February 22, 2006

DIRECTOR'S CORNER

by TIM HARRIS

Last weekend a handful of neo-Nazis called a rally at the Space Needle and about a hundred protesters showed up to denounce fascism. This is as it should be. When the symbolism of hatred gets trotted out for public show, the best strategy is to respond with the language of tolerance.

Neo-Nazi freakshows, however, are not the real threat. The problem is when racist, militarist, and authoritarian politics become so ubiquitous as to seem almost normal. Sinclair Lewis, whose 1935 novel It Can’t Happen Here is experiencing new popularity, is known for saying, “When fascism comes to America, it will be wrapped in a flag and carrying a cross.” It certainly won’t be wearing a swastika.

So I’m not worried about a few goose-stepping Hitler admirers. They’re a sideshow at best. I’m much more concerned about the gradual erosion of tolerance from the national debate. I’m concerned that America is out of step with the civilized world on the issue of torture. I’m concerned that popular support for a broadly anti-poor agenda is sustained by appeals to racism. I’m concerned that America is at permanent war for all the wrong reasons. I’m concerned that the earth will die within my children’s lifetime because there will always be enough wealth and hired security to insulate the elites from the consequences of global devastation.

We shouldn’t need neo-Nazis to get us out into the streets. We should be there everyday.