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I wont be a fig leaf for Nazis, a member of the A.C.L.U. of Virginia board of directors, Waldo Jaquith, posted on Twitter, announcing that he was resigning from the organization. Among his parting messages to the organization was, Dont defend Nazis to allow them to kill people.

This year has been a banner one for the civil liberties group, which is expected by some on the left to serve as a legal bulwark against some of the Trump administrations policies. Indeed, the A.C.L.U. helped secure the first court ruling against the travel ban.

Membership in the group has almost quadrupled, and donations online have reached $83 million since the election, when, in a typical period, about $5 million or less might be expected, a spokeswoman for the A.C.L.U., Stacy Sullivan, said.

But the groups defense of the Charlottesville rally has crystallized a recurring challenge for the organization: How to pursue its First Amendment advocacy, even for hate-based groups, without alienating its supporters.

It has seen a backlash on social media after the violence in Charlottesville. Even Gov. Terry McAuliffe of Virginia asserted that because of the A.C.L.U.s intervention, the rally was unwisely held downtown where it became a powder keg.

Ms. Sullivan acknowledged that the organization was aware of a lot of threats on social media of people saying they would drop their membership, although neither she nor the groups executive director, Anthony D. Romero, would provide more details.

And with numerous alt-right rallies scheduled in the coming days and weeks, the A.C.L.U. also faces the question of how to respond to the next case involving a white nationalist rally that the local authorities try to block.

Another potential First Amendment showdown in Texas already looms. Citing safety concerns, Texas A&M on Monday canceled a white nationalist rally scheduled for Sept. 11. The rally organizer, Preston Wiginton, told the Texas Tribune he might sue and he might seek the A.C.L.U.s help.

Mr. Romero, the A.C.L.U.s executive director, said in an interview this week that the group would remain committed to its free speech advocacy. This is not a new juncture for the A.C.L.U., he said. We have a longstanding history of defending the rights of groups we detest and with whom we fundamentally disagree.

Even so, in the first months of the Trump presidency, the A.C.L.U. seemed to be more cautious about which fights it would embrace. It stayed uncharacteristically quiet when the University of California, Berkeley, canceled speeches by two right-wing writers and provocateurs, Milo Yiannopoulos and Ann Coulter, earlier this year, issuing statements and tweets, mainly after the controversy had already passed. And when a federal judge in April weighed whether Richard Spencer, a leader of the so-called alt-right, could hold an event at a public university in Alabama, the A.C.L.U. was absent from the case.

The civil liberties unions apparent absence from some of these disputes prompted questions, even criticism, about the organizations continuing commitment to fighting old-fashioned free speech cases for unpopular clients.

The A.C.L.U. has long maintained that defending the First Amendment rights of white supremacists does not only vindicate constitutional rights where they are under attack, but also protects speech rights for all groups. Social justice and equality, the group believes, are best served with more speech, on all sides, and by confronting hateful ideas head-on, rather than suppressing them.

But some on the left argue that freedom of speech should not extend to hate speech. Under this view, defending the free speech rights of racists does not, in the long run, strengthen the civil liberties of minority groups.

Those divisions were on display within the organization last week, when the A.C.L.U. took on lawsuits in support of two figures associated with the alt right. In once case, the A.C.L.U. filed a lawsuit against the Washington Metro system, for, among other things, removing advertisements for Mr. Yiannopoulos book Dangerous from subway stations and cars.

Chase Strangio, an A.C.L.U. lawyer best known for representing Chelsea Manning, expressed unhappiness with the decision, using Twitter to criticize the organizations free-speech philosophy. The idea that the speech of Black Lives Matter is being defended through the representation of someone like Milo is a farce in my view.

The organizations Virginia affiliate then brought a lawsuit representing a Charlottesville man who was organizing a rally to protest the removal of a statue of the Confederate general Robert E. Lee. The City Council had changed the parks name from Lee Park to Emancipation Park in June. After initially granting him a permit to hold the rally at the park, the city tried to move it to a larger park, about a mile away.

The A.C.L.U. argued that the rally organizers ought to be able to stage the event at the park associated with Lee where the symbolism was greatest and the meaning of the rally clearest. The city argued that for safety reasons the protest should be moved to the other site. A federal judge sided with the A.C.L.U.

That led at least a few people to say the A.C.L.U. bore some responsibility for the resulting violence. If we hadnt intervened, the event would have been held a mile away, far from downtown, and three people would be alive, Mr. Jaquith, the Virginia board member, posted on Twitter.

Mr. Romero rejected that view. He placed some of the responsibility for the violence on local authorities, saying they had taken a hands-off approach to policing the event, even as it devolved into violence.

