GETTYSBURG, PA, June 19 — “We brought these gutter racists our message — there will be no free passes for them! We will stomp on them like roaches!” So spoke a comrade after our inspiring and militant demonstration here against the Aryan Nation fascists.
It was an exciting day as our group — a multi-racial, multi-generational group of teachers, students and workers — travelled to the site of the National Park museum dedicated to the history of the Civil War battle at Gettysburg. Not surprisingly, over the years this museum has become less anti-racist in character and more of an “objective” museum that shows “both sides” of the Civil War, exemplified by the displays of the Confederate flag, the hated symbol of racism and slavery.
The Aryan Nation picked this day to hold an anti-immigrant rally and to protest Juneteenth. Juneteenth is the anti-racist celebration of the day that Texas slaves were freed, two years after other states (although now the rulers are using that holiday to divert workers from the real source of racism — capitalism — see CHALLENGE anti-racism supplement, 6/23). PL’ers decided to show up to teach these fascists a lesson.
Our group led a militant and spirited march through the park, red flags high, stopping a few times to organize a picket line and give speeches. Chants such as “Power to the workers! Death to the fascists!” and “Hitler rose, Hitler fell, Nazi scum go to hell!” were led enthusiastically by high school and college students. Inspiring speeches were given about the historical significance of the fight against slavery, the need to smash fascism and why PLP wants to lead the fight for an egalitarian society and communism. It was pointed out that enslaved people changed the character of the Civil War, making the issue of slavery front and center and that we, the working class, must make workers’ power the issue in the bosses’ wars for oil and profit!
When our march got to the Aryan Nation rally, they were few in number, just a handful. They were cordoned off away from everyone and protected by National Parks police, local cops and state cops. In order to get closer, we would have had to be searched and leave behind our flags, literature, and any other possessions and enter a small holding pen. We rallied on the outside, attracting the attention of visitors to the park.
The highlight of our day was chasing Nazis who were hanging around waiting for the supposed rally to begin. When we saw three people together, one wearing a shirt that said “deport all immigrants” we began chanting and chased them. Of course, they disappeared as the kkkops protected them, while two of our members were threatened with arrest. Any fascist sympathizers in the area could feel safe that they would be protected by the cops.
As long as racists and fascists rear their ugly heads, PLP plans to be there, along with our friends, coworkers and the groups we work with to teach them a lesson — Power to the workers! Death to the Fascists!