COMMUNITY GROUPS

The sky is lowering, the sky is lowering!

by Bill Henderson

Just before Christmas I had a call from a local magazine writer who was referred to me for background information about the rightwing groups organizing in Ohio. After a quick overview of which national groups had local affiliates working in anti-public education, antiabortion, anti-gay and exclusionist activities, she asked, "Doesn't keeping track of

school board candidates have to do with my life?" "I'm just not a political person, my vote wouldn't matter anyway." "Why get worked up, the courts will protect our rights." "What could it hurt to have praying in public schools?" "Didn't the Supreme Court rule abortions are legal?" "If we just go along and don't rock the

OUTVoice

this right-wing stuff make you feel paranoid?" The first thought that popped into my mind was that old saw, "Just because you're paranoid doesn't mean they are not out to get you," but I resisted the temptation.

This journalist, assigned to prepare a feature on local right-wing activities, was unaware that right-wing groups had created Cincinnati's discriminatory anti-gay initiative, Issue 3. She had no idea that the same groups were behind Colorado's Amendment 2, nor that they were cooperating in Ohio with the group behind Oregon's measures 9 and 13 and Idaho's Issue 1.

She had heard the term "stealth candidates," but did not know right-wing organizers claim 6,000 elected school board members since 1991. She had read that the Christian Coalition controls the Texas Republican Party, but had no idea they were now registered in 50 states and possibly control one-third of the nation's state Republican parties. She knew right-wing groups are centrally involved in anti-abortion actions, but was unaware that some groups are also organizing militias. (People For the American Way, a Washington D.C. civil rights advocacy group, reports such organizing in Ohio and other Midwest states.) 'Ten-Hut!

She had not ga red any of this information from the limited mentions in our mainstream press. The scope of this organizing is so broad and the development of these organizations is such a longtime companion to what we now think of as "traditional" conservative politics, that the media does not generally consider any of this newsworthy. What had been published, even locally, she had come to ignore, much like we get used to our receding hairlines or advancing crows feet. Perhaps some of us ignored this political information

too.

Without such basic knowledge of the scope and goals of the radical right wing movement, it's probably only natural to think folks so concerned about threats to personal civil liberties are a bit paranoid. Because local media, including gay media, leave so many facets of this long-developing story unreported, an atmosphere is created that allows groups with anti-democratic and unconstitutional goals to grow and thrive. So I am heartened that the magazine this writer works for wants to look closer at local right-wing organizing. It will mean a bit more education for the general public-and a few more folks who learn I'm not being Chicken Little.

We hope you will personally take any opportunity to be brought up to speed on all the activities of local and national right-wing organizations. Why should you care? If the sky Is not falling, why get excited, huh? "What do

boat the rightwing will leave us alone..."

Here's my perspective on all this: Most of us grew up in the imperfect America

that was working to become a more inclusive society. It seemed to have its heart in the right place, extending as fully as possible the rights to equal participation for all in society. It was facing down historic discrimination against non-Caucasians and women. It was taking action to affirm equal participation. We were coming to believe finally in the innate equality of every citizen at least most of us were. America wanted to be inclusive and expanding.

The right-wing movement wants Americans to leave that path. It seeks to limit who can share in the full benefits of life in America. It would restrict the types of knowledge we have access to learn or to teach others. It promotes what it defines as "Christian values" as the governing principles for all Americans, nonbelievers and non-Christians as well. It would limit rights to participate in society to those who behave only in ways valued by right-wing leadership. Civil rights will have to be “earned." Access to economic and political power would be limited to those who accept these new perspectives. This is a movement of limitations and exclusions. The sky is not falling, it is being deliberately and deceptively lowered on top of us!

Where can you learn more? Until summer, on the last Monday of each month from 6 to 8 pm, the Cleveland Lesbian-Gay Center, through OutVoice, is providing training about the radical right and discussion about what you can do. The first session is January 30 and will also feature John Corlett of Planned Parenthood. "Centered On The Right" sessions are recommended for all members of the community. The Center is at 1418 West 29th St., just south of Detroit Ave. A $1.00 donation is suggested.

A "fundraiser" featuring the videos The Straight Agenda and Straight From The Heart will be held Saturday, January 28, 7 to 10 pm, at 1263 West Blvd (southeast corner at Clifton), BYOB. A $10.00 minimum suggested donation to the Center, Out Voice or Ohioans Against Discrimination is requested. All three suites in the home will have open-house; contact the Center or 651-2341 for more information. This will be a fun way to "get political" and meet new folks too.

To join Out Voice and support education about your rights send $25 ($10.00 limited income) to Out Voice, 1487 West 5th Ave., Suite 226, Columbus, Ohio 43212.

To support candidates on our side, send any size donation to Ohioans Against Discrimination, 395 E. Broad St., Suite 310, Columbus Ohio 43215.

Bill Henderson is vice-chair of Out Voice.

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