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NO TO FASCISM IN LEWISTON, MAINE!
One people's project ^ | unkonown | East Coast ARA

Posted on 01/08/2003 7:47:14 AM PST by ozone1

NO TO FASCISM IN LEWISTON, MAINE! By East Coast ARA

STOP THE WORLD CHURCH OF THE CREATOR, NATIONAL ALLIANCE, AND MAYOR LARRY RAYMOND! NO TO FASCISM IN LEWISTON, MAINE!

This is a call to action from East Coast Anti-Racist Action (ECARA) for all to converge on the city of Lewiston, Maine, on Saturday, January 11th, to shut down the WORLD CHURCH OF THE CREATOR's (WCOTC) speaker presentation featuring Matt Hale, the white supremacist leader of the group. This is also a mobilization against the National Alliance's (NA) racist campaigns to divide the working class of Lewiston through advocating an anti-immigrant agenda.

Furthermore, it is imperative that we do not forget the gross violation of security dealt to the Somali community in Lewiston by Mayor Larry Raymond, with his racist requests to the group, and his apathy towards burgeoning xenophobic and anti-immigrant hysteria in the city.

The WCOTC has been linked to dozens of violent hate crimes, including a shooting spree by one of its members, Benjamin Nathaniel Smith, which resulted in 2 deaths, 8 injuries, and the taking of said members life. The group's pseudo-religion preaches that biracial children have no souls, and that Jews are the spawn of Satan. The mass deportation of all nonwhites from the United States is advocated by Matt Hale's teachings, and the group uses the same eugenic theories used in nazi Germany to convey their beliefs on the supposed "superiority of the white race".

"When we come to power, we will execute all race traitors."- Matt Hale, 12/12/02 The National Alliance is currently the largest and most active neo-nazi organization in the United States, with an ever-increasing Canadian presence.

Since the group's birth a plague of dozens of violent crimes, including murders, bombings and robberies, have been linked to NA members or have been inspired by the group's propaganda, such as the Oklahoma City bombing. At the same time, the organization has experienced major membership growth, with its numbers more than doubling since 1992.

"Let's face it, to the Jews all of America is just too darn White. Too darn GENTILE. They don't feel comfy. Jews seem to think that our purpose in life is to make them feel as comfortable as possible. It isn't. Just say no to the Jews." - National Alliance Since his October 1st, 2002 letter to Lewiston's Somali community, Mayor Larry Raymond's racist sentiments have fueled prejudice and encouraged the covert campaign of racial hatred being carried out by the NA. His lack of concern for the well being of all Lewiston residents, and his inactivity in combating organized racism in the city, has resulted in a tragic manifestation of racism in Maine, which has not been seen since the massive Ku Klux Klan presence in the state during the 1920's.

"This large number of new arrivals cannot continue without negative results for all. The Somali community must exercise some discipline and reduce the stress on our limited finances and our generosity. We have been overwhelmed and have responded valiantly. Now we need breathing room. Our city is maxed-out financially, physically and emotionally." - Letter to the Somali elders from Mayor Larry Raymond The fact that fascist scum such as this believe that they can exploit the current racial tensions in Lewiston to further heir own racist agenda is disgusting. Lewiston has better concerns to deal with, without having to combat a racist Mayor Larry Raymond, Matt Hale, the NA and their parade of white supremacists marching through proclaiming their "racial purity", while casting slurs and prompting violent attacks on innocent Lewiston residents of all backgrounds.

We are calling upon all anti-fascists, those in solidarity with the struggle for the rights of immigrant communities, students, labor activists, human rights advocates, and in general, all working class people of Lewiston and abroad, to band together on January 11th, and from that day forward, in order to stop any intended racist organizing and intimidation within Lewiston, on the part of the WCOTC, NA, municipal government, and all other bigoted groups and individuals.

We ask that those who support and heed this call respect a diversity of tactics approach by any who are in attendance on the 11th. Through this method, we believe that maximum success can be reached in our goal of halting any activity by the WCOTC through promoting community self-defense with the empowerment of the people. If our range of opposition techniques will be at its highest point of diversity under an umbrella of anti-racist ideological unity, there are no limits to what we can accomplish on January 11th, or anytime else in the future.

THEY SHALL NOT PASS!

ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE IN OPPOSING THE WORLD CHURCH OF THE CREATOR, THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE AND RACIST MUNICIPAL POLICIES!

