(10.6) A counter-demonstration “All Out Providence” is being planned by Ocean State Against Hate in response to a rally by a group whose mission statement states: “Defend the Constitution against violent extremists and the Regressive Left.” I suppose that “regressive” is what passes for clever wordplay in these circles. (Facebook event.)
Despite being roundly and unambiguously rejected by the people of Providence at their last attempted event, fascist front group “Resist Marxism” has planned another rally in Providence, on Saturday, October 6th. In a deliberate escalation, they have invited violent fascists from across the country to come to our city, including Proud Boy Tusitala “Tiny” Toese, who has been videotaped attacking protesters. This is a clear and present threat to our communities, especially people of color, immigrants, women, LGBT people, and poor and working class people.
OSAH wrote about this group for UpriseRI last July at the time of their first demonstration. That day they were outnumbered and scampered home.
We must remember that even if these groups claim to disavow violence and the hateful politics of overt neo-Nazis, they do the work that normalizes their rhetoric and ensure that overt neo-Nazis can freely recruit and spread their ideas. Even if we assume that “Resist Marxism” poses no substantive threat to at-risk communities in its current form, we must still be vigilant in our community self-defense against fascists and their hate.
The Resist Marxism “Providence Freedom Rally” is scheduled for noon to 2pm, so plan accordingly.
From the Providence Journal:
The last time Resist Marxism rallied at the State House, counter-protesters came out in force. Some counter-protesters denounced Resist Marxism and its rally as racist and a “fascist front group.” Counter-protesters under the banner “Ocean State Against Hate” will be back out Saturday, according to social media posts.
Freedom Rally attendees denied claims that they have ties to racism or white supremacy; amid conservative memes and pro-Trump signs, the Facebook page for Resist Marxism features a crossed-out swastika as a signal of disapproval, along with a crossed-out hammer and sickle.
Do not try to cause trouble with the police horses in my presence.
Uprise RI wrote up the disturbing event, “Hate groups shut down their own rally with violence.”
OSAH Protest, 10am to noon, Saturday, October 6, Rhode Island State House, Smith Street, (directions)