I was the guest of Winnebago County Republican Women where I was branded a communist with Muslim leanings. I’ve been called "a red" ever since I returned from Vietnam and protested that war, so I was a bit weary of the presentation.

The two speakers painted, with a broad brush, the red and green axis of evil (not to be confused with Canadian humorist Red Green, though he is suspect). Because Muslims are seeking refuge and escorted by the likes of Catholic Charities and Church World Service, we are all part of the cabal.

The first speaker laid down his interpretation of the Qu'ran as demanding every believer to take up the sword and kill the infidel. The second speaker reminded me of my membership in the John Birch Society wherein he drew long lines of connections to prove I was a dupe for the reds. For example, Church World Service, which I support through the CROP Hunger Walk, is part of the National Council of Churches which is part of the World Council of Churches which is “... a communist front run by the KGB ...”; therefore, I am a communist.

I was particularly shocked by their statement that diversity creates chaos. That is patently absurd in almost every category of society.

I doubt the Republicans will have many supporters left if they continue to paint everyone as an enemy who doesn't agree with them 100 percent. Does that mean if you supported a refugee within the last three generations, you could and probably should be asked to leave? I don't think so, but the speakers sure did leave that impression. Their solutions: stop all immigration, build even more walls, and ostracize anyone who disapproves.

I hate to sound trite, but some of my best friends are Republican women and the leader of the meeting is someone who I consider a friend, Gloria Cardenas. I hope they can invite speakers to offer opposing views. I would suggest they immediately call immigration attorney Sarah Dady, Catholic Charities Director Pat Wynn, Professor Brian Wagner of Rock Valley College, and/or Kathy Shihadah from Unity in Diversity.

But I doubt that they will seek a second opinion. They said "Diversity is a prescription for chaos. … Diversity is the left’s strength, all under the guise of Kumbaya. It’s all a fraud …” The audience was quite vocal in their approval, and were even more adamant that people should be rounded up and sent back to where they came from, even if it was three generations ago. And God forgive the liberals who want to help anyone in need, because they sure won’t help. Socialism is what they call any organized assistance, and boot straps are the only thing the poor refugees really need.

I have worked with political conservatives on issues: industrial strength gambling for one. Most local Republicans are thoughtful, reflective, have a good sense of humor, and can listen to other suggestions. But there was no room for disagreement at the Saturday hate fest and I was glad to have snuck out early and made it to my car without being deported (it would be to Switzerland, which wouldn’t be so bad, I guess. But they speak too many languages, and I can barely master English).

I hope the Republican Party in Rockford will go with the strengths of loving freedom and avoid hate messages like the ones I heard at this meeting.

Stanley Campbell is executive director of Rockford Urban Ministries.