"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for all people we despise, we don't believe in it at all. " Noam Chomsky

Local KKK group planning to rally
By PAUL A. ANTHONY, panthony@sastandardtimes.com or 659-8237
July 29, 2006

The San Angelo chapter of a Ku Klux Klan group again is planning a rally against illegal immigration - this time in Amarillo.
The protest, planned for Aug. 5 at Amarillo City Hall, will be the second in as many months for the local white-supremacist group, whose June 17 rally in Midland sparked violent counter-protests.

''That's the beauty of the First Amendment,'' said Amarillo City Attorney Marcus Norris. ''Either it works for all, or it works for none.''

The group, affiliated with the Alabama-based Empire Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, was invited by Klan sympathizers in Amarillo to speak about the group's position on illegal immigration, said Lee Thompson, one of the group's leaders, in an e-mail.
On June 17, nearly two dozen San Angelo Klan members rallied on the Midland County Courthouse lawn, arguing against President Bush's proposed guest-worker program for illegal immigrants. Clashes between police and counter-protesters resulted in seven arrests, according to Midland police.
The group also staged a November rally, as part of a different KKK group, in Austin against gay marriage.
The Empire Knights is one of dozens of groups across the country claiming a KKK affiliation, although no national Klan has existed since the 1930s.
The group applied for a rally permit in early July, Norris said. The city granted it after placing restrictions on the sizes of signs and poles, to avoid the potential of their being used as weapons, he said.
Amarillo city officials are taking some lessons from Midland's experience, Norris said, further restricting counter-protesters and discouraging potential spectators from attending the rally.
Seventy-five Amarillo police officers - all veterans, Norris said, with no rookies or first-year officers - will patrol the rally, with support from Potter County deputies and Texas Department of Public Safety troopers.
''It's just one more political event in the city for us,'' Norris said. ''We've got to spend more money. I guess this is the price of living in a democracy.''

source: http://www.sanangelostandardtimes.com/sast/news_local/article/0,1897,SAST_4956_4879717,00.html
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Web-posted Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Letters To The Editor:

The Ku Klux Klan is Coming to Town . . .

You'd better watch out ...
As most of us know, the infamous Ku Klux Klan is coming to our city. In their recent visits to other cities, they have presented the false front of not condoning hatred and violence.
Because of the horrific history of this demonic group, we all know otherwise. We know that they only openly deny their true stance on issues to be able to legally exist and exercise their right to free speech.
Because the KKK has proved to be an evil group, opposing citizens and groups are initially inclined to be passionate about showing its members they are unwelcome. In expressing to these heinous people that our city doesn't welcome them, we must not sink to their level. They have successfully rallied in other cities and provoked such an anger in people that the opposers were arrested - which is exactly what they want!
The highest level of hatred is apathy. So, if we want to show the KKK it is not welcome, let's respond with indifference. It is difficult to ignore the situation, but if the Klansmen are not recognized, they are not likely to return.

April Lankford
Amarillo
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You'd better not shout

I encountered the Ku Klux Klan in Dallas in the early 1980s. They were social misfits who obviously had been grouped together because no one else wanted to be around them. Their ideas about white supremacy most likely were formed by so-called leaders of the Klan.
My family is of French-Irish descent and guess what - my skin is dark olive. The Klansmen assumed that one of my brothers was Hispanic and yelled that he should be sent back to Mexico where he belonged.
Well, we had to tell them something.
We grew up with friends of many cultural backgrounds, and the majority of them are Hispanic. The Dallas police made us leave, even though these men were yelling at us and cursing us, because they had a permit to say whatever they wanted.
People in Amarillo are going to want to tell them something, just as we did. There will be trouble.
We are asking our police officers - many of whom are black, Hispanic, etc. - to protect the KKK. This is so wrong.

Kaye Briscoe
Norman, Okla.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Ms. Briscoe is in the process of moving from Amarillo to Norman.
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What if they gave a rally and nobody came ?

I think it is the Ku Klux Klan's right to demonstrate, and Amarillo has no choice but to grant the permit to do so.
KKK members have not convinced me they are peaceful, so I think there should be lots of police present. Also, I think the people should just ignore them. That goes for the media, also. Very little media coverage would be best.
Giving them no one to demonstrate to would be ideal.

