Posted 8/15/01 Racism is the issue that stands out To the editor: There are so many issues to address; it makes it difficult to decide which one to focus on. There is the recent stem cell decision by Bush, the faltering economy, our deteriorating foreign relations with our allies, the misguided missile defense system, the failure of the state legislature to spend one dime of our surplus on the affordable housing crisis or the waiting list for child care, the decisions to weaken our environmental laws and protections for workers, and the tax cuts and rebates that primarily benefited the rich and where one in four American households will receive nothing. The issue that stands out for me is racism, an issue that underpins many of the above. The State of Minnesota for the first time, I believe, issued a permit to the Klu Klux Klan, along with the National Socialist Party (i.e. Nazis) to hold a rally at our state capitol. Even less progressive states have made the Klan go to court, as a simple message to them that ěhate organizationsî are not welcome. I have agonized over what should be my response to this rally. There is a ěcounterî rally being organized by the Minneapolis YWCA for Friday evening, Aug. 24th at the State Capitol, the evening before the KKK rally. It will feature music, speeches and fun activities. I wonder if this will only give more visibility to the Klan. Then there is the alternative gathering, the multicultural celebration being organized by the Human Rights Department, Catholic Charities and the St. Paul Area Council of Churches. It will happen at the same time as the KKK Rally, but at a distant location. It too will feature music, speeches and youth activities. Will it take away from the visibility of the KKK rally and show that most Minnesotans do not share the values of the KKK and itís call for white pride and separate white society. What really bothers me is the claim by the KKK that they are a white Christian organization. As a Christian and an employee of a Christian organization of Christian churches, the KKK does not hold values that measure up to mainstream Christianity. I think that most Minnesotans oppose the message of the KKK. I would encourage those Minnesotans to show their outrage for the KKK by not only speaking out against the KKK or attending one of the above alternative programs, but by working to understand and dismantle racism that exists in our communities, from the way white society treats people of color to the barriers our dominant culture creates for them to earn a living wage, own a home, or receive a quality education. For those of you that saw the movie, Remember the Titans, remember how they came together. And for all Christians, remember the words of the Apostle Paul, ěwe are neither Greek nor Jew, Free or Slave;î we are one body, one nation, and one people. We are home to people of many cultures, faiths and skin colors. We can be a richer nation by embracing multiculturalism than building walls of hatred. Robert G. Walz North Branch ©Post Review