A nine-page document was sent to police and sheriff’s departments across the United States on April 7 under the headline, “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.” It says the federal government “will be working with its state and local partners over the next several months” to gather information on “rightwing extremist activity in the United States.”
From the report –
(U) Illegal Immigration
(U//FOUO) Rightwing extremists were concerned during the 1990s with the perception that illegal immigrants were taking away American jobs through their willingness to work at significantly lower wages. They also opposed free trade agreements, arguing that these arrangements resulted in Americans losing jobs to countries such as Mexico.
(U//FOUO) Over the past five years, various rightwing extremists, including militias and white supremacists, have adopted the immigration issue as a call to action, rallying point, and recruiting tool. Debates over appropriate immigration levels and enforcement policy generally fall within the realm of protected political speech under the First Amendment, but in some cases, anti-immigration or strident pro-enforcement fervor has been directed against specific groups and has the potential to turn violent.
(U//FOUO) DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremist groups’ frustration over a perceived lack of government action on illegal immigration has the potential to incite individuals or small groups toward violence. If such violence were to occur, it likely would be isolated, small-scale, and directed at specific immigration-related targets.
— (U//FOUO) DHS/I&A notes that prominent civil rights organizations have observed an increase in anti-Hispanic crimes over the past five years.
— (U) In April 2007, six militia members were arrested for various weapons and explosives violations. Open source reporting alleged that those arrested had discussed and conducted surveillance for a machinegun attack on Hispanics.
— (U) A militia member in Wyoming was arrested in February 2007 after communicating his plans to travel
Also, this section which should sound fairly familiar from the passage of the Immigration Resolution with the wording of ‘economic hardship & lawlessness’ —
(U) Economic Hardship and Extremism
Historically, domestic rightwing extremists have feared, predicted, and anticipated a cataclysmic economic collapse in the United States. Prominent antigovernment conspiracy theorists have incorporated aspects of an impending economic collapse to intensify fear and paranoia among like-minded individuals and to attract recruits during times of economic uncertainty. Conspiracy theories involving declarations of martial law, impending civil strife or racial conflict, suspension of the U.S. Constitution, and the creation of citizen detention camps often incorporate aspects of a failed economy. Antigovernment conspiracy theories and “end times” prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons.
These teachings also have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist individuals and groups in the past, such as violent Christian Identity organizations and extremist members of the militia movement.
Don’t forget to post the “left wing extremist” document also, or I will again accuse you of incomplete, minority group hatred, using politically biased editorials. If you want to run this blog so all will respect it, do editorials on both sides of every issue without a hidden political agenda.
Yeah, and both were requested by the Bush Administration.
http://www.foxnews.com/projects/pdf/Leftwing_Extremist_Threat.pdf
(U//FOUO) Anarchist extremists generally embrace a number of radical
philosophical components of anticapitalist, antiglobalization, communist,
socialist, and other movements. Anarchist groups seek abolition of social, political, and economic hierarchies, including Western-style governments and large business enterprises, and frequently advocate criminal actions of varying scale and scope to accomplish their goals. Anarchist extremist groups include entities within CrimethincUSPER, the Ruckus SocietyUSPER ,and Recreate 68 USPER.
How could you possibly leave out the lines about returning combat veterans and how they might be susceptible to recruitment by these “extremists”? And since when is opposition to free-trade agreements and support of the Second Amendment “extremist”?
Shame on you for twisting 9 pages of politicized garbage into some neat little package that supposedly explains the motives behind the Resolution. This is a line-by-line indictment of conservative viewpoints, and a very clear statement by the administration that “If you are not with us, you are against us, and we will be watching you.” Not to mention a slap in the face to the military men and women who risk their necks every single day, only to come home and to be told by their Commander in Chief that they are no longer to be trusted. How convenient for you to leave that part out.
And yes, I read the left-wing version, and apparently they have no penchant for violence the way our honorable military and people who oppose NAFTA do. They’re more interested in cyber crime.
I would urge every thinking person who posts here to read the ENTIRE document, and not just Alanna’s selected excerpts. It’s sickening.
Do either of these reports sound ideologically like anyone here? step up to claim it, anyone?
Hmm. Much of the description in the section titled “Economic Hardship and Extremism” mirrors what’s being said on the dark screen. I know that the FBI has always monitored both sides – far left and far right. The John Birch society was scrutinized as much as student radicals were in the 60s. What stands out on the darkside is the emphasis on arming oneself for the implosion of our society – not merely having a shotgun for hunting or a handgun for self defense but an arsenal for Armaggedon. It’s the extremism of the rhetoric – beyond Republican or Democratic positions, beyond agreement or disagreement on economic theories. It’s way out of the mainstream.
