The good news? Local neo-Nazis have to offer cash incentives to bolster their ranks. The bad news? The offer is generating interest

By MICHAEL PLATT; July 21, 2008 - Calgary Sun
http://calsun.canoe.ca/News/Alberta/2008/07/21/6218381-sun.h...

If you can't beat them, pay others to join you.

When you're a white-supremacist group struggling to bolster your foothold in a multicultural city, there's nothing like free cash to pique the interest of those looking to relocate their jackboots.

To the disgust of those who don't subscribe to racial purity, Calgary's Aryan Guard is offering to cover the damage deposit of any white supremacist who will move to the city and join their cause.

"That makes me sick," said Ald. Ric McIver.

"We can't stop people from moving here, but we can make sure that when they do, they know this isn't a city that tolerates hate crimes."

The damage-deposit offer from the neophyte Nazis looks suspiciously desperate -- like a staff-strapped burger joint offering a hiring bonus.

Could the Aryan attempt to establish a local master race be stumbling at the starting gate?

No one from the Guard returned the Sun's request for an interview, but the plea for warm, racist bodies seems to speak for itself.

"The Aryan Guard is always seeking new brothers and sisters, if you are interested in relocating to our Calgary area, we will pay the damage deposit for your residence.

"We believe that through fortifying our current locations with more White Nationlists we can spread the world more efficiently and than in the future branch out further throughout Canada," reads the posting, verbatim.

Entitled "White Nationlist Relocation Program -- Destination Calgary," it first appeared in early July on stormfront.org and had active posts as of yesterday.

Stormfront is where white-power zealots chat and where the 25-or-so members of the local Aryan Guard brag to others about the Calgary contingent.

The Aryan Guard first appeared here a couple of years back and has since made itself known through leaflets, marches and rallies.

But to the chagrin of those hoping Calgary would prove an easy mark for white power, the Aryan Guard has been challenged at every step.

Wherever there have been neo-Nazis, there have been protesters outnumbering them, with more than 200 people turning out to face 30 racists at their last major rally in March.

It was a low mark for the Aryans, with police having to escort them to safety by school bus, as anti-racism demonstrators jeered.

The Aryan Guard believes in white power, but the power of General Motors saved the neo-Nazis that day.

Since then, their most outspoken opponents, Anti-Racist Action Calgary, have been holding regular meetings and counter-protests, including a march through downtown yesterday.

"The best we can do is oppose them and apply pressure," said Jason Devine, spokesman for ARA Calgary.

The Aryan Guard has accused the ARA of being violent and a conflict between the sides last week near Millennium Park led to a Guard member reportedly being beaten unconscious.

Devine said the altercation was strictly self-defence, after a neo-Nazi who'd been trying to recruit skateboarding kids attacked the anti-racists.

"We are not violent," said Devine.

But the conflict shows opposition to racism must also come from the grassroots of Calgary, not just counter-protestors, said Devine. "Regular, everyday people have to say, 'I don't like it and I don't want it.

"People have to tell them it won't be tolerated."

Devine said the offer to pay for damage deposits should be taken very seriously, with racists across Canada looking for a home where hate can fester. Indeed, the posting on Stormfront has already generated positive comments from racists in other provinces and enquiries from people considering Calgary as a home.

"Hey I'm like ready to move out. But I got 1 problem! I have to finish my mathematics for grade 10 and 11 plus a view extra credits to get my high school diploma. If we can work things out like getting a good job without schooling right away then I can come like in a month," wrote one recruit, again verbatim.

If they come, the damage deposit will be taken care of by the Aryan Guard.

The welcome they get -- that's up to Calgary.