Evelyn Davis
Amarillo
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Show lack of support by not showing

City officials were correct to allow the Klan to come to Amarillo, because it is their "constitutional right."
Surely most of Amarillo and the surrounding area know the Klan's history. I think residents could make a stand by using their "constitutional right" to not show up to observe this so-called demonstration on Aug. 5. Deny them their 15 minutes of fame. Show them Amarillo doesn't support their organization.
I think the protests only give them the media attention they want anyway.

Ann Dowty
Amarillo
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Have 'other plans' on Aug. 5

Much thought and checking out the KKK's Web site has brought me to the following conclusions.
The Web site with red, white and blue American flags says, "Support our troops." My question for the KKK is:
How can you say "support our troops" when they are not all white but of all races? The Klan does not show support for our family or friends in the war in Iraq.
These people can come to Amarillo and talk until they're blue, but Amarillo is a city of one. We live our lives mixed with different races. Friends are of different races.
Let the Klansmen come, but after spending the two-hour rally talking to our dust, they will see that they cannot prove anything to Amarillo.
Stand strong, Amarillo! Don't go to this rally. Stay home, talk with friends.
Do not give the members of the KKK the feeling that they did a good thing but instead that they just wasted gas and time and used up our lovely air!

Rebecca Bass
Amarillo
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Don't feed the beast by attending Klan rally

I agree that the KKK members should enjoy their constitutional right to assemble. I also believe we should not acknowledge them by attending their rally or protesting. They thrive on unrest, ignorance and fear.
Instead let us pray for them.

Carole Ward Godinez
Dumas
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Bring mirror on a stick to Klan rally

After learning what the Scotchman wore beneath his kilts, the Kleagle (recruiter) asked the Kludd (chaplain):
"What does the proper Klansman wear beneath his klobes when protesting in Amarillo?"
"I can tell thee not," saith the Kludd. "Let me ask the Klegrapp (secretary), the keeper of the Kloran (ritual book)."
The Klegrapp replied, "The Kloran is not specific. Let's consult the Grand Dragon of the Realm (area leader)."
The Grand Dragon replied, "On such an important question, I should consult the Grand Council of the Realm."
The meeting occurred in the Grand Council Room of the Realm (the Dragon's garage) where the Klabee (treasurer) said:
"He should at least wear a Kmoney Belt in case the Grand Dragon needs a drink or a gun."
As to what else the Klansman wears beneath his klobes in Amarillo, spectators (including the media) may carry a mirror on a stick and find out for themselves.
(The names and jobs of the above KKK officeholders were or are real in one Klan or another. Despite charges from the extreme left and extreme right, Klanelis has not been found among the KKK officers.)

James A. Walker
Amarillo
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Clothes make the Klan

I am proud to live in a country that constitutionally guarantees the right to speak one's mind whether or not I agree with what they have to say - or do; i.e., burning our flag. But I don't have to participate in such actions.
I hope every sane, logical, thinking person in Amarillo simply ignores the KKK on Aug. 5. Given the average intelligence of KKK members, they could have 1,000 gather and still not come up with one realistic thought.
Really now - how serious can we take someone who dresses up in bedsheets and hides behind pillowcase masks?

Bruce Fielder
Amarillo
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Klan folk at least will be adequately attired

In your July 14 editorial, you had plenty to say about the KKK coming to town. I doubt you'll be interested in what I have to say.
I noticed that on the opposite page that day, all was sweetness and light regarding homosexuality (Chris Hedges' guest column).
The KKK at one time probably got off on the wrong track and did some damage. I've never heard of a group that didn't. I'm not condoning the wrong they did, but you will accept the "Gay Pride Parade" without considering the insidious, destructive influence gays are having on our society.
The fact that we still have the KKK probably shows we need to address some of these problems - one being that in our efforts to be fair, we have gone overboard and accepted anything that comes along, right or wrong.
Is there really a right and wrong? Look to your Creator. Of course, you have to believe in God first. Unless the KKK has changed from its beginning, its members do.
I'd be interested in what they have to say. They can't be any worse than some other demonstrators. At least they'll have more clothes on.

