Posted on 09/17/2002 12:59:40 AM PDT by syriacus
On March 8, International Women's Day, a demonstration was held in Lackawanna, New York, just south of Buffalo, under the banner "Defend the Rights of All!" The demonstration, organized by the Lackawanna Discussion Group (LDG), was called under three main demands: No to racism and profiling of Arabs, South Asians and Muslims; No to disinformation and the demonization of Islam; and No to censorship and attacks on Arab youth.
Participants in the action gathered around a large banner reading "International Women's Day 2002" and held placards and signs putting forward their demands: "No to State-organized Racist Attacks!" "Equality for All Languages and Cultures!" "No to Censorship of Arab Youth!" "Defend the Right to Conscience!" "Support the Palestinian Intifadah!" and "End the Demonization of Islam!" Participants reported a warm and supportive response from passers-by who took a statement issued by the LDG for the event. Many drivers in passing cars beeped their horns in support.
In its statement, the LDG pointed out, "Women raise children, work outside the home, take up community action - they are in the lead of the struggles against the cut-backs to social programs and against racism and war. We commemorate this International Women's Day with this protest to say: We will not be silent! We will not allow anyone to be attacked for their views, culture or religion. We stand for the right to conscience and for freedom of speech."
The statement brought out the McCarthyite atmosphere and state-organized racist attacks taking place particularly since September 11. It pointed out that anyone in a position of authority, or who considers themselves to be, "has been given the green light by government officials to attack any Arab, Muslim or South Asian with impunity, while the media has gone all out to promote disinformation on Islam."
The statement continued, "With this green light to profile these groups, there are people who have been disappeared off the streets, denied all their rights, and many are still being held on either minor visa violations or without charges at all. In addition, 5,000 men of Middle Eastern origin have been questioned without being suspected of a crime." The statement brought out the dangerous situation being created by the government whereby any Arab, South Asian or Muslim is to be considered a "potential terrorist" who must "prove their innocence."
The LDG's statement highlighted that it is in this context and these conditions, brought about by government at all levels and the monopoly media, that a number of serious incidents have occurred locally. At a local high school, they explained, an international youth and student club had the first issue of their newsletter censored by school officials. The newsletter contained an article written anonymously by a student called "The Untold Truth" which took a stand in favor of the just struggle of the Palestinian people for their national rights and opposed the disinformation that "both sides" are to blame for the problems in the region. It also contained a poem from the internet in which a young Muslim woman stands up for her culture. The principal claimed both the article and poem were "offensive" and refused to have the school print the newsletter, as is usually done for materials by school clubs. The LDG statement also cited a number of other incidents of racist remarks and other discriminatory practices. The statement brought out that in the context of the government's demonization of Islam, a local "Christian" radio program said that anyone who goes to a mosque is a "fundamentalist" and "supports terrorism."
"These attacks must not be allowed," the LDG statement said, people have "the right to free speech and religion." It explained, "We are here today to unite and let passers-by know that we are standing up against the attacks on rights and that people's rights must be upheld."
The LDG elaborated the demands of the demonstration: "We call on the school board to uphold the rights of students to free speech, their culture and views. We call for an end to the state organized racism and disinformation promoted by the media. We call for upholding due process for all and punishments which fit the crime."
The statement also affirmed: "We have the right to conscience, we have the right to culture, we have the right to dissent and we have the right to free speech and religion. People standing up for their rights are not terrorists." It called on all to "defend the rights of all, at home and abroad" and congratulated all on the success of the protest. The statement concluded, "We look forward to future events to bring people together for broad united action to defend the rights of all."
The previous weekend, on March 3, the LDG also hosted an International Women's Day social under the theme "Celebrating Our Dignity and Unity." The event stood against the current atmosphere which seeks to isolate people, and the LDG reports vigorous discussion on developments locally, nationally and internationally was had by all.
The Lackawanna Discussion Group reports that the social and demonstration, and preparations for them, are having a broad and significant impact. Throughout the community and in the high school, many people are discussing the attacks on rights taking place in the school and elsewhere, and the importance of taking a stand to oppose them. The link to the serious developments taking place in the U.S. and worldwide with the U.S. "war on terrorism" is also being discussed. Many are calling for another demonstration involving an even broader section of the community. One organizer of the event commented, "This shows that the people are not only deeply concerned about developments, but are also ready to go into motion to smash the silence on the opposition to the attacks on rights. People are refusing to be intimidated and raising their slogan: 'Defend the Rights of All!'"
