Feds "Warn" of "Rightwing extremist activity"

[lee51]

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/14/federal-agency-warns-of-radicals-on-right/

 

Federal agency warns of radicals on right

9-page report sent to police

By Audrey Hudson (Contact) and Eli Lake (Contact) | Tuesday, April 14, 2009

The Department of Homeland Security is warning law enforcement officials about a rise in "rightwing extremist activity," saying the economic recession, the election of America's first black president and the return of a few disgruntled war veterans could swell the ranks of white-power militias.

A footnote attached to the report by the Homeland Security Office of Intelligence and Analysis defines "rightwing extremism in the United States" as including not just racist or hate groups, but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority.

"It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration," the warning says.

The White House has distanced itself from the analysis. When asked for comment on its contents, White House spokesman Nick Shapiro said, "The President is focused not on politics but rather taking the steps necessary to protect all Americans from the threat of violence and terrorism regardless of its origins. He also believes those who serve represent the best of this country, and he will continue to ensure that our veterans receive the respect and benefits they have earned."

The 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."

The joint federal-state activities will have "a particular emphasis" on the causes of "rightwing extremist radicalization."

Homeland Security spokeswoman Sara Kuban said the report is one in an ongoing series of assessments by the department to "facilitate a greater understanding of the phenomenon of violent radicalization in the U.S."

The report, which was first disclosed to the public by nationally syndicated radio host Roger Hedgecock, makes clear that the Homeland Security Department does not have "specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence."It warns that fringe organizations are gaining recruits, but it provides no numbers.

The report says extremist groups have used President Obama as a recruiting tool.

"Most statements by rightwing extremists have been rhetorical, expressing concerns about the election of the first African American president, but stopping short of calls for violent action," the report says. "In two instances in the run-up to the election, extremists appeared to be in the early planning stages of some threatening activity targeting the Democratic nominee, but law enforcement interceded."

When asked about this passage, Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said, "We are concerned about anybody who will try to harm or plan to harm any one of our protectees. We don't have the luxury to focus on one particular group at the exclusion of others."

Congressional debates about immigration and gun control also make extremist groups suspicious and give them a rallying cry, the report says.

"It is unclear if either bill will be passed into law; nonetheless, a correlation may exist between the potential passage of gun control legislation and increased hoarding of ammunition, weapons stockpiling, and paramilitary training activities among rightwing extremists," the report said.

The FBI was quoted Monday as saying that, since November, more than 7 million people have applied for criminal background checks in order to buy weapons.

The Homeland Security report added: "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."

The report could signify a change in emphasis for Homeland Security under former Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano. A German magazine quoted Ms. Napolitano as rebranding "terrorism" as "man-made disasters." Since its inception in 2003, the department has focused primarily on radicalization of Muslims and the prospect of homegrown Islamist terrorism.

Ms. Kuban said, however, that the department had published reports on left-wing radicalization as well, though she could not name one.

"These types of reports are published all the time. There have actually been some done on the other end of the spectrum, left-wing," Ms. Kuban said.

A similar headline was used in a report issued in January, Ms. Kuban said, although she could not provide the content of the headline.

Ms. Kuban said she did not know how long the new report had been in the making.

"The purpose of the report is to identify risk. This is nothing unusual," said Ms. Kuban, who added that the Homeland Security Department did this "to prevent another Tim McVeigh from ever happening again."

The Homeland Security assessment specifically says that "rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat."

Jerry Newberry, director of communications for the Veterans of Foreign Wars, said the vast majority of veterans are patriotic citizens who would not join anti-government militias.

"As far as our military members go, I think that the military is a melting pot of society. So you might get a few, a fractional few, who are going to be attracted by militia groups and other right-wing extremists," he said.

"We have to remember that the people serving in our military are volunteers, they do it because they love their country, and they believe in what our country stands for," he said. "They spent their time in the military defending our Constitution, so the vast majority of them would be repulsed by the hate groups discussed in this report."

The Homeland Security report cited a 2008 FBI report that noted that a small number of returning military veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have joined extremist groups.

The FBI report said that from October 2001 through May 2008 "a minuscule" number of veterans, 203 out of 23,000, had joined groups such as the Ku Klux Klan, Aryan Nations, the National Socialist Movement, the Creativity Movement, the National Alliance and some skinhead groups.

"Although the white supremacist movement is of concern to the FBI, our assessment shows that only a very small number of people with prior military experience may have an affiliation with supremacist groups," FBI spokesman Richard Kolko said Monday when asked about the FBI report.

