This morning, Saturday Sept 26, 2009 more than 150 people rallied in opposition to an action by Neo-Nazis in Riverside.
Members of The National Socialist Movement turned out 15 strong to harass immigrant day laborers in Casa Blanca. At the Nazi rally more than 50 people counter-protested.
Separately, near City Hall, more than 150 rallied in opposition to the Neo-Nazis, and heard talks from our local Rabbi, representatives of The Unitarian Church, the Brown Berets, several Hispanic groups, 2 Democrat clubs in MoVal, the Peace & Freedom Party, and I spoke on behalf of The Libertarian Party. Following are my remarks to the rally:
Good Morning! Shabbes Tov!
I am Gene Berkman, Vice-Chair of The Riverside County Libertarian Party. I own Renaissance Bookshop on Magnolia Ave in Riverside. We offer the largest selection of anti-Nazi books in English and German for sale in Southern California.
Libertarian just means we are for Liberty. Libertarians oppose Nazis and National Socialism in every aspect.
Nazis glorify the All Powerful State. We the members of The Libertarian Party challenge the cult of the Omnipotent State.
We strive to limit government power.
Nazis glorify War and Violence. Libertarians favor Peace – International Peace and Social Peace. We reject the rule of force in human affairs.
Nazis elevate Racial Collectivism to a fundamental principle. They denigrate, degrade and destroy individuals found guilty of belonging to a Collectively Guilty Race.
Libertarians defend the Dignity of the Individual and Individual Freedom. We share with Martin Luther King the dream that each individual be judged according to his character.
When there was a real Nazi Empire – not just some clowns in dress-up costumes – many from Riverside County fought to liberate Europe from National Socialism – my Dad among them. There is no room in Riverside County for those who wear the uniform of an enemy of American Freedom.
Never Again Nazism! Long Live Freedom and a Free America! Viva la Libertad y America Libre!