I want to be clear, the violence of this weekend was not caused by our defense of the First Amendment, he said, noting that a federal judge had sided with the A.C.L.U.

Mr. Romero expressed concern that, after Charlottesville, local authorities around the country would be tempted to stop extremist groups from holding rallies. It would be a very sorry day for our democracy if government officials insisted on denying any and all protests under the guise that violence might erupt, Mr. Romero said.

David A. Goldberger, a former A.C.L.U. lawyer who represented the neo-Nazis in the Skokie case, said that Charlottesville would likely pose a test for the group, not unlike the Skokie case had four decades ago.

The neo-Nazis who planned to march in Skokie were never expected to number more than a few dozen. So marginal and universally despised, they struggled to muster numbers beyond that. (The march never occurred; the group held a demonstration in Chicagos Marquette Park in 1978.)

A.C.L.U. membership dropped by 60,000 from 1973 to 1978, and by 1979, the group was facing a $500,000 deficit. Yet it seems possible that the far right of today could prove more divisive for the A.C.L.U. than the neo-Nazis and Skokie ever were.

White nationalists over the last two years have made their presence felt in the national discourse more so than they have in decades. That is partly because the far right has been emboldened by President Trump, who has been reluctant to condemn white nationalists.

Meanwhile, much of the newfound interest in the A.C.L.U. has been driven by opposition to the presidents policies.

As future cases involving the free speech rights of white supremacists surface, it remains to be seen how the events in Charlottesville may affect the A.C.L.U.s response.

The death may make people have second thoughts I surely hope not. Mr. Goldberger said. This is a real crossroads for the A.C.L.U., and I think its going to choose the right road.

An earlier version of a picture caption with this article misidentified a group of protesters. They were anti-Nazi, not neo-Nazis.

Jonah Engel Bromwich contributed reporting.

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In Backing Alt-Right, ACLU Embraces Role in Defending 'Groups We Detest' - New York Times

Ad will collapse in seconds CLOSE August 17, 2017 08/17/2017 10:24 am By Adam K. Raymond Share

Citing credible alt-left terrorist threats, the right-wing leaders of planned protests against Googles diversity policies have called off the demonstrations, which were scheduled to be held this weekend in nine cities across the country.

Despite our clear and straightfoward [sic] statements denouncing bigotry and hatred, CNN and other mainstream media made malicious and false statements that our peaceful march was being organized by Nazi sympathizers, reads a statement on marchongoogle.com. Following the articles, credible threats from known Alt Left terrorist groups have been reported to and relevant authorities have been notified.

We hope to hold our peaceful march in a few weeks time, the statement says.

The marches, which were set to target Google facilities from Mountain View to Boston, were organized in response to Googles firing of a male employee who wrote an inflammatory memo on the tech giants diversity initiatives. James Damores now-infamous memo argued that Googles attempts to hire more women in technical positions was harming the company because women are biologically less suited for the work. His argument was both scientifically contestable and highly offensive, particularly for many of the companys female employees.

The planned March on Google was organized in defense of Damore and in opposition to what organizers call the anti-free speech monopoly Google. That mission alone would have drawn hecklers and counterprotesters. But then Charlottesville erupted when a white-supremacist rally descended on the town. Soon, links were drawn between the March on Google and the racist alt-right groups in Charlottesville. That made the march toxic.

Ultimately, though, it wasnt the toxicity that led to the cancellation, it was the threat of violence. At least thats what organizer Jack Posobiec says. The internet conspiracy theorist and Naval urinalysis officer tweeted one threat that marchers received and implied there were others like them.

Of course, thats not the only theory on why these marches were canceled. It also could have been because no one was going to show up.

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By going soft on neo-Nazis, Trump is doing the Democrats job for them: highlighting an issue that splits the GOP base from the rest of America.

During the Jim Crow era, southern states sought recognition in the Capitol for ex-Confederates and other proud racists. That may finally be corrected.

Trumps response to breaking news of a possible terrorist attack in Spain is to endorse a false tale of U.S. torture and religious insults.

A democracy that retains monuments to men who committed treason in defense of slavery is one that has changed its history, not learned from it.

Is that all?

Two suspects are in custody and another has been shot dead.

As part of Trumps promise to expand employers religious freedom.

He managed to both threaten nuclear war and embrace neo-Nazis while on vacation. Wait until he gets back to work.

Its a pretty long list.

Dozens of people attempted to turn themselves in after four were arrested for toppling a Confederate statue.

The planned defense of a fired Google employee and his sexist memo is off, for now.

