Since emerging from the womb wailing, my first protest, I inherited anti-fascism.
Family members, partly of Germanic heritage, fought in WWII against fascists, Nazis and imperialists.
Salt-of-the-Earth Americans, they worked hard, played hard and benefited from the precepts of our liberal democracy form of government.
In WWII, antifascists were amongst the resistant fighters against Mussolini and Hitler, protecting people from these fear- and hate-mongering monsters and their adherents.
Since Attorney General Barr tries to label the U.S. Antifa movement as terrorists, he trounces on the civil rights of our citizens, covering up his own authoritarian inclinations.
He misrepresents a movement which clearly confronts an insidious danger in our culture.
What is Antifa?
Anti-fascists.
Basically, young adults who confront and will fight white nationalists/supremacists, Neo-Nazis and other Alt-right hate groups.
Antifa gained membership when white supremacists streamed into Charlottesville, Va., in 2017 in a “Unite the Right” rally.
It is an ideology, an impetus, not an organization per se.
The Pacific Northwest has anarchists and nihilists of all stripes bent on destruction for whatever cause or excuse is available.
Opportunists.
Being loners, some may pronounce themselves Antifa, others Boogaloo Boys, etc.
Let’s not confuse their motivations with the Antifa mission.
With limited space, this simple overview is an encouragement in these divisive times, filled with meanness, accusations and disinformation, to research thoroughly.
It’s essential for civil discussion, and a personal responsibility to be honest.
Gayle Brauner
Port Angeles