A 2006 report from the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization that monitors white supremacists like the Klan, said that white-power groups had an interest in the kind of training the military provides.

Mark Potok, director of the center's intelligence project, said the Homeland Security report "confirms that white supremacists are interested in the military. There is some concern, and there should be, about returning veterans, one need only think of the example of Timothy McVeigh, who was in the first Iraq war."

Mr. Potok added that he was generally pleased with the report.

"Basically, the report tracks fairly closely with what we have been saying for some time now. They mention us a couple of times, though not by name," he said.

[heavyhebrew]

Gee, does Potok also list Glenn Beck and Faux News for the rise in "right wing extremist activity"?

And isn't just a little too convenient that this focus comes out after a major push by Faux News/Glenn Beck and the Tea Parties sudden press blitz?

How about Boss Limbaugh, is he going to make the list? I mean he flat out stated he hopes the President fails, doesn't that make him an enemy of the state according to current PATRIOT Act rules?

Nope, somehow, according to the twisted and insane logic of the SPLC and regurgitated by this LEA's Ron Paul supporters, tax resisters, state rights groups, militias, constitutionalists and plain dislikers of all things Federal Gov will now be tied to the literally handfuls of "white supremacist" groups.

Here is the thing. I have fought in the streets and on the internet with these "white power" types. I know their philosophy, their methods and their danger. First, the majority are separatists, not supremacists. Second, they are so few and so far apart as to represent a negligible threat. And lastly, they only become dangerous when they are so marginalised, so denigrated, that they have no choice but to lash out in viciousness.
Sure they are dangerous when encountered but so are drunk drivers. And I see drunk drivers far more often than I see roving gangs of skinheads. (which I have never seen outside of one time on the Berlin metro).
Unlike Potok and his ilk, I want to engage in debate with these guys, I want them to be heard. Because when you make them voiceless, you make everyone else just a little less free.

And seriously, with these groups penchant for having fed informers for leaders and behaving clownishly, who is the real threat, the group of clowns or the group of snakes trying to make the clowns look bigger and badder than they really are?

Got to keep pumping that fear. Before it was Muslim extremists but now that a new boss representing a new group of followers is in power, we get a new set of enemies within.

"We are at war with East Asia. We have always been at war with East Asia."

[Dig]

New room concerning the NWO infiltration of the truth movement:

http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?board=391.0

[Eckhart Tolle]

Conservatives outraged at DHS assessment warning of violent 'rightwing extremism'

Stephen C. Webster
Published: Tuesday April 14, 2009
http://rawstory.com/news/2008/DHS_Rightwing_extremism...the_most_dangerous_terrorism_0414.html

An April 7 report by the Department of Homeland Security is causing waves of indignation among conservatives for labeling "rightwing extremism" the "most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States."

In its key findings, the 10 page document (PDF link) put forward by the Office of Intelligence and Analysis states that there is "no specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence," but warns law enforcement agencies that the economic recession, coupled with the recent election of the first African-American President of the United States, is driving radical groups' recruitment.

"The DHS under President Bush was apparently more reluctant to make such assessments about the right. According to CQ, a 2005 report outlining terrorist threats 'does not mention anti-government groups, white supremacists and other radical right-wing movements,'" noted Think Progress. "Bush's report did, however, list the threat of left-wing groups such as the Animal Liberation Front and the Earth Liberation Front. And a 2001 report from the Energy Department examined "Left-Wing Extremism: The Current Threat."

Rightwing blogger and occasional Fox News editorialist Michelle Malkin referred to the analysis as "a sweeping indictment of conservatives."

Her blog on the topic came on the same day as a Washington Times report on the analysis and a high-profile link from rightwing news blogger Matt Drudge.

Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich said in a 'tweet' late Tuesday afternoon, "The person who drafted the outrageous homeland security memo smearing veterans and conservatives should be fired."

The first outlet to carry details of the DHS paper was Alex Jones' InfoWars.

"A recent example of the potential violence associated with a rise in rightwing extremism may be found in the shooting deaths of three police officers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on 4 April 2009," the report states. "The alleged gunman’s reaction reportedly was influenced by his racist ideology and belief in antigovernment conspiracy theories related to gun confiscations, citizen detention camps, and a Jewish-controlled 'one world government.'"