Jeannie Pepper

Tucumcari, N.M.
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Recalling '60s Alabama, hard to believe KKK now peaceful

The KKK may have a constitutional right to demonstrate, but for its representatives to say its is currently a peaceful organization is misleading, because they weren't founded as such.
In 1964, '65 and '66, my Caucasian family lived very happily on an Alabama military post with people of different races. In nearby towns I saw the KKK parading down streets and having huge rallies in fields at night, dressed in white sheets and white hoods. The burning crosses they placed in yards at night struck terror in our hearts.
School integration was just beginning in Alabama. The crosses were burned in the yards of the brave souls who sent their children to integrated schools.
Three civil rights workers who were helping people learn how to vote were murdered and buried in a dam.
Since we are all God's children, can't we learn to get along no matter what color our skin is?

Ureta Traweek Potter
Amarillo
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Elder East Texan doesn't recall 'peaceful' Klan

I agree with your suggestion (July 15 editorial) that all our residents stay away from the KKK rally slated for Aug. 5.
Our city leaders were correct to grant permission for the rally (they had no real choice in the matter). However, if just the Klan members show up at the rally, so be it.
I still recall too well some of the actions of this "peaceful" organization when I was just a young'un in East Texas. But if they come, just ignore them. Perhaps next time, they will rally in poor ol' Angelo.

Dave McReynolds
Amarillo
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KKK plus immigration issue equals recipe for trouble

So the KKK is coming to town to lecture everyone regarding immigration policy. I agree this is a fair subject for debate but am mystified that the Klan apparently believes it has policy expertise it can bring to bear upon it.
The Klan's presence will serve only to splinter this debate along racial lines even further. It should correctly be viewed and argued along nationalistic ones. The May Day protesters, who seemed to suggest that this sovereign nation lacks even the simple authority to control its own borders, were wrong.
If tomorrow the entire American Southwest were ceded to Mexico and put under that nation's ineffectual government - which can't sufficiently care for its own population - every race's standard of living would suffer.
No thoughtful person will be counted among either the demonstrators or counter-demonstrators. No good will come for either group. The situation is tailor-made for those who want and seek trouble.
We are Americans. Racially dividing us is foolish and destructive.
I hope fervently that no injury, physical or otherwise, will result. And when it's over, I'll take a hot shower and hope the Klan will trouble the city of my birth no more.

Tony Hill
Amarillo
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Violent past should void free speech rights

I do not agree with the city of Amarillo's decision to allow the KKK to demonstrate in front of City Hall.
I do not understand how anyone could be a member of such an organization, with its history of violence and terrorism. Most of the people I know do not like to be reminded of that sad, shameful time in our nation's history when the KKK was a powerful force, or all the time it took us to stop their heineous crimes and bring some of them to justice.
Could the Nazi Party of Germany be any more offensive to us, or the Mafia?
Freedom of speech, I respect, but surely not for those with a known history of violence and terrorism.

Donna Laubhan
Booker

source: http://amarillo.com/stories/071806/opi_5140674.shtml
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In Mexico's version of professional wrestling, many of the characters wear masks, the skin-tight version laced up along the back of the neck.
It is the ultimate form of disrespect for an opponent to remove a wrestler's mask.

It would be less of an embarrassment to have your tights pulled down and your shortcomings revealed.

I'm not embarrassed to admit I have seen Mexican rasslin' on Spanish-language television.

In just the past few days a wrestler ripped off his opponent's mask and held it up for the crowd to see - sort of like a medieval beheading.

The unmasked wrestler fell onto his stomach with his hands over his face as if acid had just been splashed on him.

Maybe this macabre identity crisis is what infects the Ku Klux Klan.

When the KKK visits Amarillo Aug. 5 (supposedly from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at City Hall - if you want to tailgate), there won't be any white sheets hiding smiling faces.

That's old school.

This particular version of the KKK - the Empire Knights of the KKK based in San Angelo - does not always conceal the identities of those who participate in its "protests."

The masks are still there, though.

The Knights claim they were invited by local KKK members or supporters, although the identities of these gracious hosts are as yet unknown.