Hitler was ignored during the rise of the Third Reich. History ignored is history repeated. For more information, please contact ECARA at: eastcoastara@canada.com http://www.antiracistaction.ca/eastcoast ----------------------------------

A Call to Action in Lewiston, Maine by the Green Mountain Anarchist Collective On Saturday January 11, 2003, the WORLD CHURCH OF THE CREATOR (WCOTC) plans to rally in Lewiston, Maine- a move Matthew Hale, their leader, said will "help spread the group's message of racism throughout New England". Seeking to capitalize on racist statements made by Lewiston Mayor Laurier Raymond in regards to the recent influx of Somali refugees to the area, Hale plans to deliver a speech entitled 'White Power or Ruin'. The speech will urge residents "to make sure that the Somalis feel unwelcome", and to "drive [them] out of Lewiston!".

As the WCOTC, as well as the National Alliance, continue to piggyback off of local controversies, we must continue to stand solidly against the spread of racism and fascism in our communities. This strategy, of dividing the united force of the working class along ethnic lines, is historically used by the right wing as a means of consolidating the power of the status quo (the bosses), and has the effect of strengthening the power base of fascism. In New England, where once the right played the Irish against the Italian immigrants, and the Quebecois immigrants against both, now, in Lewiston, it uses the recent immigration of Somalis as a lever to divide the natural solidarity of the working people in this Maine town.

They tell us that immigrants are taking our jobs. But the fact remains that Maine's economy, in general, has been destroyed by plant closings, capital flight, and the loss of a manufacturing base. Lewiston, like other parts of the state, actually saw its population significantly decrease between 1990 and 2000 in part because it is really difficult to find good paying jobs. This is just one example of the relationship between capitalism and community-- the more flexibility the corporations have to move to the cheapest labor markets, the more insecure working people become in their daily lives.

The WCOTC and the National Alliance seek to exploit an artificial divide in order to gain support for their neo-nazi program. But we, the working class, know racism and fascism is antithetical to our class struggle aimed at our own emancipation as human beings. As Adolf Hitler was driven to commit suicide, and as Italian workers executed Mussolini, we intend to stand united against the threat that fascism poses to the freedom, safety, and continuing struggles of our co-workers, communities, friends, and families.

We call on the people of New England, Quebec, and beyond, who strive to eradicate such racist leeches as the WCOTC from our communities, to show unity against racism not behind closed doors-- but out in the open streets of Lewiston. For, wherever preachers of racist ideology travel to spew their garbage, they will be met face to face by the fire of working class solidarity. Wherever they try to construct racial tension, we will continue to dismantle them the only way that has proven to be effective-- up front and personally. The people of New England have no tolerance for fascism or racism, we will meet the WCOTC with steadfast opposition, and we intend to win!

Working class power, not white power.

Green Mountain Anarchist Collective (NEFAC supporter) greencollective@chek.com

* For logistical information contact GMAC via email

Endorsed by: NYC Anti-Racist Action Sargassum Collective R.O.S.A. Collective Desiderada Collective (NEFAC ... and some local anti-authoritarian groups in Maine)


TOPICS: Front Page News; Government; News/Current Events; US: Maine
KEYWORDS: anarchists; immigration; lewiston; maine; somali
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Wonderful, Now the anarchists are coming to lewiston.
1 posted on 01/08/2003 7:47:14 AM PST by ozone1
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To: ozone1
I have relatives that live in Lewiston and generally it is a nice place. What it going on there? I don't keep up with the local politics in Maine very much.
2 posted on 01/08/2003 7:49:56 AM PST by rs79bm
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To: ozone1
I say no to to Ranger Killers in Lewiston.

Send them to Ft. Kent or maybe Lincoln, they shouldn't be living in the dump of Maine, send them to the beautiful mountains up around Bethel anyplace but lewiston, nothing but a dead and dying mill town.

3 posted on 01/08/2003 7:50:28 AM PST by dts32041
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To: ozone1; Madame Dufarge; metesky; pkmaine; Atomic Vomit; ROCKLOBSTER; mlmr; bogeybob; BM.Maine; ...
I will be back in half hour. Save my seat.


4 posted on 01/08/2003 7:51:14 AM PST by SheLion
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To: ozone1
those in solidarity with the struggle for the rights of immigrant communities, students, labor activists, human rights advocates, and in general, all working class people

Maybe someday the liberals/anarchists/american hating idiots will grow up. They can take legimate issue and make it into something insane with ease. Perhaps someday they will admit to what they want - a king to rule, rights only given by them because they know best, etc.

