Shawna Forde and the quest for human rights in Snohomish County

June 20, 4:53 PMSnohomish County Progressive ExaminerChad Shue

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 Shawna Forde has become quite notorious of late as the prime suspect in a double homicide in Arizona. The fact that Forde arrived in this position via a series of civic and law enforcement encounters in Everett, WA and Snohomish County should not be lost on anyone; especially the Snohomish County Council.

Shawna Forde first came to my attention when she and the organization she founded, Minuteman American Defense (MAD) were listed as co-hosts of a one day "Minuteman Convention" held in Everett on June 3o, 2007. What was especially noteworthy to me at the time was the fact that Forde was but one of three speakers to address the anti-immigrant organization that day who were also to appear on my ballot that election year. Forde was running for a seat on the Everett City Council. Also speaking were a candidate for County Sheriff as well as the Republican candidate for the U.S. House in the 2nd Congressional District. The keynote speaker at that event was Minuteman founder, Jim Gilchrist. At the time a small group of concerned citizens turned out to let Forde and the other attendees to the event know that intolerance and prejudice would not go unchecked in our town and our county. Unfortunately, over the years, Snohomish County has experienced more than its share of hate crime. What was especially troubling to the band of protesters to this particular event was the deafening silence of elected officials; as if to say, 'if we ignore it, it will simply go away.'

Shawna Forde admonishes protesters at 2007 Minuteman Convention

 (Photo Credit: Curt Eidem)

Rather than go away, however, a new effort to stem the increasing levels of hate crime and intolerance actually started to take shape on the heels of the Minuteman Convention. Last December I wrote here about the formation and activities of the Snohomish County Citizens Committee for Human Rights (SCCCHR). The grassroots committee came together with the goal of establishing a Humans Rights Commission in Snohomish County that would be charged with educating the general public and the business community on the state's human rights laws and ordinances. The commission would also have the legal authority to enforce those laws and ordinances within Snohomish County. At the time I quoted one of the group's founders, Luis Moscoso:

"The Snohomish County Citizens Committee for Human Rights was organized by local citizens in 2007 after a Minuteman Rally in Everett. That event was notable for the fact that local conservative and Republican politicians promoted their campaigns on an ideology of segregation and prejudice especially against Latino and immigrant populations. Several Republican Presidential Candidates even phoned in to that conference to express their support for local and Congressional Candidates who opposed the "human rights" of immigrants in Snohomish County and WA State."

Convention Protesters  

(Photo Credit: Curt Eidem)

                Luis Moscoso with city council candidate Jackie Minchew               

(Photo Credit: Curt Eidem)

Moscoso's comments were made following the presentation to the Snohomish County Council a proposed ordinance that would create the county's first ever Human Rights Commission. The presentation came almost a year to the day that Shawna Forde and her MAD organization hosted their convention. It is significant to note that the presentation to the council was made by newly elected County Sheriff, John Lovick, and Lovick's chief rival in the previous (2007) election, Tom Greene - the candidate who had spoken at the Minuteman Convention.

It has now been over a year since the SCCCHR presented their proposal to the county council. Where do things stand? The following is from an update recently sent out to committee members and supporters on their Facebook page:

"June 13, 2009

One year ago on June 2, 2008 the Snohomish County Citizens Committee for Human Rights (SCCCHR) presented a proposed ordinance for a "Human Rights Commission" to the Snohomish County Council. Four of the five Councilpersons indicated support for the concept of a Human Rights Commission in Snohomish County.

The Council sent a revised ordinance to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office (PAO) for review earlier this spring. In late April the PAO returned the ordinance with a "CONFIDENTIAL" 20 page memorandum that has not been released for public review at this time.

Councilmembers Somers and Gossett have agreed to meet with members of the SCCCHR to update them on how the Council will proceed. The group is still awaiting a reply from Councilmembers Cooper and Sullivan about their interpretation of the PAO memo."

It should not be lost on anyone, especially members of the Snohomish County Council that this update was sent out on the same day The Everett Herald ran the following headline:

"Activist Shawna Forde charged in double slaying"

(Photo Credit: Green Valley (AZ) News)

Just as the Minuteman Convention spurred the SCCCHR into action, perhaps more recent events featuring Shawna Forde might move our county council. Certainly they should move more concerned citizens to contact their council member. 

Peace,
Chad Shue

For More Information:  Minuteman rally draws 100; Minuteman Follow-up; Lynnwood Convention Center to Host Hate Group; Hate Will Not Live Here; Defending Human Rights in Snohomish County; SCCCHR