And it’s about time.
Via Think Progress:
The extreme right — those who are “hate-oriented,” “mainly antigovernment,” or those dedicated to a “single issue” — is a legitimate threat that law enforcement must deal with, according to a new assessment from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security. The report, which was coordinated with the FBI and is being given to federal, state, and local law enforcement, warns:
[R]ightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues. The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment.
Read the whole thing, and then brace yourself for the tiresome, endless whines of victim-hood from a group of people who couldn’t care less who was thrown into Gitmo. Just like they didn’t give a damn about spending when Bush was in office.
If the “uncertain economy” and a “perceived rising influence of other countries” continues, “rightwing extremism is likely to grow in strength,” the report adds. “[L]one wolves and small terrorist cells embracing violent rightwing extremist ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States.”
Which is what we’ve been saying for months. It’s the lone wolves and small groups that are keeping me up at night. It’s these individuals who don’t see Beck as entertainment. And it’s these nuts that Conservatives need to rein in, because, let’s face it, they won’t listen to me.
And if you think I’m over-reacting, consider this: The Southern Poverty Law Center also reports that the “number of hate groups operating in the United States continued to rise in 2008 and has grown by 54 percent since 2000 – an increase fueled last year by immigration fears, a failing economy and the successful campaign of Barack Obama.
There’s a reason right-wing extremists made the list.