5 posted on 01/08/2003 7:54:29 AM PST by chance33_98 (Liberals - for gun control, smoking control, school control, people control - 'cause they know best')
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To: ozone1
These clowns came to town last fall. Maybe 6-8 people came to hear the message, and 300-400 to protest.Ignore 'em and they'll go away; they thrive on this kind of attention.
6 posted on 01/08/2003 7:57:12 AM PST by GodBlessRonaldReagan (where is Scotty Moore when we need him most?)
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To: ozone1

Leftists vs. Leftists, in a typical orgy of hatred.

Owl_Eagle

" WAR IS PEACE
FREEDOM IS SLAVERY
DIVERSITY IS STRENGTH"


7 posted on 01/08/2003 7:57:19 AM PST by End Times Sentinel
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To: GodBlessRonaldReagan
I am just totally amazed at the left working up their crowd into a frenzy about this. It's wacko vs wacko. Police estimate 30-40 pro nazi wackos showing up vs 3-5,000 welfare industry workers.
8 posted on 01/08/2003 8:02:21 AM PST by ozone1
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To: ozone1
ARA are a bunch of hyperventilating thugs that like to get into fistfights. They're morons who just end up giving the racists more publicity. And the mayor of Lewiston is not a racist for saying a large number of the Somali immigrants are just a drain on social services--it's the truth!
9 posted on 01/08/2003 8:05:19 AM PST by xm177e2
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To: SheLion
Police to shut down roads starting Friday night
By Associated Press, 1/8/2003 10:45
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) Police have announced plans to close many roads during dueling rallies on Saturday.

A white supremacist group called the World Church of the Creator is expected to call for the expulsion of Somalis. People opposed to the group and its racist message will be holding a counter-rally in support of the city's Somali community.

Police Chief Bill Welch said Tuesday that officers will close Alfred Plourde Parkway and Goddard Road to traffic beginning Friday night. The white supremacist rally will be held in the National Guard building at the intersection of those two roads, and attendees will have to park about a quarter of a mile away.

Many streets surrounding Bates College, site of the counter-rally, will also be closed.

Police said they will conduct random searches of attendees at both rallies and will not allow weapons, cameras or recording equipment, backpacks or bags, picket signs or face masks.

Authorities previously disclosed that about 100 officers will be in Lewiston to maintain order during the rallies.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/008/region/Police_to_shut_down_roads_star:.shtml

This getting crazy.
10 posted on 01/08/2003 8:07:47 AM PST by ozone1
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To: dts32041
Somalis complain of mistreatment by Lewiston police
By Associated Press, 1/8/2003 10:59
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) At a meeting held in advance of a rally by white supremacists, Somali residents voiced complaints about treatment by police.

The meeting was held Tuesday in anticipation of this weekend's visit by the Illinois-based World Church of the Creator. The meeting, organized by a pro-diversity coalition, was meant to serve as a forum to discuss violence and harassment.

Law enforcement officials stressed that any incidents of harassment need to be reported.

But many Somalis at the meeting complained that police themselves had been the perpetrators of harassment.

One woman said her brother was arrested and beaten in a case that police say is now under investigation.

Some people said police have disregarded complaints and others said they were afraid of police.

''No one in this room needs to be afraid of the police,'' Deputy Police Chief Michael Bussier said. ''We are here to help you. If you have a complaint, you need to call us so that we can investigate it.''

Attorney General Steven Rowe and other officials from his office were present.

Tom Harnett, the head of the civil rights division, called the testimony troubling and said that the perception of misconduct must be investigated.

The World Church event is being held Saturday at the National Guard building.

A celebration of diversity organized by a group called the Many and One Coalition is being held at Bates College.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/008/region/Somalis_complain_of_mistreatme:.shtml

I wonder how many people showing up to this mess are actually from Lewiston, my guess about 20.
11 posted on 01/08/2003 8:10:29 AM PST by ozone1
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To: dts32041
Baldacci, Rowe to speak at pro-diversity rally
By Associated Press, 1/8/2003 02:17
LEWISTON, Maine (AP) Gov. John Baldacci and Attorney General Steven Rowe are among the scheduled speakers at a pro-diversity rally Saturday, and Muhammad Ali is expected to send a letter of support to be read at the event, organizers say.

The Many & One Rally at the Bates College gym was organized in reaction to an anti-Somali rally that a neo-Nazi group plans to hold elsewhere in the city at the same time.

The World Church of the Creator scheduled its rally after Mayor Laurier Raymond wrote a letter last October to Somali elders asking that they stem the flow of Somali immigrants to Lewiston.

