Klan, shman: These guys speak freely
Why all the secrecy? Because it’s dangerous to be a member of the Klan. If Mr. K.’s identity were known, he believes his life expectancy would be considerably shortened. Street gang organizations would see to that.
The secrecy has another advantage: it adds to the gravitas of being part of the KKK. Your next-door neighbor or mine could be a Klan member. Your co-worker, Sunday School teacher, or auto mechanic could be a Klan member. You just don’t know; that’s why it’s called “the invisible empire.”
Well then, what exactly does the UWK do? I asked. Answer: that’s partly classified. They hold regular meetings called “gatherings,” where they discuss Klan business such as examining applications for membership.
The current thrust of the UWK is to fight against illegal immigration, street gangs, and the Muslim Brotherhood. Pedophilia is another thing the UWK fights. But how does the UWK fight against these things? Answer: mainly through the political process. For example, the UWK was initially involved, according to Mr. K., with the Tea Party movement, but has now distanced itself to avoid hurting the Tea Party politically.
The application process for becoming a member of the UWK is surprisingly invasive, privacy-wise. An applicant must divulge his or her sexual orientation, political party, voter registration status, driver’s license number, and criminal history.
Additionally, the UWK wants to know if you’ve ever adopted a child, worked for any branch of the civil service, or been diagnosed with a mental illness. Applicants must also certify that they are “a white person at least 18 years of age” who believes in “the true Christian faith.”