To the Editor:
There seems to be a lot of misunderstanding about the word “antifa”. As has been repeatedly pointed out, it is not an organization, there is no membership, it is simply a position anyone might take about a particular form of government, like being anti or pro-communism or pro democracy.
There isn’t a pro-democracy organization, but most Americans consider themselves pro-democracy. To quote one of the participants in the hugely successful No Kings 2 rally In Two Harbors last Saturday, “Antifa means anti-fascist which means you do not agree with or like fascism.
Fascism is when they tell you what to do and you lose your freedoms and there’s no more voting. You lose America. So, antifa – good, fascism – bad.” A more formal definition: “Fascism is a multi dimensional concept defined by extreme nationalism, authoritarian control, and suppression of opposition.” That might sound familiar if you are paying any attention to the actions of the current administration.
Pretty simple really. I would add that many of our parents and grandparents fought and died to defeat fascism during World War II. I think they would be horrified and incredulous to learn that anti-fascism is now used by some as an insult or accusation.
I can’t speak for the other fans of democracy who shared the sidewalk on Saturday, but I for one together with the Two Harbors resident quoted above am proud to call myself antifa = anti-fascist. I only support nonviolent opposition to the fascist regime in the making in Washington right now, as do the vast majority of antifa sympathizers. That would include another participant from a rally elsewhere this weekend, Auntie Fa. I hope more of us will come to understand the wisdom of supporting both antifa and Auntie Fa.
Fran Kaliher
