Last night as I was poking around OlyBlog, I noticed that there were 207 guests listed online who were apparently looking around with me.

Very cool.

Rick, you done good.

These photos make me sad. I wonder what convinced these folks that this was the way to go. What pushes you to reject so much the tolerance and liberty that our country is?

photo by Dave Lynn

author: oly antifascist

1/22/06 Olympia—Hundreds of Olympia residents confronted Nazis outside of the corporate newspaper building here today. Nine members of the Nazi group National Socialist Movement gathered to test Olympia for future recruiting drives and a possible larger rally in July. Many of the Nazis dressed in SS Storm Trooper brownshirt uniforms and displayed large Nazi and American flags. Olympia residents were given less than a day's notice to spread the news and organize a response.

Olympia residents surrounded the Nazis who were protected by approximately a dozen police officers. Both sides freely exchanged jeers and insults while police officers adjusted their buffer zone keeping residents away from the Nazis. Many residents were outraged that Nazis came to Olympia to openly espouse ethnic cleansing, genocide and hate. Olympia residents stood in the Nazis' way and successfully prevented the Nazi group from marching to the State Capitol.

After approximately forty minutes, the Nazis decided to leave. Residents let out a huge cheer when most of the Nazis returned to their trucks and left. Three Nazis did not park their car at the rally point and were followed down State Avenue by police and residents.

Eventually garbage cans were placed in the three Nazis' path. Police officers escorted the Nazis across the street and then into the backseats of police cars. Police then transported the Nazis to an unknown location.

Residents continued downtown and re-gathered in Sylvester Park to discuss the day's experience. Residents passed around a megaphone and made speeches about what they learned and how proud they are of the Olympia community. Many residents expressed the need to fight fascism in all its forms.

Back in 1992, a young man was murdered here in Olympia by Nazi skinheads.

When Neo-Nazis Terrorized Olympia

I just wanted to alert folks to two new features on Olyblog:

• Olympia City Council Forum- I've set up a forum for discussion of topics related to the City Council. Please let me know if there are categories that I should add to this forum.
• PNW Hot Topics- I've added a block containing topics that are currently being discussed by NW bloggers. While our focus is local, in this way we can keep in touch with political issues at the regional level.

As per usual, let me know any ideas you have for improving the site. Our extensive staff is standing by to implement any and all suggestions.

I attended the festivities today with the intent of witnessing and also of assisting with any peacekeeping that might be needed.

We had heard that the NSM planned to march from the east side to Sylvester Park around noon. Quite a few people gathered in preparation about a block down from The Risen Faith church. I noticed a woman standing alone in front of the church so I went to stand with her, we were there for about 45 minutes. I'm glad I did so, we had a great conversation. We were present to encourage folks to keep any protest away from the church and to keep the peace as needed. Several members of the church came out to meet us, wonderful interaction.

Eventually most of us at our various places on the east side decided to move down to Sylvester Park and join with those already there. Shortly after we arrived we learned that the NSM folks had appeared outside The Olympian and that a loud verbal conflict was under way.

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