Trumps endorsement of a primary challenge to Jeff Flake demonstrates, once again, that the mogul cares more about his ego than his agenda.

Doubts about Medicare-for-All are arising on the left as well as the center, despite activist efforts to make support for it a litmus test.

Especially if hes planning to pardon Sheriff Joe Arpaio.

Supposedly he thought the conversation was off the record but is Trumps embattled chief strategist really that naive?

Both saved America.

While we avoid politics, we aredeeply troubled by the moralequivalency and equivocation President Trump has offered.

The GOP has long been an awkward coalition of business elites and social reactionaries. Can it last?

Heyers mother, Susan Bro, spoke at her daughters memorial service Wednesday.

Trumps response to Charlottesville led CEOs to distance themselves from the president.

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Alt-Right Organizers Cancel the March on Google, Citing 'Terrorist Threats' - New York Magazine

Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) on Thursday said white supremacist groups did not converge on Charlottesville, Va., to protest the removal of a statue, but rather to make a show of their racist and bigoted views.

This is not just about monuments. This was a big issue that happened in this country on Saturday. These people who came to Charlottesville the neo-Nazis, the alt-right, they werent here for a statue,"McAuliffe said on CBS's "This Morning."

"Alt-right" is a term that refers to groups with views that often mix white nationalism, anti-Semitism and populism.

"They went to the University of Virginia on Friday night with their torches, that had nothing to do with a statue. There was hatred, there was bigotry that has been unleashed in this country and we need to understand how it has happened most importantly what we can do moving forward as a nation," the Virginia governor added.

Although McAuliffe did not answer whether Trump is unfit to lead the nation after failing to directly condemn the hate groups, he expressed strong disagreement with the president's statements regardingthe weekend events.

"I disagree with the president that this was all about the Lee statue," he said, adding that he just "lost three great citizens."

The demonstrations over the weekend took a deadly turn when a man with ties to the white supremacist groups allegedly drovehis car into a crowd of counterprotesters, killing a woman and injuring others.Two state law enforcement officers also died when a Virginia State Police helicopter crashed near the city.

The presidenthas come under fire from both Republican and Democratic lawmakersafter aggressively defending his initial remarks about the violence at an impromptu press conference at Trump Tower on Tuesday in which he failed to directly denounce hate groups and condemn racism.

On Saturday, Trump blamed "many sides" for the violence before directly condemning the hate groups on Monday. He then said"both sides" share the blame on Tuesday.

The reversal sparked a firestormamong his critics, who saidthe president was failing to take a stand so he canplease extremistsupporters within his base.

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Virginia gov: 'Alt-right' was not 'here about a statue' - The Hill

Pedestrians walk along Crissy Field in San Francisco in this file image.

People around the United States have decried the white nationalist movement after three people lost their lives when violence erupted in Virginia over the weekend, and San Franciscans have also made it known that racism and hatred are unwelcome in their hometown.

And the City by the Bay isn't stopping there. Residents have begun organizing counter-protests with unusual themes.

Up first is "Leave your dog poop on Crissy Field" from 12 p.m. Aug. 25 through 10 a.m. Aug. 26.

Organizers wrote on Facebook that the idea behind the event is to "leave a gift for our Alt-Right friends."

They continued: "Take your dog to Crissy Field and let them do their business and be sure not to clean it up! Watch out for landmines, friends! We can get together Sunday and clean up the mess and hug each other!"

So far, 525 people have demonstrated interest in this gathering, which has piqued the interest of nearly 3,000 more.

Crissy Field has made headlines this week after right-wing group, Patriot Prayer, applied for a permit to host "Freedom Rally San Francisco" on Aug. 26.

House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor Ed Lee and Superintendent London Breed who have expressed outrage at the request and are urging the National Park Service, which has jurisdiction over the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, to deny the permit.

National Park Service officials, however, said in a statement Thursday: "We are guided by the Constitution, the law, longstanding court precedent, and National Park Service policy, which tells us we must be deliberative and not preemptive in our decisions related to First Amendment gatherings."

They are said to be reviewing the permit application and are expected to make a decision in the coming week.

In response, counter-protesters, in true San Francisco style, are encouraged to dance as "an alternative to hate, confrontation and aggression."

The "SF LovedUp Mobile Dance Counter-Rally" will last from 1 to 5 p.m. Aug. 26 at Marina Green Park. Attendees will not interrupt the white supremacist rally, but will dress in their "amazing colorful fabulous best" and "groove tocheesy, party pop dance athems," organizers wrote on Facebook.

More than 1,000 people have said they will be at the event and nearly 6,000 more are interested.