Michael, our community’s recent problems have not been fueled by left wing extremism. Quite the opposite.
“rightwing extremist groups’ frustration over a perceived lack of government action on illegal immigration”
“Perceived lack.” Really? So we’re just imagining that our government has failed us in securing our borders. Glad we have the DHS to set us straight that the government really IS doing its job.
YankeeForever, it’s naive to think that white supremicist groups and gangs don’t join the military specifically to get combat/weapon training. That’s absolutely not saying that all soldiers are right wing extremists, but there are right wing extremists among soldiers.
Like I said, Moon, Alanna, and Elena have a political agenda to support only specific ethnicities and “legalization” of “illegals”, that is why they leave important truths out and paint you only “a partial picture of reality”. I try to fill “most” of you in on what they politically leave out. That is a “neutral’ view based on LAW and refusal to segregate into class social structures that undermine democracy and undermine the the rights of “individuals” to be a “nation”, in order to promote and protect “illegal” immigrant behaviors and radically left or radically right “minority group” social ideologies that undermine Democracy and “rule of law”.
Note: Michael, for the umpteenth time, I’m not advocating for any ethnicity. I have consistently stated that problems with our immigration policy are not solely in the arena of enforcement. We have soldiers’ spouses under threat of deportation, families in mixed status with no realistic remedy, waiting lines of more than a decade, for crying out loud USCIS was still using a PAPER trail instead of having records in computer systems. Now, we have economic and social issues that are deeply related to our ineffective policy. These are the reasons why I believe some form of a pathway or legalization of the undocumented is necessary. I don’t care about their county of origin or ethnicity. So, please refrain from these accusations in the future. –Alanna
So what would you do about that, Censored? Treat all military with distrust when they return from combat? That’ll be a great recruitment tool.
Censored, I totally disagree.. our problems have been fueled by political extremists on BOTH the far left minority groups and the far right minority groups. We can save the political sanity of the nation when we take the “neutral” law abiding position in EVERY CASE.
And certainly there have been acts of terrorism by left-wing “extremeists”–I’m thinking ecoterrorism here–not hard to find many examples there.
I have been thinking about this report since I heard it last night. For me, what it means is that, regardless of your military status, we need to help people find a way for them to find jobs, keep their homes, and not feel helpless. Did we talk about the family that committed mass suicided, mom, dad, their children, because they had lost their jobs, were losing their home, and were terrified of what could happen next. This is a call to action, to stop the Obama paranoia, stop the freaky Glenn Becks from twisting the truth, and figure out a way to help people help themselves through this difficult time.
Michael, do you just cut and paste?
Michael, I’m talking about PWC. What has the far left done here lately? The far right (the darkside) has damaged our reputation as well as our finaces with their tactics.
YankeeForever, I do what I feel the majority of people in the US do – I appreciate the job that most military vets did or do. I don’t read some talking points and assume all our vets are being slammed as right wing terrorists. I assume that suspected white supremicists and gang members are being tracked – both by the military and other federal agaencies.
I would call 9/11 a “left-wing” radical “extremist” terrorist act, committed by left wing “illegal” immigrants in our country, as is any other “ethnic or religious group” “illegal” immigrant militant action, bombing, victimizing, propaganda, organized crime with a political overthrow goal, extortion, political assassination, formation of “gangs”, mafias, politically corrupt ethnic group party members who support radicalization, or “killing” of those who oppose them.
Hey Michael, how about taking a look at the video clip on the other thread of the lady singing. It might de-stress you for a moment. Look at the full video.
Great advice Firedancer!
If you look at the examples that the report cites, they are looking a specific individuals (so called “lone wolf” extremists or individuals such as Timothy McVeigh) or a small group (the biggest group size the report cited was 3).
WTOP aired an opinion piece on this and said that it was convenient that this report came out right before the Tea Parties that were held across the US today. Trying to put some paranoia out there, aren’t they?
We do need to take care of our military men and women when they return. It needs to be a priority. We have individuals returning who are experiencing PTSD and have no resources available to them. But we can afford to bail out banks and those who purchased houses they knew they couldn’t afford. Doesn’t make any sense.
You Wish,
Did you know that within the omnibus package
, when a national guardsman or guardswoman is deployed, they will have to be paid their current salary during their deployment, not live off of their military pay alone? Thank you President Obama.
I have been gone for several hours. I always come back surprised. First off, Michael, I have not even been home and yet you still blame me for something…not sure what but I got the blame.
