Does the Canadian version of the KKK, or Alt right movement have any true political power?
Up until the mid 80's the KKK was a minor but very real political entity and could effect elections in a lot of south east states. (mostly local/city elections but still)
The KKK was opened up to civil action in the mid 80's and were sued into oblivion, now they are social pariahs with no true power at all. In the states these hate groups are a very small percent of the population and when they ID themselves as a member of one of these groups they are pretty much ostracized.
My opinion is that all the protests and counter protests are giving these groups more exposure than they have had in the past 30 years or so. I wonder if the exposure is causing them to grow, it is certainly what they are after. I think the individuals who belong to these groups will not be taken seriously, and have pigeon holed themselves socially and professionally (who is going to hire a nazi or klan member?) The group itself should be ignored, they are not worth the time of effort.
The only KKK rally I have ever seen with my own eyes was about 20 years ago in Thomasville, Alabama. There were about 6 people dressed up in sheets with confederate battle flags on the court house steps. No one was watching. We were getting lunch at a local drive up restaurant, so we watched while the burgers were cooking. I remember the whole thing being pathetic and sad.
Up until the mid 80's the KKK was a minor but very real political entity and could effect elections in a lot of south east states. (mostly local/city elections but still)
The KKK was opened up to civil action in the mid 80's and were sued into oblivion, now they are social pariahs with no true power at all. In the states these hate groups are a very small percent of the population and when they ID themselves as a member of one of these groups they are pretty much ostracized.
My opinion is that all the protests and counter protests are giving these groups more exposure than they have had in the past 30 years or so. I wonder if the exposure is causing them to grow, it is certainly what they are after. I think the individuals who belong to these groups will not be taken seriously, and have pigeon holed themselves socially and professionally (who is going to hire a nazi or klan member?) The group itself should be ignored, they are not worth the time of effort.
The only KKK rally I have ever seen with my own eyes was about 20 years ago in Thomasville, Alabama. There were about 6 people dressed up in sheets with confederate battle flags on the court house steps. No one was watching. We were getting lunch at a local drive up restaurant, so we watched while the burgers were cooking. I remember the whole thing being pathetic and sad.