More than 1,100 Somalis have moved to Lewiston since February 2001, prompting Raymond to claim that the city was ''maxed-out financially, physically and emotionally.''

Baldacci is expected to speak briefly at the pro-diversity rally, taking time away from a previously scheduled event at the Blaine House, said Linda Sherwood, a member of the coalition organizing the event.

Former Lewiston mayor John Jenkins will be the master of ceremonies, and former mayor Kaileigh Tara also will speak. Raymond is on vacation in Florida, so he isn't expected to attend, Sherwood said.

The coalition tried to get Ali, the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Martin Luther King III to speak, said Mark Schlotterbeck, leader of the Many & One Coalition. He said Jackson and King were unavailable, but Ali is expected to send a letter of support.

The main speaker at the anti-Somali rally, to be held at the Maine Army National Guard building, is expected to be Matthew Hale, leader of the World Church of the Creator, but it was unclear whether he will be able to attend.

Hale is scheduled to be in federal court Thursday to answer contempt-of-court charges related to a trademark battle over his group's name. The group has refused to comply with a judge's ruling to relinquish its Internet domain name and turn over all group documents to be destroyed.

http://www.boston.com/dailynews/008/region/Baldacci_Rowe_to_speak_at_pro_:.shtml

The Neo-nazi's may not even show up.
12 posted on 01/08/2003 8:15:41 AM PST by ozone1
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To: ozone1
I wonder if there would be the same ire should Farrakhan and his coterie come to town.
13 posted on 01/08/2003 8:22:52 AM PST by Inkie
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To: Inkie
The only one not invited was Farrakhan and Al Sharpton.
14 posted on 01/08/2003 8:25:08 AM PST by ozone1
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To: ozone1
Furthermore, it is imperative that we do not forget the gross violation of security dealt to the Somali community in Lewiston by Mayor Larry Raymond, with his racist requests to the group, and his apathy towards burgeoning xenophobic and anti-immigrant hysteria in the city.

This Mayor was NOT being racist! All he ask was for the Somali's to please not bring more in! His city of Lewiston is suffering from lack of funding. He just can't TAKE anymore. I commend this Mayor.

But since Guvnor Baldy wants the Somali's here, this might be the end of the reign for the Mayor. Even HE can't fight City Hall anymore. Pity.

Maine: Mayor urges Somali immigrants not to move to Lewiston

Terrorism traced to Somalia

Nearly 12,000 Somali refugees transferred

15 posted on 01/08/2003 8:31:37 AM PST by SheLion
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To: ozone1
Hale may not show up, but some of his other creeps may. If they get more than a dozen WCOTC idiots to show up, I'll be surprised, but if there are more, it'll be members/supporters of the National Alliance or another neo-Nazi group of thugs.
16 posted on 01/08/2003 8:32:24 AM PST by Catspaw
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To: ozone1
They tell us that immigrants are taking our jobs. But the fact remains that Maine's economy, in general, has been destroyed by plant closings, capital flight, and the loss of a manufacturing base. Lewiston, like other parts of the state, actually saw its population significantly decrease between 1990 and 2000 in part because it is really difficult to find good paying jobs. This is just one example of the relationship between capitalism and community-- the more flexibility the corporations have to move to the cheapest labor markets, the more insecure working people become in their daily lives.

I read where only 40 Somali's are working out of 240. And since there are no jobs in Maine, they are collecting welfare money. And from I hear, living pretty good compared to our homeless living under the bridge!

17 posted on 01/08/2003 8:34:00 AM PST by SheLion
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To: rs79bm
I have relatives that live in Lewiston and generally it is a nice place. What it going on there? I don't keep up with the local politics in Maine very much.


18 posted on 01/08/2003 8:39:53 AM PST by SheLion
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To: SheLion
$400k+ in unexpected expenses in a small town (40k people) and the mayor responds to it is not racist. The liberals are just stoking up all the fire they can get from this (Neo-Nazi's, police abuse, racism).
19 posted on 01/08/2003 8:40:42 AM PST by ozone1
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To: xm177e2
And the mayor of Lewiston is not a racist for saying a large number of the Somali immigrants are just a drain on social services--it's the truth!

That's the TRUTH. The Mayor is a wonderful man, pleading for help! His city just can't TAKE anymore! One of "OUR" homeless when to a shelter to get diapers for her baby. The Somali women got there fist and cleaned all the diapers out! To hell with our own! As long as the immigrants are well supplied. Makes me sick.

20 posted on 01/08/2003 8:42:41 AM PST by SheLion
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