Richard Poplawski, the Pittsburgh shooter, was linked to the white supremacist group Stormfront by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette following discovery of posts he made to the group's Web site. The paper, along with a broad range of media sources, also fallaciously linked Poplawski to Jones, a self-described paleoconservative and supporter of Republican Congressman Ron Paul.

"[It] should be noted that on numerous occasions Alex Jones has advocated non-violence and advised listeners to avoid confrontation with the police and authorities," noted InfoWars writer Kurt Nimmo. "None of the critics [...] have bothered to note this fact as they attempt to make a connection between the deranged Poplawski and Jones."

The DHS report also states: "Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or ejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."

The reference to "rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority" appears to be aimed at supporters of the State Soverignty movement, which seeks to assert states rights over the federal government as outlined in the 10th Amendment to the Constitution. On Tuesday, Texas Governor Rick Perry affirmed his support for the cause, which has spread across numerous states.

"I believe that our federal government has become oppressive in its size, its intrusion inton the lives of our citizens, and its interference with the affairs of our state," said Perry. "That is why I am here today to express my unwavering support for efforts all across our country to reaffirm states' rights affirmed by the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution.

"I believe that returning to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Constitution and its essential 10th Amendment will free our state from undue regulations, and ultimately strengthen our Union."

Furthermore, the report points toward ammunition stockpiling and opposition to gun control as hallmarks of rightwing extremism.

"Many rightwing extremist groups perceive recent gun control legislation as a threat to their right to bear arms and in response have increased weapons and ammunition stockpiling, as well as renewed participation in paramilitary training exercises. Such activity, combined with a heightened level of extremist paranoia, has the potential to facilitate criminal activity and violence."

Two recent reports have fingered the Obama Administration and the assault weapons ban's most ardent supporter in Congress -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) -- as putting off any effort to regulate high-powered weapons. Congressional officials told a reporter in comments published Saturday that Obama and top White House aides have all but abandoned a push for tighter gun control, indicating they can't stomach a fight with the National Rifle Association when they're focused on other issues.

Seven million people have applied for criminal background checks since November in an effort to buy guns, according to the FBI. That figure doesn't include Virginia, whose gun shows don't require any background checks.

The buying bonanza has stripped some stores almost bare of assault weapons and yielded a national ammunition shortage.

Feinstein said there isn't support for the assault weapons ban in Congress. Pro-gun Democrats picked up seats in the last election.

The report also cites concern that "rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to boost their violent capabilities."

Finally, in an ominous-sounding passage on page eight, the report outlines plans to continue gathering information on groups which fall under its strikingly broad definition of rightwing extremism.

"DHS/I&A will be working with its state and local partners over the next several months to ascertain with greater regional specificity the rise in rightwing extremist activity in the United States, with a particular emphasis on the political, economic, and social factors that drive rightwing extremist radicalization."

A Homeland Security-funded law enforcement fusion center in Virginia included groups some may categorize as "leftwing" among those it considers to be terrorism threats. In a lengthy assessment, reported on by RAW STORY April 6, groups such as the anti-Scientology movement "Anonymous," the "New Black Panthers" and even environmental group "Earth First!" are said to be domestic terrorism risks. The Virginia assessment even alleged that the nation's oldest colleges are "radicalization nodes" for terrorist recruitment.

"This is the job of DHS, to assess what is happening in this country, with regard to homegrown terrorism, and determine whether it's an actual threat or not, and that's what these assessments do," a Homeland Security official told Fox on Monday. "This is nothing unusual. These assessments are done all the time. This is about awareness."

With reporting by John Byrne.

18 Comments

[Tsul777]

Yes, it's getting around.

[TGRR]

Wait.  The right wingers were all about this sort of intrusive shit, until last November.

Now they're upset?  I didn't see them getting outraged when anti-war activists were targeted.

[Brendan]

Check out Lou Dobbs on CNN airing right now.

[xfahctor]

Ya know, it really pisses me off seeing the patriot movement being hijacked by the same bastards that are half the establishemtn problem. Funny, where were they 2 years ago when Bush was pushing a lot of the same shit? Apparently, they think the general population is stupid, i fear they my not be too far from right.

[Power_of_the_glory]

Wait.  The right wingers were all about this sort of intrusive shit, until last November.

Now they're upset?  I didn't see them getting outraged when anti-war activists were targeted.

It's okay to violate the rights of others until your rights are being violated.  Unless a group has threatened violence or committed violence, the government has no right to monitor them.  

