by Ofelia Madrid
Nov. 7, 2009
The Arizona Republic
Cole Wilcox doesn't consider himself an activist.
The 25-year-old from Phoenix was compelled to show up at the Arizona capitol Saturday afternoon to protest against members of a neo-Nazi group who were there rallying against illegal immigration.
"I've never done anything like this before, but there's just so much racial tension in Phoenix lately," Wilcox said, as he held a sign that read "Nazis stay out of PHX" "I don't want it to seem like (they are) welcome here."
Members of the National Socialist Movement, a neo-Nazi group based out of Detroit, were met with a greater number of protesters.
Phoenix police kept the groups apart, as members from both sides shouted insults at each other.
Jeff Schoep, a NSM leader, said his group was standing in defense of America.
J.T Ready of Mesa also spoke at the America First Rally. He said the group was defending his country against invaders.
After about an hour, the neo-Nazis left the capitol to march down Jefferson Avenue before getting into their cars at 12th Avenue.
Andy Hernandez of Phoenix said he was surprised at the different types of people who showed up to protest the neo-Nazis.
"There's all kinds of people, from different races and colors," Hernandez said. "We represent America. We didn't shut them down, but we gave them a counter protest. We just oppose what Nazi represents."
http://www.azcentral.com/news/articles/2009/11/07/20091107neonazi.html
