Leith, North Dakota, is becoming THE destination for white supremacists.
With a population of just two dozen in a mostly white county in the Upper Midwest state, Leith is attracting members of the U.S. National Socialist Movement.
The group hopes to turn the disintegrating town into an all-white enclave.
Group members plan to introduce themselves to the community in what their organization's leader, Jeff Schoep, calls an "act of good will and faith."
"We have every intention of legally assuming control of the local government," said Schoep, a member of America's largest neo-Nazi organization.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, which tracks hate groups, white supremacist activist Craig Cobb has been buying up properties in Leith.
In doing so, he has been inviting his fellow supremacists to move in and set up a "Pioneer Little Europe," as some like-minded supporters have called it.
Cobb says he's received a lot of interest and support from people who believe white people should not be punished for wanting to live near each other.
"It's fine for all these other minorities, but not us," he said of his intentions. "If you merely speak about it, you're going to be defamed in this country."
Schoep said that the new visitors to the town would inspect the property, raise ceremonial flag poles, and hold a town meeting and a news conference.
"We know that opinion is divided in the town and in the media," Schoep said in the statement, adding that the trip is "a symbolic gesture of good will and faith."
Schoep will be met by a group organized through social media to protest the National Socialists' presence. Organizers are hoping several hundred will attend.
"We are planning a true grassroots peaceful protest to demonstrate that we are united in a stance against hatred, violence and prejudice," reads a statement by UnityND.
"Join us as we take to main street rural America to fight against racism."
Grant County Sheriff Steve Bay is ready for fireworks if clashes break out between this band of neo-Nazi white supremacists and the protesters.
"Both sides say they plan on having their demonstrations," Bay told the media. "They have both indicated to me that they will be peaceful demonstrations."
"They may be a little loud, but peaceful."
{ 0 komentar... read them below or add one }
Posting Komentar