Katie Couric's Notebook: The Ku Klux Klan
Hi, everyone.
Video: As America remembers the historic march in Selma 42 years ago, there are concerns about another part of our country's racial history -- the Ku Klux Klan.
In a new report, the Anti-Defamation League says that the Klan is coming back. The ADL says it's found traces of the KKK in 19 states...with as many as five thousand members, who are fighting new issues like immigration and gay marriage.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author David J. Garrow isn't convinced. He notes that the Klan's gatherings have been small -- at some places, 20 people or less show up. And he says, so far, there's scant evidence of violent crimes linked to KKK members.
But history teaches us to be vigilant. We've been told again and again that those who forget the past are condemned to repeat it.
The Ku Klux Klan is one ugly chapter from our past that we should never forget -- or repeat.
That's a page from my notebook.
Maybe these KKK members should consider re-channeling their hatred and bigotry. This country is, by definition, one of many colors.
I think that since the tragedy of September 11th the threat of anti-government hate groups have been virtually forgotten by most Americans. The Timothy McVeigh's and Eric Rudolph's are still out there: they have likely just detached themselves from easily monitored groups (due to the successful infiltration by law enforcement) and have kept their activities in small, close-knit cells like the Oklahoma City cell.
The ADL has also reported on another phenomenon that has been downplayed by the U.S. government: racists in the military. Many have been trained the art of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, just as Timothy McVeigh was in Kuwait and Eric Rudolph was in the U.S. Army. When these racists come home will we see another McVeigh arise?
It will only take another unpopular government move to get these dangerous people to surface. Hopefully they will be stopped before the next Murrah Building attack.
But not if we act as if they don't exist.
Eric
Did I tell you the KKK here wear grey felt hats, similar to Masons, and very long hair? They not only stole my lap top in 2006, but my digital camera, my car 2004, even a contract, www.readleadbooks.com/sketches.html
and my wallet 5 times since well, 7 times if you count 2002. Ziegenmueller, did it first with her bikie chums, and showed again in 2003. Why is she Head of the FBI, Mueller?
the KKK is chasing Kate. Please forgive me and tell me you aren't mad at me still?
I'll vene marry you!
Agreed. And I don't think anyone is forgetting. Dr. King's birthday is celebrated as a national holiday, and we devote an entire month to Black History when we are reminded about how African Americans had to fight for equality. These things serve as nice reminders to us all.
They long ago became a relic of the past and are completely powerless. Worrying about a dozen social misfits walking around in sheets is just silly.