Unfortunately, I fear that this is a self fulfilling prophesy, every time a report like this comes out the members of the counterculture will become more paranoid and less trusting of the government and will become more likely to lash out against it.  Treat a group of people like criminals and eventually they will become criminals.

[agentbluescreen]

Wait.  The right wingers were all about this sort of intrusive shit, until last November.

Now they're upset?  I didn't see them getting outraged when anti-war activists were targeted.

What I can't understand is just what this Motherland Insecurity crap pile is about in the first place?

You'd think the entire United States was surrounded by an encompassing sphere of Mujihadeen Freedom Fighters a foot apart and 100 deep on all 6 sides!


"we have nothing to fear, but fear itself"  my ass

[Nailer]

this is horrible.  now for the real bad news. hope it is not a repost.


For Official Use Only: Department of Homeland Security Document Predicts Violence in Response to New Gun Restrictions

http://www.blacklistednews.com/news-3893-0-8-8--.html

In the wake of the MIAC report and the Virginia Terrorism Threat Assessment, another document issued by the Department of Homeland Security “for official use only” covering so-called “rightwing extremism” has surfaced. The document warns federal and local officials to expect “terrorism” in response to planned firearm restrictions and other points covered below.



Alex Jones called the numbers listed on the document and validated its authenticity. He contacted the “watch captain” at the Department of Homeland Security’s National Infrastructure Coordinating Center who confirmed the product number on the document as legitimate but would not comment further. A call to the FBI went unanswered.

The following points covered in the document are of particular concern:

Gun Sales

According to the DHS and FBI, local law enforcement’s primary concern should be the high volume of gun and ammunitions purchases over the last few months. The document equates Americans who stockpile ammunition to “rightwing terrorists.” Moreover, stockpiling (merely purchasing) ammunition is an indication of involvement in “paramilitary training exercises” and potential terrorist activity.

According to the Irish Times, the “stockpiling” of ammunition and increased firearm sales are due to the fear Obama will impose new gun laws and other restrictions. “Gun-shop owners and the National Rifle Association (NRA) say the surge is driven by worries that President Obama is planning to ban many types of firearms and that the deepening economic crisis will fuel a crime wave.”

If we are to believe the DHS and the FBI, these Americans, numbering in the millions, are violence prone terrorists and a threat to local law enforcement. In addition, as noted below, concerns about crime due to a worsening economy are paranoid fantasies exploited by terrorists.

Job Losses and the Economy

The document states that job losses, home foreclosures, and the collapsing economy are “perceived” by rightwing terrorists and exploited by them to “draw in new recruits” and further radicalize “those already subscribing to extremist beliefs.” According to the document, the economic crisis is a perception without a foundation in reality, merely an exaggerated device used by terrorists.

In other words, if you complain about the faltering economy reported upon numerous times a day by the corporate media you are a rightwing extremist and a terrorist who may resort to violence and threaten local law enforcement, especially if you support the Second Amendment, own firearms, and “stockpile” (purchase) ammunition.

Illegal Immigration

Like the economic crisis, illegal immigration is at best a perception, not reality, and the rightwing terrorists have exploited this political issue as a racist “call to action” and recruitment tool. The DHS document claims the extremists have exploited the First Amendment on this issue in order to foment violence against illegal immigrants and those who support amnesty and other schemes to legalize illegal immigration. The DHS document cites several examples supposedly linked to anti-immigrant violence committed by “militia members” and mentions a “machinegun attack on Hispanics.”

Stated Purpose of the Document

Dated April 7, 2009, the “scope” of the document is as follows:

This product is one of a series of intelligence assessments published by the Extremism and Radicalization Branch to facilitate a greater understanding of the phenomenon of violent radicalization in the United States. The information is provided to federal, state, local, and tribal counterterrorism and law enforcement officials so they may effectively deter, prevent, preempt, or respond to terrorist attacks against the United States. Federal efforts to influence domestic public opinion must be conducted in an overt and transparent manner, clearly identifying United States Government sponsorship.

The DHS document — with the unwieldy title “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment” — contains the following warning:

LAW ENFORCEMENT INFORMATION NOTICE: This product contains Law Enforcement Sensitive (LES) information. No portion of the LES information should be released to the media, the general public, or over non-secure Internet servers. Release of this information could adversely affect or jeopardize investigative activities.