Meanwhile, community organizations, including Stop the Violence, Castro Community on Patrol, and Unafraid, have teamed up with the Rev. Dr. Megan Rohrer for what is described on Facebook as "San Francisco Peacefully Unites Against White Nationalists."

Organizers have issued a special invite to "all drag performers and sparkly freaks" to counter "violent behaviors" from 2 to 5 p.m. Aug. 26.

They wrote: "Believing hate groups are coming to San Francisco to bait folk into helping them recruit others to their cause and to instigate violent behaviors so lawsuits can fund their hate work, we are uniting with diverse advocates and leaders around San Francisco who are urging safety, peace, and events that will help preserve the fragile diversity of Crissy Field."

However, this peaceful gathering will not occur at Crissy Field. It remains unclear where it will be hosted, but that hasn't stopped roughly 1,400 people from signing up and another 3,100 from expressing interest.

This story will be updated as other events are announced.

Published 5 hours ago | Updated 3 hours ago

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San Francisco to Counter 'Alt-Right' Rallies by Dancing, Leaving 'Dog Poop' at Crissy Field - NBC Bay Area

President Donald Trumps chief strategist, Steve Bannon, has called white nationalists and alt-right groups losers in a phone call with the editor of a progressive magazine.

In an interview with The American Prospect,published late Wednesday, Bannon also detailed how hes working to influence change in Secretary of State Rex Tillersons State Department, as well as U.S. policy on China. His comments emerged alongside another report that says Trump is afraid of firing him.

These guys are a collection of clowns, Bannon said of hard-right groups that marched in Charlottesville, Virginia,last weekend to protest the removal of a statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, which leftdozens injured and a 32-year-old woman who was protesting the march dead.

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White House chief strategist Steve Bannon called white nationalists "losers" in an interview with a progressive magazine Wednesday. Carlos Barria/Reuters

Ethno-nationalismits losers. Its a fringe element. I think the media plays it up too much, and we gotta help crush ityou know, help crush it more, Bannon said. His comments are at odds with his role leading Breitbart, a hard-right online news outlet, which he called the platform for the alt-right during the 2016 campaign.

In a press conference at Manhattans Trump Tower Tuesday, the president defended the alt-right, a loose-knit group of white supremacists, white nationalists, conspiracy theoristsand populists, which has become increasingly visible since his election victory.

But the president also said well see what happens with Mr. Bannon when asked about the White House aides status within the administration following bipartisan calls for him to be fired for his past support for the alt-right.

The president obviously is very nervous and afraid of firing him, a source close to the White House told Reuters Wednesday. The source said the concern is that Bannon could turn into a harsh critic of the administration if hes forced out.

Related: Trump is scared of Steve Bannon and that's why he hasn't been fired: Report

National Security Adviser H.R. McMaster has recently blamed Bannon for a sustained campaign of stories on Breitbart attacking his character after he worked to fire Bannons allies on the National Security Council.

In the interview, Bannon also contradicted Trumps threats of military action against North Korea over its continuing intercontinental ballistic missile tests and development of nuclear weapons.

Theres no military solution [to North Koreas nuclear threats]. Forget it. Until somebody solves the part of the equation that shows me that 10 million people in Seoul dont die in the first 30 minutes from conventional weapons, I dont know what youre talking about. Theres no military solution here. They got us.

In the interview, Bannon had his sights set on a larger issue. Were at economic war with China, he said. Weve come to the conclusion that theyre in an economic war and theyre crushing us.

Bannon said that to him the economic war with China is everything. And we have to be maniacally focused on that. If we continue to lose it, were five years away, I think, 10 years at the most, of hitting an inflection point from which well never be able to recover.

He said he plans to challenge China and its trade imbalance by lodging complaints against its steel and aluminum export practices and use the 1974 Trade Act to block Chinas practice of extracting technology from American companies.

These strategies, he said, are riling his opponents in the State, Defense andTreasury departments and the National Economic Council. But he has plans to marginalize Trump administration members.

Im changing out people at East Asian Defense; Im getting hawks in. Im getting Susan Thornton [acting head of the East Asian and Pacific Affairs Bureau] out at State, Bannon said.

His comment about Thornton shows Bannon believes he has strong influence over Tillerson, who has tried to make Thornton permanent in the role but has been blocked by the White House.

Theyre wetting themselves, Bannon saidof his government rivals and opponents on tougher trade policies against China. The presidents default position is to do it, but the apparatus is going crazy.

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Steve Bannon Calls Alt-Right 'Losers' And Says His Government Rivals Are 'Wetting Themselves' - Newsweek