Nazi Racists Unwelcome in Eastern Oregon's John Day

A black President is a huge step in the fight for equality, but this group in John Day is a huge step backward.

(SALEM, Ore.) - A mostly conservative community in eastern Oregon is putting its foot down on the goose step, you could say. "No Nazis in John Day" is the word of the day and it makes me proud to see these Americans refuse to allow a group of mindless neo-Nazis to move in.

It sounds like if these extremist white supremacists had their way, they would pull a move similar to what the Bhagwan Rajneesh did in Antelope, Oregon. In that case, a group of religious fanatics literally took over an Oregon town and implemented their own politics. It may have been a smart move for a bad group, but it didn't last, and I don't think people in this state have really forgotten about it.

I'm no fan of the whole tea party movement, but I know that within even those ranks, there are great people who I disagree with, but would probably never be disrespectful to. We've aired a YouTube clip of a tea partier attacking a group of Nazis who tried to join their event. It gives me some faith.

All men are created equal. I can not explain why this is taking place, but I do believe that prejudice is a hard thing for some people to get beyond. They are often raised that way, but some are simply convinced later in life. They all need to sit down some day and watch the gut wrenching movie, American History X and get a real feeling for the future of hardcore racists. It is a bad formula; people mixed up in it need to bail out.

Since these white supremacists have a propensity toward hate and violence, it is too bad they aren't in Afghanistan getting their asses shot off, instead of the good guys who keep getting killed. Good war or bad war, the Americans doing that are actually living their lives, rather than simply acting them out. Maybe the first time their life was saved by a soldier or Marine who was black or brown, they would understand. I always feel compelled to remind Americans how many fantastic Afghan and Iraqi soldiers, Muslims - have saved the lives of Americans.

Then you have the huge number of Americans who are Jewish; how utterly offensive this whole neo-Nazi crap must be to them, knowing what their ancestors suffered under the wrath of this symbol that came to be known as the swastika. My ancestors suffered under the Nazis too, all Americans who lived then suffered, and many, like our own Dr. Phil Leveque, joined the Army and killed a bunch of them, Go Doc!.

My dad was involved in the machining of parts for the fuel system of the P-38 Lightning twin-engine fighter, an extremely fast plane that blasted Nazi aircraft out of the sky. His friend Basil Dell, was a Liberator of concentration camps, and an avid photographer. I don't need to spell out that recipe I'm sure, but I did see the pictures as a kid.

I've been fortunate to be able to interview two gentlemen who were Tuskegee Airmen, and I have spent a bit of time researching the life of the only black pilot of WWI, Eugene Bullard, who was an American but was only allowed to fly for France. Back in the early part of the twentieth century, people of color were still treated with total prejudice in this country, with few exceptions.

I have also studied the WWI German aviators who were Jewish. There were several; some, like Rudolph Bertrand, wore the highest honor given to an aviator serving the Fatherland: The Blue Max. I find this period very interesting.

A site I will never forget is the German WWI military cemetery at Romagne sous Montfaucon, France. Row after row of black tombstones crosses stand for these soldiers slaughtered during the Great War like so many young French, British, Canadians, Belgians, Americans and others.

But every few tombstones, was a different design; a Star of David grave. I found this very, very interesting and questioned my friend who lived nearby, but he was not exactly sure. I later learned that the Israeli government identified the Jewish soldiers and replaced the Christian style markers with ones representing the soldier's actual faith.

Americans, like people of all cultures and societies, have had to learn, and we have a ways to go. A black President is a huge step, but these characters in John Day are a huge step backward.

Sadly, and I won't cite any names at this point, but some Oregon media groups are giving way too much credit to the leader of this group whose name is reminiscent of a bad 1980's haircut, a racist named Paul Mullet. He has been interviewed and given some fairness; I think that is a bad joke.

Call it media bias, but there are not two sides to every story... when half the story is coming from a racist Nazi, forget that nonsense.

It reminds me of a great scene from the movie Blues Brothers - I Hate Illinois Nazis..."

People from this historic Oregon town turned out in number a few days ago for a rally opposing plans of this racist group to call John Day its new home. And both the mayor and police chief say the people of John Day stand united in their position opposing this group.

They have a city largely based on tourism, and they know that skinheads aren't the kind of attraction people and their families will be out looking for.

Just to be clear, I won't consider approving any comments on this story that in any way represent Nazi propaganda. You can send it, I will log your IP and then hit the delete button and flush it away.

