The anti-immigrant, anti-Muslim organization ACT for America, which calls itself “The NRA of national security,” announced nearly 70 rallies in three dozen states, including one in Milwaukee on September 9.
The Milwaukee General Defense Committee’s call to action noted that Trump’s presidency had emboldened racists and fascists, and when those groups are allowed to take the streets they grow.
“We showed up today to let ACT for America, and any supporters they may have locally, know that we will obstruct, and refuse them any kind of platform. Messages of hate have no place here,” said Shannon Frye of the Industrial Workers of the World.
After their blооdy acts of dоmestic tеrrоrіsm in Charlottesville, the ACT for America indicated that they would instead hold an online Day of Action. While the group did stay away from Milwaukee, three local members briefly visited the protest site, but reportedly only harassed one of the march marshals before leaving.
“The reason we show up is so they can’t come out with three people, and take photos saying no one was there opposing their views, and that nobody in opposition proves that they are a mainstream viewpoint in this country,” said Alan Schultz, who attended in support of the Milwaukee General Defense Committee. “Without us being here they could theoretically hold an organic Anti-Muslim hate rally and get publicity from local news networks and spread their hate speech. This is precisely why we show up, even when they merely say they might be there or cancel an event.”
ACT for America, founded in 2007, is a U.S.-based anti-Muslim, pro-Trump group, dedicated to combating what it describes as ‘the threat of radical Islam’ to the safety of Americans and to democracy.
“The lack of opportunities in white working class communities causes them to start blaming people of color, or blaming immigrants, or blaming muslims, when that’s not who they should blame. We have a common cause with people who are oppressed, and we should stand behind them,” said John Fleissner, one of the event organizers. “The problems that have been created in society, like defunding our public services, a lack of access to public transit, privatization of public school systems, lack of jobs and affordable housing, those are all things that were created by the people who are above us, who take advantage of the divisions in society.”
© Photo
Lee Matz
