From: WAND_M@gold.colorado.edu
Subject: Perkins target of protest over article, Amend2
Followup-To: amend2-discuss@cs.colorado.edu
Originator: doherty@ucsu.Colorado.EDU
Organization: University of Colorado, Boulder
Distribution: usa
Date: Sun, 24 Jan 1993 04:38:10 GMT

Gazette Telgraph, Colorado Springs
January 17, 1993

Car dealer disclaims anti-Indian views

by D'Arcy Fallon

Carrying signs that said "Satan Drives a Chrysler" and "Will Perkins, the 
Anti-Chrysler," more than 200 people rallied outside Will Perkins' car lot 
Satuarday afternoon.

The rally was intended to protest his alleged ties to a publication they 
consider anti-Indian but turned into an anti-Amendment 2 demonstration.

The gathering on busy Motor City Drive was led by the leader of the Colorado 
Srings chapter of the American Indian Movement, Cahuilla Red Elk, who was 
enraged by an article that reportedly appeared in a monthly newsletter 
published by the Eagle Forum.  The Eagle Forum is a conservative pro-family 
organization headed by Phyllis Schlafly.

In the offending issue, Indians were described as "savages" who engaged in 
voodoo and magic performed by "witch doctors," according to Red Elk, who took 
umbrage at the racist phrasing.

"We don't do that," Red Elk said.  "And we're not going to allow those 
individuals coming from the Christian community to bastardize our religion."

Watching from inside his auto showroom, owner Will Perkins seemed puzzled by 
the chanting picketers outside.

"How do they blame that on me?" Perkins said, referring to the Eagle Forum's 
newsletter, the Phyllis Schlafly Report.  "I don't even get it.  It's a women's 
organization, isn't it?

"We have only one string on our guitar," he added, referring to the Amendment 2 
ballot initiative spearheaded by his organization, Colorado for Family Values.  
"We're not involved in anything else."

Although this is the second time in the past few months his car lot has been 
picketed by Amendment 2 opponents, Perkins appeared good-natured about the 
protest.

"What I'm hoping is they'll see something they like and come back Monday and 
buy it."

Custokmer Rose Sharratt stood near Perkins, watching the protesters with 
ill-concealed contempt.

"This is where I'm buying my next car," Sharratt said.  "I agree with Will 
Perkins.  It's ridiculous to think someone can override it (Amendment 2).  
What's the use of a vote?"

When Red Elk was told Perkins said he didn't know anything about the Eagle 
Forum, she snorted and said, "He does now."

While Red Elk tried to keep the focus of the rally on the Eagle Forum,many 
marchers were more interested in opposing Amendment 2.

Some held hands and chanted equal rights slogans while others sang "We Shall 
Overcome" and "Blowin' in the Wind."

"Excuse me, brothers, we don't want that," Red Elk told them.  "We're focusing 
on what was printed in the Eagle Forum.  If you're truly allies, please don't 
sing those songs.  This is not an Amendment 2 thing right now."

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