We rarely post entire articles. We usually highlight a section and give the link to the full story or report. Alanna did that.
I have been hearing about this report, ordered by the Bush Administration, as Slowpoke told us, for 24 hours. I have also listened to conservatives moan, piss and bitch about it. They selectively pull out various elements they think they have been accused of. I found it quite amusing to listen to actually.
The report tells us what many of us have known for years. Is this stuff a revelation to some of you? The antics/tactics of the far left have been around for years. The same can be said for the far right extremists. Yes, military people are prayed upon, sought out for recruitment. Some of our military personnel come back very damaged and yet highly trained.
I laughed at all the whining today. I didn’t see one thing remarkable in either report. I am just glad that DHS is on its toes. I suppose Obama is going to get the blame for this one too. 85 days. The man must be a miracle worker. I should have listened to the far right. damn!
Elena, that is great news about national guard being paid right. I know some families were in very serious trouble because of the loss of pay.
@michael
michael the way you talk sound very angry it seems that you are from the right wing.
I think that you are paranoiac maybe you think that president Obama is going to do something wrong to the white race.
I love it, a government report that basically states that those that hold views defended by our Constitution can be linked to terrorism yet that same government refuses to refer to those in other countries that participate in the killing of American solders as terrorists. So there really is a “war on terror” by our present government, it’s just that the war will be prosecuted in the states against its own citizens. Well, that’s CHANGE for you!
Second Alamo, don’t you find it interesting that the report has no problem labeling Americans “terrorists” or capable of “terrorism”? Apparently those terms can be applied only to Americans, but have been banned from use when referring to foreign nationals who might pose a threat to us. Terrorism is now “man-made disasters” when foreigners do it. Gotta love a President who is going around the world apologizing for the racist, violent rednecks he has the burden of representing.
YankeeForever,
All this administration has done is ensure that it won’t be around in four more years, and that’s a fact you can take to the government owned bank! The real America is finally waking up.
Ah yes, the “real” amercia”. Exactly who is that again?
Some employers were already paying the difference in salary when National Guard troops have been activated (or whatever the correct term is). My employer definitely has done this as far as I can remember. Although now it is no longer voluntary for employers to do that, which is a good thing.
Funny how our leader, excuse me, “community organizer,” conveniently held a press conference yesterday to distract from the AWESOME tea parties being held throughout this country.
We hear more about that damn dog then what’s happening in the world.
What a flippin’ sham.
Reply to #20, Elena: Actually the additional pay applies only to federal employees who are deployed. Those Guardsmen/Reservists employed in the private sector may or may not have that benefit.
As for thanking Obama, it was only one month ago that he tried to force wounded veterans to use their private insurance to pay for combat injuries and disabilities. Obama was forced to dump the plan only after veterans groups and members of Congress raised a ruckus.
So I am not quite ready to fall for propoganda that Obama appreciates and admires the military.
To Slowpoke, Segundo Alamo, Yankee Forever, et. al.
You wanted an expanded police state.
You got it.
You did this to all of us.
I did check and confirmed the new rule applies to federal employees who’s guard units have been activated. It is still voluntary on the part of employers. I think many employers that are in the DOD federal contract arena do elect vountarily as an employee benefit to make up the difference for their employees who have been called into active duty. Of course, that doesn’t help those who don’t work in the DOD business, or who’s employers choose not to provide this benefit.
Why are so many on the darkside afraid of being targets of the police? Do they not have the ability to tease out what is normal behavior from what is paranoia? How many guns do you need and why? That might provide a clue as to whether you might come to the attention of the police. Are you part of a church group that quietly marches in protest to abortion or are you plastering doctors’ names and addresses on the internet? Are you advocating armed resistance to the government for such a petty thing as a change of administration/party? If so, you just might be a nut.
I find the same talking points in the local newspaper in a town where I lived as a child. Who puts this stuff out there? Do normal Republicans, both moderate and conservative, get this stuff in their mail? I sure don’t get it as an Independent. Do you have to already be part of a wacky group to get these talking points?
April 16th, 2009 at 09:03 | #31 Reply | Quote
What in the hell are you talking about, Wackie? I see you’re still up to your eyeballs in koolaid….
How ironic that the same underlying hatred that often speaks of “patriotism” and “fighting terror” are now thought of by the FBI as the number one threat when it comes to domestic terrorism.
But maybe not that surprising. Having lived through what we lived through in Prince William, violence always seemed right below the surface. It certainly is good to know the Feds are on top of this. I do think it is safer now in PWC (recent events excluded). But the last time we had a Democrat in the White House, we got Oklahoma City.
