What the world needs now

The number of hate groups in the United States is on the rise and is once more at the levels of the days of a Timothy McVeigh in 1995.

So says the Department of Homeland Security, in a report that is in sync with that of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) in Montgomery, Alabama, an organization which keeps close tabs on such groups.

I caught the Center’s director Morris Dees on CBS’ “The Early Show” Wednesday morning. Dees is pleased that Homeland Security is recognizing the threat from these groups – a threat he claims is greater than that from foreign terrorists.

He attributes the rise to a number of factors, including the economy, the election of Barack Obama, the perceived threat of gun control and immigration problems.

The SPLC has released its “Intelligence Report” for Spring 2009. Here are writer David Holthouse’s opening words:

“From white power skinheads decrying 'President Obongo' at a racist gathering in rural Missouri, to neo-Nazis and Ku Klux Klansmen hurling epithets at Latino immigrants from courthouse steps in Oklahoma, to anti-Semitic black separatists calling for death to Jews on bustling street corners in several East Coast cities, hate group activity in the U.S. was disturbing and widespread throughout 2008, as the number of hate groups operating in America continued to rise. Last year, 926 hate groups were active in the U.S., up more than 4 percent from 888 in 2007. That's more than a 50 percent ncrease since 2000, when there were 602 groups.”

The report, which measures five pages on 10-point font, offers “a detailed look at the three most active and dangerous white supremacist hate group sectors in 2008: Ku Klux Klan groups, neo-Nazis and racist skinheads.”

Americans need this reminder that terrorism is not limited to outside threats, that seeds of hatred are not always grown in foreign soil.

Read the SPLC report HERE.

The nine-page assessment of the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, Department of Homeland Security, has warned local police departments of “right-wing extremists.”

And, the right-wing has gone ballistic, emphasizing the report’s reference to disgruntled returning veterans. Like, say, Timothy McVeigh? Michelle Malking calls the report a “piece of crap.”

In my opinion, Homeland Security must point out right-wing extremism, if that’s where the threat lies. (And, don't even think about accusing me of attacking returning veterans.)

In a report this morning:

“DHS’ domestic terror warning angers GOP,” CBS News, 16 April 2009.

Sometimes I just want to throw up my hands in disgust. It seems to me the GOP and the right-wing are hellbent to bring this country down.

“What the world needs now is love, sweet love …”

And, then some.