Ku Klux Klan's Victory Parade for Trump
November 2016 - A North Carolina branch of the Ku Klux Klan is planning what they are calling a Victory Parade in honor of Donald Trump's election to the Presidency.
(See below for a strange update on this event.) Many white supremacist groups have been emboldened by the Trump campaign which, while not outwardly courting these groups, has used rhetoric and given signals that these groups have a friend in Mr. Trump.
David Duke, perhaps the nation's most widely known white supremacist, is quoted as having called the election of Mr. Trump "one of the most exciting nights of my life."
(Klan image from ibt.com)
Property damage and incidents of both verbal and physical assaults of non-whites have escalated during the course of this year's Presidential campaign, with most observers blaming Mr. Trump's failure to repudiate such actions as tacit encouragement. During Mr. Trump's post-election interview on the 60 Minutes television show, he was asked about the reports of violence. He said he was saddened to hear that and then added he would ask that these activities be stopped, "if it would help."
In our opinion Mr. Trump is not a rascist but he has allowed himself to be perceived that way for political reasons during the campaign. We also believe he has been quite naïve with respect to how his campaign's rhetoric and approach have affected the Citizens of this country.
We believe his statement on 60 Minutes was a weak response, not what should be expected of an incoming President, and we encourage him to speak out much more forcefully on the issue before the violence escalates.
UPDATE: December 2016 - In a bizarre twist to this story, North Carolina Klan leader Chris Barker was arrested prior to the planned march, along with another Klansman, William Hagan, for having stabbed a third Klansman, Richard Dillon, at a planning meeting for the parade. Hagen has been charged with felony assault with the intent to kill; Barker has been charged with felony aiding and abetting of the same.
Subsequent to these arrests the planned parade did take place on December 3rd, although the location was moved from Pelham to Roxboro, reportedly because of anti-Klan gatherings in Pelham. In addition, the parade was changed from a march to a vehicle convoy. According to an Esquire.com report, Barker's wife indicated that the decision to utilize vehicles was made because it was too cold to march.
An estimated 20-30 vehicles took part in the parade. Esquire also reported Mrs. Barker having said that a planned cross burning would take place that evening "if the wind died down".
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