Neo-Nazi rally planned for Vancouver area, antiracist activists say

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      The activist group No One Is Illegal-Vancouver is preparing to confront what it says is a neo-Nazi rally being planned for March 21, the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

      Although white-supremacist demonstrations have occurred on this day in Calgary and other Canadian cities in recent years, No One Is Illegal member Sumayya Kassamali told the Straight today (March 8) that B.C.’s Lower Mainland hasn’t seen such a gathering in a long time.

      “It seems like the voices that may have been quieter before are now feeling like...I don’t know whether they’re feeling threatened or they’re just feeling like maybe they have more public support...and they can come out and really publicly say things that we would consider completely atrocious and despicable,” Kassamali said.

      She also noted that anti-immigrant sentiment in North America appears to have increased following the 9/11 terrorist attacks. In Canada, according to her, such feelings may have been fanned by the terrorism case involving the so-called Toronto 18.

      Kassamali said that some people hold the notion that Canada has become “too lax on immigrants” and that immigrants are “becoming violent, and they’re not grateful”.

      The white-pride rally, according to No One Is Illegal, will start at 11 a.m. at the Braid SkyTrain station in New Westminster.

      Kassamali said that antiracist protesters will also gather at the same location.

      Comments

      85 Comments

      MtotheT

      Mar 8, 2010 at 6:08pm

      I see no evidence whatsoever for this rally this organization is talking about - are you fact-checking this Straight?

      Even though it bothered me I tried to google to find a reference to the rally but found none.

      Call me skeptical this isn't bs for the group to get publicity - which you just did.

      Transitrider

      Mar 8, 2010 at 7:07pm

      It's highly doubtful that there would be any such thing happening anywhere in Vancouver. It sounds more like "No One Is Illegal" is pulling a stunt to try and boost their membership numbers.

      Emil

      Mar 8, 2010 at 7:13pm

      Kassamali said that some people hold the notion that Canada has become “too lax on immigrants” and that immigrants themselves are “becoming violent, and they’re not grateful”. Well I'm here to tell you that" I agree with that statement" As to the statemnet that no one is illegal What a joke.... The last i heard there were about 60,000 that are lost and have not reported to immigration after their visas ran out,or said that they were just visiting and never left. Don't get me wrong i do not agree with the neo nazis, but i do think that the immigration laws are far to lax

      Nonviolent

      Mar 8, 2010 at 8:29pm

      Well they sure did pick a crappy spot: http://tinyurl.com/ydtme2z ... though it might be a commuter choke point for their audience.

      Hopefully they won't harm anyone.

      Too bad they lack empathy.

      M.

      Mar 8, 2010 at 8:34pm

      The real problem with immigration law isn't the good people that are convenient to deport, but the major criminals who AREN'T deported because it's too much paperwork for the people who deal with it.

      THAT is a real problem. The rest of it is just a lot of ego noshing and a bit ridiculous.

      Serious criminal activity - millions in fraud, multiple rape convictions - these people are left to run around in our country - THAT is something the government should take very, very seriously - and it isn't making it a priority.

      1st Class Canadian

      Mar 8, 2010 at 8:40pm

      I was never repatriated in 1982. I am also a landowner, and therefore enjoy all the rights and freedoms that were given to me by the Queen under the Statutes of Westminster and the BNAct. Of course, I also don't pay taxes (never have never will)

      Neo-cons have destroyed this country by opening up the immigration floodgates, and using immigration to fight their wars with our unions. This doesn't mean we ought to hunt down the immigrants. Poor bastards were slaves when they left their home countries and they get it no better here.

      That said, I for one am not pleased to hear of a white supremacist rally, and if this can indeed be verified, I expect that CSIS and the RCMP be there to arrest any leaders or persons facilitating this event, and to charge them accordingly under Hate Crimes legislation.

      That, or maybe some of my brethen will show up and take care of the situation accordingly.

      carl bailey

      Mar 8, 2010 at 8:48pm

      racists: the best reason to legalise flamethrowers.

      memestheword

      Mar 8, 2010 at 9:46pm

      I think this is complete BS from the ant-racists. I remember a Vancouver Courier article years ago from this type of group, maybe even the same group where they stated that neo-nazis were recruitung dowwntown and were attacking people and I recall they claimed the nazis had raped a girl in broad daylight and had set fire to another person. When the police were asked about it they said they had had no reports of such incidents. Hope they no-one is illegal folks have a nice time standing around in New West. I pity any white kid with a brush cut who happens by on his way to the skate park or something.

      look in the mirror neo-Nazi

      Mar 8, 2010 at 11:19pm

      Neo-nazi and gay haters have same issues; they appear to hate others but really just hate themselves.

      Left of Centre

      Mar 9, 2010 at 6:08am

      Has the reported made any effort to confirm "No one is Illegal's" claim? The article seems to have only one source for its information - that being "No one is Illegal." Not top-notch journalism if you ask me.