Dupage Policy Journal

A planned "Fight Fascism" rally organized by the West Suburban IL Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) in downtown Wheaton has drawn strong criticism from local residents, including Hinsdale resident Kristina McCloy, founder of the Concerned Parents IL, who argues the event was deliberately placed to insult the values of the city’s conservative families.

The rally is scheduled to take place on April 5th at Adam's Park in Wheaton, at 11 a.m. In an advertisement for the rally the DSA makes a call for action against the "neo-fascist oligarchy." 

"The DSA deliberately chose downtown Wheaton to insult the families that live there for their traditional, conservative, pro-family and pro-American ideals," McCloy told the Dupage Policy Journal. "Adams Park is surrounded by churches, children's centers, a Christian college and small businesses." 

Additionally, the DSA is holding an “Art Build” at the Downers Grove Public Library on April 2 at 6 p.m. 

The rally has been condemned by many in the community who see the groups as instruments of a larger movement aimed at destabilizing local communities for the sake of political gain. 

A Facebook ad for the rally includes several jingoistic leftist rally cries. 

The ad misspells the word “support” instead reading: “Supprt LGBTQ+ rights!" It also features the slogans “Protect the Earth!”, “No one is illegal on stolen land!” and “Free Palestine!” 

Downers Grove Republican Precinct committeeman Terry Newsome called the rally a “radical leftist event” that is “anti-Jewish.” 

Many residents view the rally as part of a broader trend of political polarization and divisiveness. 

The controversy is further fueled by the involvement of Action Network, an organization accused of "astroturfing"—a tactic in which well-funded political groups create the illusion of grassroots activism. 

Founded by Mark Fleischman, Action Network has been linked to high-profile activist campaigns, including the "Tesla Takedown" protests, some of which have been associated with domestic terrorism. The organization has also received nearly $8 million in funding from left-wing billionaire George Soros.

Opponents of the rally also point to the group’s affiliations with radical factions, including the far-left group ANTIFA. The DSA rally, which is billed as an “anti-fascist gathering,” has become a flashpoint for broader debates about extremism on both sides of the political spectrum.

A Facebook post linking to a Patch story promoting the "Fight Fascism" rally was met with widespread criticism from those commenting on the post. 

"Tell me again how the people painting swastikas, harassing strangers, and firebombing businesses are the good guys,” Michael Glass wrote.

Ralph Labuda responded, “Hey Patch, why don't you just call it what it is, antifa trash coming to cause trouble in Wheaton,” and added, “Nothing like the lemmings for the Democrat party and George Soros to be the minions for their stupidity. And they wonder why the Democrat approval rating is down to 26% because these groups are one and the same!” 

Grant Barry remarked, “There's no fascist like a socialist fascist,” while Gerald Grzenia questioned, “Fascism? These imbeciles have no idea what the definition means.”