You mean the fox news network “tea party” ? Where were all these protests when the government was spending billions on the Iraq war or a medicare prescription drug plan that helped the pharmacutical companie and prevented collective drug bargaining like the VA does? Interesing. Oh, by the way, the boston tea party was because people were taxed without representation…UH….these people have representation, it’s just that it isn’t repubican representation.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/video/index.jhtml?videoId=224258&title=tempest-in-a-tea-party
Thanks for clarifying Gainesville Resident and Kelly.
Elena, good post. The lack of outrage over those monies spent during the prior administration – and the debt it left behind – speaks volumns. It’s not so much the bail-out plan as a Democrat in the White House that has precipitated this latest round of boo hoos.
I don’t think normal Republicans get stuff about arming themselves with guns in the mail. I mostly vote Rebublican and I sure don’t get that stuff in the mail. I think it is just the right wing fringe that does. I don’t think Republicans outside of that right wing fringe are busily buying up guns now that Obama is in the White House.
So “end times” prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons.These teachings also have been linked with the radicalization of domestic extremist individuals and groups in the past, such as violent Christian Identity organizations and extremist members of the militia movement.”
Will they be locking Hal Lindsey up soon?
I am sure you are correct about a small fringe, but a small fringe with lots of guns can do some serious damage. Look at the kid in Philidelphia who killed three police officers. He had recently been posting on a white supremist website stormfront.
http://www.adl.org/PresRele/Extremism_72/5500_72.htm
I had a friend wonder aloud, ” if the end of times is ushering in the Mesiah and everyone who is deserving goes to Heaven, why are radical Christians afraid?” Isn’t this a good thing? Obviously I will be one of those poor souls that gets “left behind” 🙂
So if you want our borders secured, against amnesty and want current laws enforced your a ‘right-wing extremists’? My issue with this report is that it’s very generalized. If I’m not mistaken the report on left-wing extremists at least named specific groups, this one seems to just say that if you don’t agree with the administration your an extremists and should be watched.
That incompetent dope Janet Napolitano has already started making the rounds apologizing for it: http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/16/napolitano-apologizes-offending-veterans-dhs-eyes-rightwing-extremism/
Oh please. Fox “News” says that veterans are supposed to be angry now? Another false outrage bell for Pavlovian ditto heads.
If you spend all your time watching Fox “News,” you might end up believing a lot of silly stories, like the Tea Party thing. It’s only “real” on Fox News. Every other journalistic outlet is reporting the truth, that it’s generated by Fox News political strategists, of Fox News ditto heads, and for Fox News ditto heads. If there was anything at all to the “movement” before Fox News tried to create a false story, it was because of the Libertarians and Ron Paul. Neal Cavoto was even caught on tape lying about the crowd estimate.
Only George Orwell could have thought this up. Fox “News” political strategists are fooling people into sustaining their aimless rage by telling them they are part of a movement because they are watching a fake story about one.
I still don’t see why people are in such an uproar over that report. It simply reiterated facts that most of us have known for years. There are psychos out there who attach themselves to various movements and go well beyond what normal people think and do. Zealots can do harmful things. I don’t give a rat’s rear end if the zealotry is ‘left’ or ‘right’ zealotry. Nuts is nuts.
Too many people have personalized this report and are trying to turn it into political advantage. I say shame on them. I don’t care if they are members of animal rights groups, anti capitalists groups, gun groups, anti-immigration groups anti-abortion groups or what. If you behave normally and work within the law (Rule of Law) the report isn’t talking about you. It is talking about the person who loses sight of their cause and feels righteous enough in their beliefs to harm their fellow man or property.
Thank you M-H for a very coherent summary of what the report means.
MH,
The one thing in the report that stands out is that the administration will use the word ‘terrorism’ in reference to its own citizens, but not the true ‘terrorists’ overseas! Any discussion of terrorism in the past was understood to mean the radicals overseas, not our citizens. Now when terrorism is brought up what are we to think one is referring to? What about all those unknown individuals sneaking into our country across our southern border? You don’t think that may pose a threat worth mentioning? When will we see THAT report!
HUH SA,
Obama absolutely uses the term terrorist to describe our wars in Afganastan and other places.
So Elena, what would you say poses a greater threat, people born in this country to American citizens, or people from other countries illegally entering this country? It’s a simple multiple choice question with only two choices. Lets see which one you pick!
@Elena Obviously I will be one of those poor souls that gets “left behind”
You and me both, Elena. I used to laugh at all those bumper stickers a few years ago that said, “When the rapture occurs, this vehicle will be unmanned.” I could never claim to be that perfect.