GUEST WORDS--The virulent haters of Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) – which boasts close ties to white nationalists and, these appalling days, many members of the Trump administration - got the unwelcome they deserve at their 11th annual "Hold Their Feet To The Fire" conference aimed at prodding political leaders to deport brown-skinned "illegals" even faster than they already are in the name of a devoutly-wished-for "Anglo-Saxon dominance."
The June 28 and 29 event, held quietly at D.C.'s Phoenix Park Hotel and said to be the largest ever, is slated to draw white supremacists, new GOP allies (yes), and up to 60 right-wing radio hosts for two days of anti-immigrant rhetoric on the toxic air waves.
Long designated a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center and viewed as "nativist weirdos" even by many conservatives, FAIR members have been emboldened by Trump, who "became the face of the anti-immigrant movement from the moment he rode the gold escalator down and started talking about Mexicans as criminals and drug dealers.”
Given the "tragedy" that is "this mainstreaming of hatred," immigrant and civil rights activists with Mijente, Undocublack, TransLatina Coalition and Get Equal decided to "welcome" FAIR attendees and their lurid rhetoric by telling it like it is with signs declaring “End White Supremacy - Sanctuary for All" and the brilliant “Racists Enter Here.”
"These people want to advance their anti-immigrant agenda in secret," they explained under the hashtag #DCvsHate. "We're here to not let that happen."
For a reminder of why it matters: Hamilton's Lin-Manuel Miranda just released a stunning new video for "Immigrants (We Get the Job Done)."
Abby Zimet writes for the excellent Common Dreams … where this piece was first posted. Ken Draper will return on Monday.)
-cw
