On December 30th, I received a press release that gave me chills.

The sender declined to use his full name, and I responded that I have a policy of not running any material from people with white hoods covering their faces anonymous sources. There were no photographs attached, no evidence that anything actually happened. Without that, I wondered if what they stated was true or if a gutless troll was trying to get a rise out of me. Since the individual did not respond to my request that he validate his identity, I went on with my life. Until now.

Video has emerged:

By seeing that video, I have learned that the color of the hoods has changed, but the sentiment remains, embedded in dog-whistles. In this case, the fascists “European American men” grasped at any flimsy excuse to rally, and here, they contorted ongoing juvenile scribbles to suit their cause.

So, let’s look at their press release:

From this description, one is led to believe that the statue is singled out. Anyone with simple observation skills and no agenda can see that Heaven Skate Park is completely covered in graffiti. Regular visitors know that while the Furlong monument does unfortunately get tagged — that is, painted with someone’s street name — it is just as often left alone. There has been no evidence of anti-Irish graffiti being painted on the monument, which is routinely cleaned by the Friends of Heaven Skate Park group. This press release insinuates that nobody has cared for the park in years, a false claim.

If you could not read between the lines in their final paragraph, the “historical monuments” referenced are anti-American monuments, tributes to bigotry.

Not everyone is loving the martyr complex oozing out of this white power “European American” group’s actions.

The US-based National Irish Freedom Committee  has responded: “To all fascists, white supremacists, hate mongers, bigots, and sectarian mongrels; you are cautioned to leave our monuments alone, our songs out of your mouths, and our legacy free from your tarnishing hate speech. We unequivocally condemn your use of Irish republicanism, and your use of its monuments to our patriot dead.”

The Connecticut branch of Industrial Workers of the World is also not having it. They have shunned the actions of these fifteen men who associate themselves with a group called CTVanguard. The CT IWW is working on “a series of public educational talks on fascism and anti-fascism.” Roger Benham, who volunteered as medical support for counter-protesters in Charlottesville, Virginia gave a lecture in Mansfield and has been asked to give organize talks.  The IWW says that “the first will take place at Diaspora Multicultural Society at 90 John Street in New Britain, CT on Friday February 9th at 7:00pm, with a Hartford engagement to be announced shortly.”

While not a response to this flag-waving gang, there will be a second Women’s March on January 20, 2018 at the Connecticut State Capitol, with speakers representing the great diversity found in our state. More than fifteen people are expected to attend.

If you would like to voice your displeasure at white power groups rising up in Connecticut, do.