Fighting for Human Rights When We Don't Know Our Own History

I spent the morning with a young friend (well, not that young) who knew little to nothing about the lethal legacy that Helms leaves after his long career of racism, homophobia, sexism, and hatred. For people who want a reminder of the Republican Party and AIDS during one of the many periods that Helms had enormous influence (1988), take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hG_iuU9wSE. And for people who can't imagine the level of hatred in those days, this is a nasty, accurate reminder

The tactics and language have changed over the years, but has the hatred really dissipated? It’s still very much present, perhaps less so and couched in different terms. I receive far less hate mail now than I used to. Does that mean that the hatred really is slowly disappearing? Are we getting closer to achieving what we must? I honestly don't know.

To watch another reminder of Helms' influence - but this is a joyous one - go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bngtgTwvKcE and see a still inspiring example of direct action by the Treatment Action Guerillas.
James