Bloomington- Normal NIOT leaders responded quickly when a news feed sent out a notice marking candidates they didn't like with a star of David next to their names. As the group notes in their press release, this was "straight out of the Nazi playbook."
By Mike Matejka- NIOT Bloomington-Normal, IL
Vigilance toward hateful signs and symbols is important. In Bloomington-Normal, Illinois, BlnNews, often posts misleading information.
With Illinois's April 1 municipal elections coming, this site posted a sample ballot, with a Star of David next to the candidates it does not approve. Rather than ignoring this, Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal issued a public statement condemning this use because it is replete with antisemitic and Nazi tactics.
It was important to do this because tolerating inappropriate symbolic use sends a message that this is acceptable. It was also important to let our Jewish neighbors know that Not In Our Town "has their back" and will step forward to call activities like this out, reiterating a message to the community that this is unacceptable.
The Star of David has no place in local electioneering.
The "BlnNews" website "crossed the line" using the Jewish star of David in a recent posting, marking candidates it disapproved of.
"If BlnNews was against certain candidates, it could have put an 'x' by their name or a line through their name. Using the Star of David reeks of antisemitism and unnecessary labeling of candidates," said Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal co-chair Mike Matejka.
"BlnNews is inciting hate and division into our town with these actions. Placing the Star of David is a direct historical tactic to discredit and vilify undesirable candidates. This is unacceptable and a scare tactic. Using the Star of David is not only antisemitic, it is a direct replication of Nazi cruelty designed to shame and silence voices of community and solidarity."
"We are in perilous times," added co-chair Camille Taylor. "Human stories are being erased from National Park sites, and we have a national government that is labeling people unfairly. In McLean County, we don't need to join that chorus."
On the website, BlnNews states that the candidates are "far-left radicals."
It then takes the official ballot and places red Stars of David alongside mayoral candidate Cody Hendricks and city council candidates Jenna Kearns (Ward 1), Mary "Mollie" Ward (Ward 7), and Abby Scott (Ward 9). Hendricks, Kearns, and Ward are all Bloomington City Council incumbents.
"Running for local elected office is a community service, not a high-paid job," added Matejka. "Getting citizens to run and become involved is an act of courage. To use a tactic like this discourages good people from all persuasions from stepping forward for their community."
Not In Our Town Bloomington-Normal has been active since 1995 to "stop hate, address bullying, and build a safe and inclusive community for all."
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