No Place For Hate

Though everyone has a right to free speech, the arrival of the Golden Dawn Party on the shores of Queens is a troubling development. For those who don't know, Golden Dawn is a far right, extremist political party that has won 18 seats in the Greek parliament. The party is xenophobic, anti-Semitic and is now planning to open new headquarters in Astoria, the historic home to Queens' thriving Greek population.

  Elected officials and religious leaders rightfully denounced the news that Golden Dawn was coming to Queens. It is important to speak out against hatred in all forms so we do not repeat the mistakes of the past. It would be silly to equate Golden Dawn's surge to the rise of Nazi Party in the 1930s, but we must be vigilant against political organizations that readily espouse notions of racism and discrimination.

  A political party "for Greeks only," as members wrote on a box of clothing that was going to be delivered to those suffering in Greece, is not a political party for Queens.

  Queens is a diverse borough that has always welcomed people of all races and creeds. There should be no place here for a political party that shuts its doors to that acceptance.