Looks like some of the commies are linked arm-in-arm with the Islamists.
I'd love to know how well Hillary did with the Lackawanna voters in 2000.
Why so many anthrax hoaxes in upstate NY in 1999 ? {including Lackawanna and nearby communities} (post 14)
Buffalo, N.Y., activists reported numerous anti-war activities, the largest being a Peace and Unity Rally at the University of Buffalo on Sept. 21 [2001]. A speak-out in front of the student union drew 100 people, including representatives of the Organization of Arab Students, the Muslim Student Association, the Asian Student Union, Environmental Network, Lackawanna High School International Youth and Student Organization, U.S. Marxist-Leninist Organization, Workers World Party and the IAC.
As soon as they start handing over the CRIMINALS who are trying to KILL us!
They have learned very well from Jesse Jackson, Bill Clinton and the NOW gang. Attack, accuse and shift the blame from them to your accuser.
Not to mention what they have learned from the Palestinians.
stepping back in time..NEWSFACTOR.com - NEWSFACTOR NETWORK: "FBI TERRORISM TASK FORCE RAIDS ARAB WEB HOSTING FIRM" (ARTICLE NOTE: The firm is identified as InfoCom Corporation. ARTICLE SNIPPET: "Arab leaders held a news conference to protest the FBI's actions, calling it an "anti-Muslim witch hunt." They insisted the task force, which also included the Secret Service and the U.S. Customs Service, acted on little evidence, but rather on political pressure and anti-Arab stereotypes. "While Muslims understand the FBI's mission to protect American citizens, we are concerned that the civil liberties of InfoCom's owners and their many important clients were violated by this unexpected raid," the Arab group said in a statement.") by Tim McDonald (SEPTEMBER 7, 2001)
stepping back in time...AHRAM.org.eg - AL-AHRAM Published Weekly in Cairo, Egypt: "ADDRESSING 'THE NATION', TARGETING AMERICA Diaa Rashwan* analyses the content of the video-taped statements released by Osama Bin Laden, Suleiman Abu Gheith and Ayman El-Zawahri" (The October 11-17, 2001 Issue)
MIAMI.com - THE MIAMI HERALD: "TRIO STOPPED AFTER GEORGIA WOMAN'S TIP" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "'Just because of the way we look, the way we choose to live our lives, we're persecuted,'' said Hana Gheith, his sister. Ayman Gheith was born in Jordan. The other two men are of Iranian and Lebanese descent. ''I don't think it's fair. It's very sad in this time, in this day and age, there is still this kind of discrimination,'' Hana Gheith said.") (091402)
TRADITIONAL VALUES.org: "MUSLIM GROUP'S EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN MAY AID EXTREMISTS" (ARTICLE SNIPPET: "CAIR, however, may not be the kind of organization that should be supported by moderate Muslim-Americans or by public libraries. Middle East expert Daniel Pipes ( http://www.danielpipes.org ) has published several exposes on CAIR during the past few years. The most recent was published in April. According to Pipes, CAIR has at least one individual associated with international terrorism on its board of directors. Siraj Wahhaj was named in 1995 by U.S. Attorney Mary Jo White as an unindicted co-conspirator in the attempt by Muslim terrorists to blow up New York monuments. Wahhaj served as a character witness on behalf of convicted Muslim cleric/terrorist Omar Abdel Rahman who masterminded the New York terrorist plot. CAIR has also criticized President Bush's closing down of the Holy Land Foundation, a front group for Hamas terrorists. In 1998, the chairman of CAIR gave a speech to a group of California Muslims and told them: "Islam isn't in America to be equal to any other faith, but to become dominant. The Koran should be the highest authority in America, and Islam the only accepted religion on earth."") (091302)
ohimgod, she forgot to mention that : gay, transgender, trisexual, S&M, friendofearth, wica, queer, wimin, masturbant and selfcastrated are opressed too.
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