Warning: This document is UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY (U//FOUO). It contains information that may be exempt from public release under the Freedom of Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552). It is to be controlled, stored, handled, transmitted, distributed, and disposed of in accordance with DHS policy relating to FOUO information and is not to be released to the public, the media, or other personnel who do not have a valid need-to-know without prior approval of an authorized DHS official. State and local homeland security officials may share this document with authorized security personnel without further approval from DHS.

The DHS wanted the document to remain secret but it was leaked, probably by “authorized security personnel” in local law enforcement (as was the case with the MIAC document produced by the Missouri State Police). Information in the document was “provided to federal, state, local, and tribal counterterrorism and law enforcement officials so they may effectively deter, prevent, preempt, or respond to terrorist attacks against the United States.”

The DHS document — produced in coordination with the FBI — begins by stating it is “one of a series of intelligence assessments published by the Extremism and Radicalization Branch to facilitate a greater understanding of the phenomenon of violent radicalization in the United States” (it is interesting to note the phrase “violent radicalization” is the same one used in H.R. 1955, entitled the “Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007″).

Key Findings

In “Key Findings,” the DHS document states that the Office of Intelligence and Analysis (I&A) has no “no specific information that domestic rightwing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence, but rightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues [specifically gun control]. The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment.”

The above text points to a footnote on the page dividing “rightwing terrorists” into two categories — “adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups), and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely.”

It is significant the DHS (and FBI) categorize opposition to the government as terrorism. The FBI in particular has labeled various “rightwing” movements as extremist for more than a decade, so this is nothing new or revelatory.

The authors of the document drag out all of the old “rightwing” bugaboos, most notably the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. In addition, they mention the “[p]roposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans” resulting in recruiting new members and culminating in the “planning and training for violence against the government.”

In order to underscore this assertion, the authors note the “high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by rightwing extremists in anticipation of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary concern to law enforcement.” In fact, as noted above, the “high volume of purchases,” as the media has reported, is a reaction on the part of Americans in general regardless of ideological persuasion. It is a common sense reaction to the documented fact president Obama is opposed to firearms ownership, even though he claims to support the Second Amendment.

The DHS I&A attributes the purported “resurgence in rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization activity” to economic factors and the election of Barack Obama. “Despite similarities to the climate of the 1990s [a reference to the militia movement exaggerated by government and corporate media], the threat posed by lone wolves and small terrorist cells is more pronounced than in past years. In addition, the historical election of an African American president and the prospect of policy changes [i.e., gun registration leading to eventual confiscation] are proving to be a driving force for rightwing extremist recruitment and radicalization.”

The tone of the document indicates that the government plans to impose restrictions on the ownership of firearms. In addition, the document warns local law enforcement that “rightwing terrorists” will violently resist any attempt to register or confiscate guns.



continued at the link posted..

[New Whirled Order]

I'm watching these debates on other political forums, sort of like slowing down to view the aftermath of a car wreck....  Another line in the sand between the left and the right manifests itself.     

[Freeski]

I thought the left wing were the extemists! 

[Patriotist]

Homeland Security on guard for 'right-wing extremists'
Returning U.S. military veterans singled out as particular threats

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=94803

From what I saw in the results of the poll at the bottom of that page, we aren't alone. In fact, we're in the vast majority.

[Dig]

Homeland Security on guard for 'right-wing extremists'
Returning U.S. military veterans singled out as particular threats

http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=94803

From what I saw in the results of the poll at the bottom of that page, we aren't alone. In fact, we're in the vast majority.

That is World Net Daily.  Its entire existence is due to the conservative movement.

[Irobot]

New room concerning the NWO infiltration of the truth movement:

http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?board=391.0

Two things: 1st, I think the new section is a great addition, I was planing on suggesting it myself. However, I believe t needs to be thinned down once more.

2nd may I suggest moving these two post there?

http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?topic=89885.msg519705#msg519705
http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?topic=90114.0

[Elvis]

Wait.  The right wingers were all about this sort of intrusive shit, until last November.
Now they're upset?  I didn't see them getting outraged when anti-war activists were targeted.

Kinda funny ain't it? When the Republicans were in office, Democrats were the enemy. Now the Democrats are in office, the Republicans are the enemy. When you look up over the top of the mob, all you see is bankers and government officials running off with sacks of money. If you say, "Look!", YOU'RE the problem.

[Dig]

Two things: 1st, I think the new section is a great addition, I was planing on suggesting it myself. However, I believe t needs to be thinned down once more.

