agreed to cancel the meeting if the county agreed to cancel an injunction against Junker for planning to allow such an event.

Junker and representatives from the National Socialist Movement couldn't be reached for comment this weekend.

Cotter said that Junker will be served with the suit by early this week

Gettysbrug Non-Event

The Ku Klux Klan rally at Gettysburg this weekend was another non-event. Perhaps the best part of the whole thing was when Hal Turner didn't show and Bill White did. This led us to Turner's broadcast schedule where we found that World Knights of the KKK leader had been removed from the line-up.

On the other hand, the Community Unity event for that day drew a crowd of over 600 in spite of the rain. After our own Floyd Cochran of One People's Radiospent the entire week prior to the event speaking to thousands of Gettysburg residents, they decided that ignoring the group and celebrating their diversity was the way to spend the day. For excellent coverage of both events, please check out
WHPTV HERE

How To Turn A Negative Into A Positive

If the Nazi's could draw and speak to as many supporters and people wanting to learn about hate as Floyd Cochran does, we might have something to worry about. Instead, when the Nazi's come to town everything deteriorates into a shouting match beween the handful of swastika waving or sheet-clad boneheads and those opposed. During this past week, Mr. Cochran has spoken to literally thousands of people seeking enlightenment and reassurance.

Floyd's trip to Gettysburg was arranged by "Unity in the Community" and has kept him on the go around the area all week. All of the education and training in what to do when hate comes to call will culminate in a festive weekend as the Ku Klux Klan rally in the rain at the Gettysburg memorial. Changing the focus from hate to acceptance and outreach is a great way of saying "NO" to Nazi's and Kluxer's and the Adams County group is sending a resounding message to those who want to proffer hate in their community.


Pictured here at Gettysburg college, Floyd held the attention of more than two hundred people with his presentation and his down-to-earth sincerity. While the presentation itself may last between one and two hours, you can always count on an additional two hours of questions. Floyd stays until the last question has been asked and answered. Yesterday was no exception.

For the past 10 days the people of Gettysburg have been treated to educational seminars and events throughout the area. This weekend, there will be fun in the park, music, and lots of activities for the children. While storm clouds threaten the Gettysburg area the spirits of Floyd and those who worked so tirelessly to say no to hate are not dampened - not even close. There plan to turn a negative into a positive has been a mega-success regardless of the weather. In fact, the weather could very well end the KKK rally and keep onlookers at home.

Photos Compliments of Stephen Hersh

NO HATE IN GETTYSBURG

Floyd Cochran arrived in Gettysburg and went right to work. With three interviews under his belt, and after speaking to a crowd of over 1400 people, he sounded upbeat and ready for another day. Check out the video of an excellent interview at the battlesite: HERE.

Well, Floyd is off to Gettysburg where he will spend this week speaking to number of groups and schools in the area. Community Unity has done a fantastic job of pulling the community together in taking a stand against the Klan who is planning to rally at the Gettysburg Memorial next Saturday.

This article gives Floyd's schedule of "public" engagements. There are several others that are not open to the public. It also tells us of the other activities being held during the week and on September 2nd. We will be bringing you updates throughout the week.

TO THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE

Former supremacist to speak on civil rights


Civil rights activist's events lead up to Klan rally Sunday

By ANGIE MASON
Daily Record/Sunday News



At bottom: · Cochran's schedule · Sept. 2 events · On the web
Aug 27, 2006 — Floyd Cochran expects to be tired by the end of this week.
The former white supremacist, now a civil rights activist, will speak at several Gettysburg-area locations and schools this week before the World Knights of the Ku Klux Klan rolls into town for a protest Sunday.

Cochran was invited by the organizers of Community Unity Day, an event being held the same day as the Klan's demonstration.

Cochran will speak about his own life. He became involved with the Ku Klux Klan at age 14 and worked with the racist movement for about 20 years, he said. He was a recruiter and spokesman for the Aryan Nation at one point, his Web site says.

In 1992, he renounced his racist beliefs and began speaking out against them the following year, according to the site.

"It is just fascinating to understand the mind of how the Klan works and how the supremacists work," said the Rev. Judith Guasch, one of the organizers of Community Unity Day. Cochran is "just amazing to talk to. To hear his full presentation will be very informative and educational."

Cochran said he's been impressed with how quickly the unity event was put together.

"Any tourist in town will know that this is Gettysburg, not the folks over here in white sheets," he said.

The unity event is one of several activities planned to counter the Klan's demonstration, which leaders said was planned to protest the war in Iraq and promote white unity.

The Sons of Confederate Veterans will host speakers at the Gettysburg Battlefield Amphitheater at Pitzer's Woods on West Confederate Avenue.

Speakers will address the history of their organization and the Klan, to show "there's definitely no connection between the battle flag, the Klan and the Sons of Confederate Veterans," said James Palmisano, Pennsylvania division commander for the group.

Klan leader Gordon Young dismissed the multitude of counter events as "silly" Friday and said he's used to such activity. The demonstration is going on as planned, he said.



Reach Angie Mason at 771-2048 or amason@ydr.com.



Cochran's schedule
· 7 p.m. Monday at Fairfield Mennonite Church, Fairfield. Seating is limited.

· 7 p.m. Tuesday at Unitarian Universalists of Gettysburg, Gettysburg. Seating is limited.

· 7 p.m. Wednesday at Knott Auditorium, Mount St. Mary's University, Emmitsburg, Md.

