What can we do locally to support our gay and lesbian friends? Can our local government leaders do anything? Will strong local statements of support simply inflame the culture war? Are we so deeply into this culture war that there is no way to avoid it? Is there a chance to create a local environment of safety and peace which could allow for careful, respectful dialogue amoung at least those willing to do so?
Each day now, I am reminded of the words of former Vice President Henry A. Wallace in his 1944 NYT article on American fascism: "The really dangerous American fascist is the man who wants to do in the United States in an American way what Hitler did to Germany in a Prussian way. The American fascist would prefer not to use violence. His method is to poison the channels of public information. With a fascist the problem is never how best to present the truth to the public but how best to use the news to decieve the public into giving the fascist and his group more money or more power." And "always and everywhere they can be identified by their appeal to prejudice and by the desire to play upon the fears and vanities of different groups in order to gain power."
Wallace clearly stated that fascism would next rise in the world in the USA, and I believe that we see this today. Does Minneapolis already experience reprisals from those who wield statewide or national economic and political power who encourage ancient prejudice?
Has right-wing demogoguery has already created a hostile environment and displaced reasoned discussion with an appeal to fear and prejudice deeply implanted in many of us through countless generations of superstition?
Do GBLT people on the list feel that politicised religious fundamentalism and pseudo- religious fascim (which mirrors the "Islamo-fascism" which many assert that we oppose overseas) becoming dangerous to themselves and to our diverse city? Can Minneapolis-specific political responses build bridges and positive connections and avoid creating too much backlash?
I am concerned that there are GBLT people in Minneapolis who for the first time are truly frightened of losing jobs or even children, or of being persecuted with physical violence. Here is a website with info about Cananda:
http://www.canadianalternative.com/
I include this not to urge folks to move, but to encourage all of us to click on the link phrase "why Canada is the perfect alternative" and reflect on the list of advantages to living in Canada. Many of these items reflect very real progressive values held by many Americans as well. A kind of tolerance and respect for diversity is reflected, as well as a concern for the good of all, or "commonweal." How can we work toward expression of such values here in Minneapolis? Is it possible to build political bridges to create a tolerant environment?
(Link to article citing former VP Wallace: http://www.commondreams.org/views04/0719-15.htm)
-- pedaling for peace and justice from Kingfield - Gary Hoover
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