I'm always a bit skeptical of people who hold a strong belief or stance on an issue but refuse to reveal their identities.

(The late and famous Globe-News sports writer/columnist Putt Powell called people who would write him a letter or call him with a comment but not give their names "hit-and-run drivers." He would hang up on them or throw their letters in the appropriate receptacle.)

On a more serious scale, I wonder how confident are those Molotov cocktail-throwers in the Middle East that if they die for their beliefs they will romp and frolic with 70 virgins in paradise. If they are so sure, why hide their faces?

An attempt to unmask the KKK's local kontacts was unsuccessful.

Pastor Thomas Robb, national director of the Knights of the KKK, said he wasn't familiar with the particular KKK group that is coming to Amarillo, nor did he know of Stephen Edwards, the group's grand dragon.

According to Robb, the KKK designation is public domain, meaning anyone can use it. Robb compared it to different Baptist churches, which probably doesn't thrill too many Baptists.

Edwards shed a little light on this secrecy on his group's Web site, saying: "We are a secret organization, meaning we are sworn to keep the identity of our members secret, but those who wish to disclose their beliefs to friends and public will suffer much persecution. Being a true Klansman is not easy, but the rewards and benefits are beyond measure. Our Lord teaches us that we should not concern ourselves with what the world thinks of us, for they hated Him first."

I don't recall Jesus Christ wearing a mask, but then I'm no biblical scholar.

Edwards wrote a paper, "The Invisibility Factor," that indicates many KKK members choose to remain in the shadows because of government oppression. That may have been true during the Civil War, but the days of the Northern invaders burning down Southern plantations are long gone.

Undoubtedly, there were many illegals who could not speak English who marched up and down downtown Amarillo recently during protests against illegal immigration legislation.

However, their faces were out there for all to see.

Dave Henry is an editorial writer for the Amarillo Globe-News, P.O. Box 2091, Amarillo, Texas 79166. His e-mail address is david.henry@amarillo.com. His column appears Thursday.
source: http://amarillo.com/stories/072006/opi_5147387.shtml

Note from Steve Harris: This quote, " I'm always a bit skeptical of people who hold a strong belief or stance on an issue but refuse to reveal their identities." reminds me alot of the "Hit and Run" posters lurking behind masks at Brownwood's COB !
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ACLU Sues for Anti-Gay Group That Pickets at Troops' Burials
By Garance Burke
Associated Press
Sunday, July 23, 2006; Page A02

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A Kansas church group that protests at military funerals nationwide filed suit in federal court, saying a Missouri law banning such picketing infringes on religious freedom and free speech.
The American Civil Liberties Union filed the lawsuit Friday in the U.S. District Court in Jefferson City, Mo., on behalf of the fundamentalist Westboro Baptist Church, which has outraged mourning communities by picketing service members' funerals with signs condemning homosexuality.
The church and the Rev. Fred Phelps say God is allowing troops, coal miners and others to be killed because the United States tolerates gay men and lesbians.
Missouri lawmakers were spurred to action after members of the church protested in St. Joseph, Mo., last August at the funeral of Army Spec. Edward L. Myers.
The law bans picketing and protests "in front of or about" any location where a funeral is held, from an hour before it begins until an hour after it ends. Offenders can face fines and jail time.
A number of other state laws and a federal law, signed in May by President Bush, bar such protests within a certain distance of a cemetery or funeral.
In the lawsuit, the ACLU says the Missouri law tries to limit protesters' free speech based on the content of their message. It is asking the court to declare the ban unconstitutional and to issue an injunction to keep it from being enforced, which would allow the group to resume picketing.
"I told the nation, as each state went after these laws, that if the day came that they got in our way, that we would sue them," said Phelps's daughter Shirley L. Phelps-Roper, a spokeswoman for the church in Topeka, Kan. "At this hour, the wrath of God is pouring out on this country."
Scott Holste, a spokesman for Missouri Attorney General Jay Nixon, said, "We're not going to acquiesce to anything that they're asking for in this lawsuit."
The suit names Nixon, Gov. Matt Blunt (R) and others as defendants.
source: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/22/AR2006072200643.html