November 21, 2024

Idavox Archives

Archived articles originally found on the One People's Project website.

BOSTON VFW PUTS THE SMACKDOWN ON RACIST SHOW

Looks like Anti-Racist Action is a little stronger than Patriot Action! Earlier today it was learned where Volksfront planned to have their show that was slated to be a part of what the WPs called their “Patriot Action Conference” on April 11, and it was put on blast on Boston Indymedia. You guessed it: another venue duped into thinking it was something else. This time, VFW Post 6536 was allegedly told it was a christening! When they learned what the true nature of the show was however, they pulled the plug. Antifa from all over the country and from several groups called up the hall to let them know what was going on, and mad props go out to everyone that was involved. One of those groups, our friends at the Turn It Down Campaign filed this report, but we need to clarify something that might have been misunderstood. This does not mean that the Conference is not going to happen. The show was shut down, but the Conference itself is rumored to be somewhere else. Also, it is possible they may find another venue to dupe into hosting them, which is why we are letting all venues in the area to be mindful of someone who wants their spot for that day. Oh, and if that old chestnut about “Freedom of Speech” comes up, remind them of how Boston College last week cancelled a speech by William Ayres after radio show host Michael Graham railed against them hosting him on his program. And this was coming from a guy who complained about his freedom of speech being violated when he was fired from WMAL in 2005 for repeatedly referring to Islam as a terrorist organization”. At least antifa knows the real enemy to go after when they see them.

 

Turn It Down Campaign

Ever since the white nationalist group East Coast White Unity began promoting a conference in Boston, slated for April 11th, reaction from the community was strong. The Patriot Action Conference, which would have included speakers from various hate groups and several well-documented white power bands, advertised sponsorship by both ECWU and Volksfront. The location remained closely guarded and unknown to the many organizations and individuals seeking to protest the event – until today.

Boston Indymedia published a report by Anti-Racist Action and the North-East Anti-Fascists, detailing the location of the Patriot Action Conference as the South Boston VFW Hall. The report provided the hall’s phone number and encouraged readers to phone in their thoughts on the VFW’s plans to host a hate conference. A call to the VFW by Turn It Down found that the event had already been canceled quickly and decisively. A management source at the South Boston VFW emphatically explained that the venue had no idea as to the nature of the event they were scheduled to host: “We want no part of that. It has no place here, and it ain’t welcome. We shut it down as soon as we knew.”

The Turn It Down Campaign would like to congratulate Boston’s bands, music fans, anti-racist activists, and everyday citizens for taking such a strong stand against the efforts of hate groups to gather in their communities. Many people and organizations have been working against this event since it was announced. Its cancellation is proof that a community can keep hate out.

Here’s the official response from the South Boston VFW:

Saturday, April 11th 2009 Cancellation Notice

The South Boston Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 6536 (VFW Post 6536) has canceled the event slated for this Saturday, April 11th, 2009 and refunded the deposit, originally paid by personal check, after discovering the nature of the event, which conflicts with the ideals and values of the VFW Post 6536. As Quartermaster, I have refused to sign and validate the event approval form which is a requirement for all VFW Post hall rentals. No reschedule will be set at this function hall, so please, no inquiries.

Sincerely,

The Quartermaster

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