Stealth

I always find it interesting when the MHRN (Montana Human Rights Network) looks for the "stealth" factor in groups like the Constitution Party (letter to the editor 11/17).

Its decades-long policy of "guilt by association" (sort of a "six degrees of separation") could be likewise be turned about and used to associate the MHRN with the likes of Osama Bin Laden and Saddam Hussein. (Say, for instance, if the MHRN supported Palestinian autonomy, and the two notables above support the same, therefore the MHRN supports terrorism.)

Speaking of stealth: you won't find it billed at any of their seminars (or school assemblies), but pro-gay activism is one of the primary thrusts of the MHRN. It is a primary topic in their newsletters, and the MHRN has been the primary sponsor of pro-gay legislation in Montana. It seems to me a bit of "stealth" on the part of the MHRN to go into communities and schools under the guise of fighting racism when the primary goal is to promote pro-gay issues (such as gay marriage, affirmative action for gays, etc.).

Speaking of stealth… At a MHRN event with Nancy Keenan speaking, I asked a question (on a mandated 3x5 card; no spoken questions were allowed): "I see a fellow here with a shaved head. I know Aryans shave their heads; Aryans are racists; therefore then this person is a racist?" (He actually is a member of the Montana Human Rights Network staff.) "Isn't this the same faulty logic you're using to demonize the Christian Right?

"And isn't that the same thing the Nazis did in demonizing the Jews?"

The Network representative (Paul Shively) quietly made a comment to me, and (with a smirk) pocketed the card. Since my question was out of the running, I rewrote it and handed it to Keenan herself as she fielded questions. She read it to herself, and tossed it aside.

That's democracy and dialogue, as the "human rights" people see it. Rhetoric be exalted, logic and facts be damned.

Kenneth Burton

North Palm Beach, Fla.