Despite an organized showing in Phoenix, Az., the threat of multiple fascist anti-Muslim rallies across the country largely fizzled. In many cities, diverse community members came out to stand with Muslim people and defend the targeted mosques and community centers.
The threats were taken seriously across the country, especially as ruling class politicians have themselves been so open with racist anti-Muslim sentiments. People thought these fascists felt empowered to show themselves.
In Phoenix, the hateful armed fascists did show themselves, but were met by a counter demonstration to defend the community—just as had happened earlier this year in the summer when these fascist mobilized. Beside the threats of their loaded guns, the fascists took every opportunity to spew hate by wearing offensive anti-Islamic t-shirts and drawings.
Many of the rallies did not take place at all as in Huntsville, Al. and Bremerton, Wa. The rally in Dearborn, Mi., home of one of the largest Arab-American communities in the U.S., was not able to secure a permit.
In other locations, like Murfreesboro, Tn, people defending the Islamic community center far outnumbered the handful of hateful anti-Muslim protesters. In Amarillo, TX, more than a hundred people turned out on the roadside by the Khursheed Unissa Memorial Community Center as supporters of the center. One lone bigot showed up to express anti-Muslim sentiments.
Amarillo, a small city of a quarter of a million people in the center of Texas panhandle, is more known for big steaks, helium fields and roses than for people mobilized in the fight against racism. But it’s a sign that the general population, despite ruling class efforts to divide, are changing and taking a stand for unity.