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Lance May 25, 2012 2:33 pm (Pacific time)

Life is too short to spend it hating everyone and his dog. Besides, you cause yourself physical damage while the object of your anger NEVER FEELS A THING. I used to be so angry every day I could just scream. One day I let it all go and at that point realized I could start enjoying life again, Wow what a concept! Not to say there's not things I don't like (there are many). I just found better ways to put in my time than dwelling on them. If you don't borrow trouble today, you won't have to pay for it tomorrow. 8-)

CSA61-65 May 26, 2010 10:11 pm (Pacific time)

is tim king, the author, really responding to people like that?

Tim King: I only talk that way to racists, and I tend to reserve direct insults for people who go first. This is a new frontier and I just tell people to think of a radio program, the hosts do talk back. So, there you have it.

OregonForeigner March 9, 2010 11:43 am (Pacific time)

@J Morgan- Skin-color supremism or discrimination. Racists can be dark or light... brown. We're just shades of the same color-- melanin. Humanity is the race; one cannot be racist without being anti-humanity.

O'Henry March 3, 2010 12:38 pm (Pacific time)

The only thing I've seen that resembles illegal threats comes from Neocon racist trash. Take them out on a boat and sink it in very cold water.

Muarry Freeman March 3, 2010 10:41 am (Pacific time)

So if someone says something about Obama that you don't like you're going to contact the FBI and send them the poster's IP? You have any idea how incredibly stupid and short-sighted you are? Probably not. Hey people have been calling Obama a racist on national television going back to before he won the senate. Hell, he is a racist, and more people are connecting with that fact everyday. I also belong to a group that calls for his impeachment and the prosecution of many on his staff, mostly blacks and many who are my Jewish brothers and sisters. So go ahead send my IP to the FBI, "turd-for-brains. What a putz.

Tim King: No stupid, but these jerks that write things highly illegal that they expect to show on our pages can shove it, and you can too. I could care less what you or anyone else thinks of it, write sh*t that you hope will ultimately get us in trouble, and I will run your ass up the river, got it? Obama's as much of a racist as you are a smart guy, follow that? No racism, no intelligence, there you go.

Write your stupid opinion but don't make death threats, is that any more clear?

Anonymous March 1, 2010 6:56 pm (Pacific time)

Like the pro-communist Liberation ...

Tim King: Hey NumbNuts, you're not going to post your racist propaganda here. But I wonder if you know how simple it is for us to do a reverse IP lookup? You think you're smart, but I have some things that you have sent saved, and I think the federal guys would construe some of what you write as dangerous to people in charge of this country. The very next thing you send about Obama and your Nazi/racist politics, goes to the FBI. I'll come see your mangy ass in prison, keep it up, seriously, and I will give it all I've got. In the most serious way, you are playing with fire and you might get burned. Maybe you will take it as a dare, I will so enjoy publishing your real name along with the charges.

Moses March 1, 2010 2:52 pm (Pacific time)

President Barack Obama is using nicotine replacement therapy to help himself quit smoking, according to the results of his physical exam released Sunday. Navy Capt. Dr. Jeff Kuhlman examined Obama at the Bethesda Naval Medical Center in Maryland Sunday morning and recommended that the president "continue smoking cessation efforts." Obama's opponents and some in the press raised his cigarette smoking as an issue on the campaign trail. Last June, Obama called himself a "former smoker" who occasionally "slips up" and has a cigarette, but never in front of his family. My hope and prayers are this Obama dude has 100% the same health genetics as did his Kenyan muslim and slave-owning papa did. Oh God, please make it so. Keep puffing and drinking con-boy, even that lying scum bag Biden would be infinitely better. Now that is racist, it's a policy matter, but you self-hating white trash only see our disgust for this pos as racist. Read Cry Wolf and see your conclusion.

Tim King: Hey you nameless son of a bitch, it's not going to happen. We are white and somewhat OK in the world, you are a greedy piece of crap who could drop dead and it would take three weeks before your stink caught anyone's attention. Thanks for reminding us how many rodents need to be taken care of in the world.

douglas benson March 1, 2010 9:14 am (Pacific time)

Here in America we have the right to be offended ,we do not have the right not to be offended .So when someones speach based on thier personal beliefs boils my blood .Racists and religous organizations come to mind most frequently .I ask myself "do they have the right to offend me?" Why yes they do ,so I take it as something I must put up with if I love freedom .Freedom for just me isnt freedom . Take the anti -abortion crowd ,they have a right to thier beliefs and they think they have the right to impose them on others violently if they so choose . They would make the law such that thier beliefs are imposed on others that dont share them .

