Why It Was Important to Stop the Klan

Nearly 8,000 New Yorkers participated in the recent protest against the Ku Klux Klan’s rally in Manhattan and sent a strong message that the KKK is not welcome here.

The high turnout came amid confusion over whether or not the Klan would even receive a permit to march. Support came from such unlikely corners as Rev. Al Sharpton and the Black-owned Amsterdam News, although they made it clear that their position was not an endorsement of the Klan, but to support free speech. Also confusing the issue was the refusal of Mayor Giuliani to grant a permit to the Klan.

The whole situation points out the entirely arbitrary and undemocratic process that underlies the city permit system. In this instance it was used against a vile and repugnant group, but that’s not always the case. That’s what confused many New Yorkers, as going against whatever Giuliani’s position is usually puts you on the side of democracy and fairness.

While the free speech issue is important, it should be pointed out that the Klan themselves don’t advocate free speech or assembly: they are thugs who used lynching to stop Blacks from voting. The Klan advocates violence against Jews, immigrants, Gays, and virtually every other segment of society.

This is why it was important to stop the Klan, especially in the wake of the brutal murders of Matthew Shepherd, James Byrd, and Billy Jack Gaither. Shepherd and Byrd’s killers are on trial right now, and the Klan knows this. The rise of the right wing in this country and attacks like Mayor Giuliani’s against the working class and people of color have emboldened the more radical elements like the Klan and the Skinheads to step up their efforts of terror.
Fortunately, New Yorkers realize this and no matter which side of the free speech issue you support, the message was sent that the Klan’s ideas won’t be tolerated here. Protestors exercised their right of free speech to make sure the Klan would not march unopposed. Not doing so would have been a serious mistake.

The response also sends the message that New Yorkers are starting to tire of the thinly veiled bigotry and repressive tactics of the Giuliani administration and are ready to start fighting for an end to the onerous schemes we’ve been subjected to these past few years.

Kicking the Klan out of the city was an important step in a larger struggle that’s sure to continue.