Reader Question Of The Day: Polish Nazis?

This disturbing query comes courtesy of a chap name Frankie. He writes:

Long-time listener, first-time caller. As someone who has read your blog and lived in the neighborhood for a while now, I thought I’d ask you about something that’s been troubling me recently. I’ve noticed an increase in neo-Nazi/white power skinhead types in Greenpoint, mostly younger teens (I remember that there was more of a visible presence a long time ago, but it seemed to have mostly died out). I’ve seen kids wearing swastika pins, and last night I saw some kids wearing white power shirts.  As someone who spends a lot of time out and about in Greenpoint, have you noticed anything similar? I don’t mean to sound paranoid, but this is really upsetting.

PS – I’m not one of those people who sees a shaved head and assumes the worst. I know the diff between classic skins, SHARPs, etc.

Speaking for myself I have not seen this. It should be noted, however, that I live in the far north part of Greenpoint (which is largely Hispanic and as such would take a dim view of such stuff). The previous having been said (and in light of a video one of my neighbors shot a couple years ago) I would not rule it out. Thoughts, anyone?

Miss Heather

UPDATE, 7:55 p.m.: A reader forwarded me this news story from twenty years ago. Go just past the eight minute mark. Very interesting.