Anonymous February 28, 2010 7:07 pm (Pacific time)

The Aryan Nations has been impotent for quite some time now, but there are many race hating organizations out there that in total far out number white racial groups in total members. The hater below is just one of many, and his recent comments (below) just continue to fan racial hatred. Maybe we need to concentrate on all the haters out there and not just these smallfry Aryan losers. "Last update: February 28 2010 - 6:53PM Nation of Islam's Farrakhan blames 'white right' for Obama woes, predicts more troubles ahead. CHICAGO - Nation of Islam Minister Louis Farrakhan claims the "white right" is trying to make Barack Obama a one-term president. The 76-y ear-old says the stalling of health care legislation is proof. Farrakhan is addressing followers of the Chicago-based movement that has embraced black nationalism since its founding. Sunday's keynote speech is before an estimated 20,000 people on the last day of the group's Saviours Day convention. Farrakhan has vigorously supported Obama. Even so, Obama distanced himself from Farrakhan before his election because of Farrakhan's past statements that were considered anti-Semitic. During the hourslong speech, Farrakhan boasted of being bigger than a prophet." http://www.startribune.com/nation/85784282.html

Editor: You call this race baiting don't you? You try to put down the Nazi's but really use the comment to smear Farrakhan. Well, as far as 'white right' goes the first thing that occurs to me is that it really is an oxymoron. The right wing is the first to go after immigrants, the first to bash the poor, and the last to have the human decency to get behind a black President. White America was still making black people ride in the back of the bus when I was a child. That is our real American history, and this anti-black rhetoric is just a continuation of it. I used to deal with Farrakhan's people when I was a news guy in Las Vegas. These are well dressed men who are very serious about what they do. They fund programs for youth in Vegas and yes, they stand on the dividers and hit you up for cash when you are in your car. What I would say is that the average white guy relying on FOX News for data is not going to come out with the real story about a group like this. I suppose you hate John Lenon too for his comment about being more popular than Jesus? Black nationalism, that is quite a term to toss out, where do I sign up?

Leonard Kravitz February 28, 2010 3:54 pm (Pacific time)

I read the article about it. It is interesting from the perspective it appears to be a catch 22. By that I mean I wouldn't want them in my community either, but…If I understand the current Federal Law's, they can not be legally denied residence, lawfull business (if any), or opportunity to purchase any realestate based on their beliefs. Any entity attempting to deny them without LEGAL cause would be setting themselve's up for a Civil Rights violation law suit. (Town Hall incl.) A somewhat similar situation occured here in the Tonto Village community some years ago. The existing residents did not approve of a new age religious group buying up homes, setting up a school etc. Some of the long term locals there chided the group for being a “Cult”. The group sued some resident individuals because of it. It went to Court here. After some unusual tesimony by the groups leader, they dropped the suit. It was my understanding the group is now in the majority in Tonto Village, but all are getting along now. They also owned a business in town, an ice cream and sandwich shop as I recall. I thought it was quite good. Secondly, I would bet the demographics of John Day and it's County are pretty lilly white and I suspect they like it that way for now. Hard for them to legally justify keeping out the Aryan Nation group I would suppose.The people need to be very careful in what they say and do in their efforts to deny them a foothold in their community. It's already becoming a national media dog and pony show.

Anonymous... February 27, 2010 6:23 pm (Pacific time)

actually let's use the definitions of racism that actually mean something. Speaking the same language is important... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism J Morgan - your definition is ahistorical and therefore meaningless. GREAT for JOHN DAY. I just moved to the area...and find the lack of color pretty disturbing. Diversity is one of the most beautiful powerful aspects of this wonderful country which we took from the Natives with little recompense. We're all visitors here.

Bleak February 27, 2010 5:13 pm (Pacific time)

I have a feeling that if this was the Black Panthers or La Raza, more people would be outraged instead of sticking up for this terrorist group.

Ersun Warncke February 27, 2010 7:35 pm (Pacific time)

The right to free speech exists, but it does not compromise other rights. If someone comes in my house and says something I don't like, I kick them out. If someone comes in your community, and says something you don't like, you have every right to oppose them. If people use their free speech rights to expose themselves as dangerous idiots, then it is absolutely incumbent on a free society to use that information appropriately, and ostracize such people. There is such a thing as right and wrong, so not all free speech is equal. People are free to espouse wrong viewpoints, but other people are just as free to react accordingly. People espousing racial hatred are unequivocally wrong. There is no room for debate on this issue. It is the same as a person saying that 2 + 2 = 3. It is just wrong. There is no obligation for anyone to tolerate this type of falsehood. A public website is in the position of retransmitting other people's speech. If the editors of the site decide not to retransmit obvious nonsense, then that is their own right. My personal opinion is that it is absolutely preferable to simply delete racist speech. It is idiocy, and only breeds more idiocy. Debate on the merits of racism creates the false impression that the grounds for debate exist, which they do not. It is a closed question.