· 7 p.m. Thursday at Christ Chapel, Gettysburg College, Gettysburg.




top

Sept. 2 events
Events taking place Sunday, Sept. 2:

· World Knights of the Ku Klux Klan demonstration, 1 p.m., lawn of the Cyclorama Center

· 37th Texas Cavalry counter protest, lawn of the Cyclorama Center

· Community Unity Day, noon to 5 p.m., Gettysburg Recreation Park

· Sons of Confederate Veterans speakers, 1 p.m., Gettysburg Battlefield Amphitheater on West Confederate Avenue

· Gettysburg College Diversity Celebration Picnic, noon to 4 p.m., Stine Lake






On the web
http://www.citizensagainsthate.com

http://www.adamsunity.org

Separate But Equal Opportunity

Divisionary issues and tactics are usually the things that anti-racists fight against vehemently. In a world that is constantly labeling and dividing its' peoples along the lines of race, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation the multicultural tableau takes one hell of a beating.

Others have often marveled at the American landscape of diversity and how well it all works together. In fact, this amazing achievement may well be our crowning glory - our most venerable triumph.

Rather than celebrating this stunning accomplishment, however, there are those who exploit it, those who decry it, and those who loathe it. As we move further into the 21st Century it appears that extremism will be the fare of the day. It also appears that the extremism will be further fueled by extreme sports, extreme music, and reality TV.

Recently CBS announced their air date and time along with the changes for this year's Survivor series to the consternation of many, including veteran viewers. Waning in the popularity polls and drawing fire over its' obvious lack of minority participants, the producers desperation manifested itself in a bizarre and heavily criticized twist.

Normally, Survivor is made up of sixteen contestants. This year there will be 20 - five white, five Hispanic, five Asian, and five African-Americans. And, if you haven't already heard, there will be four teams divided along racial lines. In other words, the Race War starts here?

Admitting that they realized that their decision would be a controversial one, the Producers emphatically denied that the decision was made to improve the ratings. Jeff Probst, the host of the show said, "It's very risky because you're bringing up a topic that is a hot button. There's a history of segregation you can't ignore. It is part of our history."

Probst went on to tell the Associated Press, "For that, it's much safer to say, 'No, let's just stick with things the way they are. Let's don't be the network to rock the boat. Let's not have "Survivor" try something new, but the biases from home can't affect you. This is an equal opportunity game."

Survivor might very well be an equal opportunity game, but is dividing the contestants on racial lines but what is the potential blowback of such an action? To say in one breath that the history of segregation cannot be ignored and then claim equality is an absolute throwback to the whole "Separate but Equal" tenet that ruled this country shamefully.

The pot of gold at the end of the series of one million cool ones might be enough to allow the contestants to set aside the obvious racial issues that are sure to arise, and the producers may truly believe that they can handle this situation responsibly. But the question still remains - are they oblivious to how far this could set back the progress that has been made towards multicultural acceptance.

The road to equality has been an arduous one. People have died and blood has been shed. Although the battle is not yet over, the gains made in the areas of civil and human rights have been commendable. Anything that threatens those accomplishments should be met directly and resisted at all costs. Throughout cyber-space there are those vowing not to watch this season. To them I would say - Oh! Please DO watch. Watch and listen not only to the show but to what is being said by the conservatives, by the shock-jocks, by the racists, and by everyday people. And when racism raises its' ugly head, have a verbal slap down handy - because the fight just took on a whole new look.

Personally, I believe this move to be reprehensible. To say that I am disappointed that, supposedly responsible, adults have stooped to this level in order to make a buck would be a gross understatement. All-in-all, however, it just means that we have to be more vigilant and more active. It also means that we all need to be citizens against hate who take up the banner of multicultural acceptance. Nothing that divides us is good.

Please join us at CITIZENS AGAINST HATE
and for up to the minute news, check out ONE PEOPLES RADIO

NO HATE IN GETTYSBURG

Well, the Klan may be going to Gettysburg next week, but they won’t get much in the way of recognition from the good folks in Adams County. From the way it’s shaping up, the Klan will be shouting at the members of its’ own choir while Adams County residents have a beautiful day in the park celebrating their diversity and strengthening their unity.

Much hard work and commitment has gone into the festivities of Septemeber 2, when the Klan will attempt to spew its’ poisonous message to the few who will gather. But it isn’t just about September 2nd. Turning a negative into a positive is precisely what has happened with Community Unity. Utilizing all their great resources, this group has garnered support from churches, local businesses, and various organizations to make the week prior to the arrival of hate one that is educational and informative.

Starting today Community Unity will provide a seminar on “What to Do When Hate Comes to Town” that will feature the following speakers:

Ann Van Dyke, the PA Human Relations Commission

Timothy Johnson, US Department of Justice, Community Relations Service

Lt. John Bey, PA State Police, Heritage Affairs Officer

Harold Dunbar, Civil Rights Enforcement Section, PA Office of Attorney General

From the 28th of August until the grand finale, the guest speaker around town will be our very own Floyd Cochran.
During the Klan rally, the citizens of Adams County, by and large, plan on ignoring their bigotry and enjoying a wonderful summer day in the park with tons of food and activities.

This celebration of diversity will provide a direct contrast to the litany of hate brought to the community by those who wish to disturb and distrupt the beauty that is truly America.

We, at Citizens Against Hate, send our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to those in Adams County who have worked so dilligently to counter the message of hate that will fail because of their efforts. This is what Citizens Against Hate is all about – communities saying no to hate while making the world a little kinder and a little gentler.

During the coming week we will be bringing you updates from Adams County so be sure and check back daily. Until then, listen to Floyd’s interview of Reverend Judy Gaush from Community Unity – it will make you proud.