Aman Leduc February 27, 2010 7:00 pm (Pacific time)

I just wanted to ad onto my comment that was posted earlier. I am not saying that this group does not have the right to feel, believe, or practice whatever they wish. This is the united states where freedom of speech and freedom of religeon are the founding ideas of government. I do, however believe that the people of the community have the right to stand up and say that they do not want a group that promoted hate inflitrating their town. That is also our right to assembly. And I am glad that Americans are using their rights instead of complying like mindless sheep...too afraid to stand up and say NO.

Anonymous... February 27, 2010 6:22 pm (Pacific time)

bleak February 27, 2010 5:14 pm (Pacific time)

I have a feeling that if this was the Black Panthers or La Raza, more Oregonians would be outraged instead of sticking up for this terrorist group.

douglas benson February 27, 2010 6:41 am (Pacific time)

Wow Tim I didnt think you would be the one to advocate discrimination of anyone even these nazi pukes .
Freedom means we must put up with even these nutballs whose speach and actions boil the blood . These groups just like religous groups prey on the weak minded ,the outcasts ,the frustrated .They give people an easy answer to the problems of our world .One percent truth 99% bull to further power and control over others . Thier big draw now comes from those that see the reality of illegal immigrants taking our jobs for slave wages .It was all good when jobs were plentifull but now the problem stares them in the face .Let me share an example from my own situation as a journeyman carpenter .I went to a company the other day to look for work .This shop that will remain nameless has everyone come in to the shop every morning and I showed up while everyone was there .Now being around for about twenty years I know a lot of the other workers .I saw that the foremen were the same english speaking mostly white guys that have been there for years .The rest? All illegal [I know a good portion of them] .
Now that makes me very angry when these criminals are working while I cant get a job ,not because they are any better or work harder but because one they have allready taken the jobs [for much less] and its harder for the boss to send me out with workers that speak only spanish I only speak english and Im a wheto [white boy for our english speaking crowd ].So here comes the nazi puke that shares my anger , gives me a group that has an easy answer HATE . This story plays out in many ways from the undeniable fact that immigrants bring gangs and crime with them to being uncomfortable because they are different and speak a different language .
Just like the rise of hitler its easy to play the blame game when things are tough .Its those darn jews lets take all they have ,enslave ,and kill them .
These nutballs serve to keep us vigilant but they do have the same rights to belive as they wish ,live where they wish , ect.
The good old USA doesnt have the best track record either from slavery to internment camps . We must be ever vigilant that we dont fall into this trap again with the war on terror .

Tim King: Douglas, I see the point that you are making, but isn't the employer willing to hire illegal help the biggest problem? Greed is a killer, contractors make more illegally so they do, but that does not make it right. I can see the frustration, but as you know I don't hold it against people for trying to earn a living and better themselves. All told you draw a parallel that most people can understand, but I think in the end it is clear that the biggest problem is an economic one. The country has fallen miserably in recent years and any time people are hard pressed to survive, crime escalates. I agree that the First Amendment allows people to express any sentiments they want.

hiwaycruzer February 27, 2010 3:52 pm (Pacific time)

Nazis are not mindless... they would eliminate one of the biggest threats to human kind, Zionism, if only people would listen...

Tim King: I'm so sad that you would write this. The Zionists look for idiotic things like this and you prove that they are not always wrong to express fear. What would you like to do, just murder everybody? Remember this, when we writers are working hard, putting ourselves way out there to write about the problems of Israeli and Zionist politics and getting widely read as we increasingly are, we DON'T NEED YOU to add your deranged thinking to it. You are not on our team, we are humanitarians who want all people to live together in harmony.

Jeff Kaye~ February 27, 2010 1:03 pm (Pacific time)

There should be no safe haven, no shelter, no quarter, for these hateful white trash miserable excuses for humanoids. I salute the fine folk of John Day and everywhere who stand up to these bigoted, inbred s%&t-for-brains unprintable expletives.

Amanda Leduc February 27, 2010 11:32 am (Pacific time)

Tim, Thank you for bringing up this situation. I was so proud when I saw these people rallying the other day. This is one of those times when I am proud to say we live in a Democracy! This is what Democracy is about, joining together to stand up against what we believ is wrong. From the looks of it the people of John Daya re going to be successful in their goal and I hope they will. Go John Day! Don't be afraid to stand up and speak out against whats wrong!

J Morgan February 27, 2010 9:19 am (Pacific time)

Let's remember the updated and more accurate definition of racist: RACIST: 1. Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive term for a white person. 2: a belief that race is the primary determinant of human traits and capacities, if promoted by white people. 3: a belief that racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race, if promoted by white people.

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Nazi Racists Unwelcome in Eastern Oregon's John Day

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