2nd may I suggest moving these two post there?

http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?topic=89885.msg519705#msg519705
http://forum.prisonplanet.com/index.php?topic=90114.0

done, let me know if any others need to move.

[Nailer]

What they are really saying here is that anyone who believes in liberty and would be willing to step up and fight a corrupt government (them) for it is more likely to become a terrorist. They are really just stating the obvious. I think this is a pretty big deal though, because if you read between the lines they are essential admitting to their intentions of fighting against what these people stand for. Which would be Liberty.

[Dig]

Joe Scarborough on MSNBC went a lttle crazy over this (rightly so) on Morning Joe.  If anyone can youtube it, it should be enlightening to those that only listen to MSM.

[JonTheSavage]

I thought the left wing were the extemists! 

They are.

[Optimus]

Gov't views opponents of abortion, illegal immigration as possible threats
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=490400
Associated Press and OneNewsNow - 4/15/2009 8:35:00 AM

WASHINGTON, DC - Department of Homeland Security officials have issued a report which links people with pro-life, anti-illegal immigration views, teachers of end-time prophecies, and veterans of war with "right-wing extremist" groups.

In an intelligence assessment issued to law enforcement last week, Homeland Security officials said there was no specific information about an attack in the works by right-wing extremists. But the agency warns that an extended economic downturn with real estate foreclosures, unemployment, and an inability to obtain credit could foster an environment for extremists to recruit members who may not have been supportive of these causes in the past.

The latest assessment started making its way into the mainstream press after conservative blogs got wind of the analysis. In the unclassified report -- "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment" --  the agency warns that imposing new restrictions on firearms and returning military veterans who have difficulties assimilating back into their communities could lead to terror groups or individuals attempting to carry out attacks. The returning war veterans have skills and experience that are appealing to right-wing groups looking to carry out an attack, according to the report.

The report says right-wing extremism in the United states can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily "hate-oriented" and those that are mainly anti-government, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority or rejecting government authority entirely.

According to the Homeland Security document, right-wing extremism "may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as abortion or immigration."

The report goes on to say that "many right-wing extremists are antagonistic toward the new presidential administration and its perceived stance on a range of issues, including immigration and citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions on firearms ownership and use."

The Homeland Security report also makes reference to the rise of right-wing extremism in the 1990s and says factors which enhanced the movement were opposition to things such as abortion and same-sex "marriage."

It also says "antigovernment conspiracy theories and 'end times' prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons."

------------------------------------------------

There's a video report at the end of this article.
http://www.onenewsnow.com/Politics/Default.aspx?id=490400

[PDXRacer]

Right wingers complaining about a Right wing created entity.    I love it.

[nofakenews]

Napolitano stands by 'extremism' report

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano said she was briefed before the release of a controversial intelligence assessment and that she stands by the report sent to law enforcement that lists veterans as a terrorist risk to the U.S. and defines "rightwing extremism" as including groups opposed to abortion and immigration.

The outcry resulted in a demand from the head of the American Legion to meet with Ms. Napolitano, a request the DHS chief said she would honor next week when she returns to Washington from her current tour of the U.S.-Mexican border.

"The document on right-wing extremism sent last week by this department´s Office of Intelligence and Analysis is one in an ongoing series of assessments to provide situational awareness to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies on the phenomenon and trends of violent radicalization in the United States," Ms. Napolitano said in a statement.

http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2009/apr/16/napolitano-stands-rightwing-extremism/

[Dig]

Napolitano on extremism
Releases follow-up statement
http://www.politico.com/politico44/perm/0409/napolitano_on_extremism_7f2ad636-5dff-4049-8386-ea3b7370eb31.html
By ALEXANDER BURNS

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano has released a statement explaining the DHS report on “right-wing extremism” ...

that has attracted attention and controversy over the last few days:

Napolitano:

“The primary mission of this department is to prevent terrorist attacks on our nation. The document on right-wing extremism sent last week by this department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis is one in an ongoing series of assessments to provide situational awareness to state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies on the phenomenon and trends of violent radicalization in the United States. I was briefed on the general topic, which is one that struck a nerve as someone personally involved in the Timothy McVeigh prosecution.

“Let me be very clear: we monitor the risks of violent extremism taking root here in the United States. We don’t have the luxury of focusing our efforts on one group; we must protect the country from terrorism whether foreign or homegrown, and regardless of the ideology that motivates its violence.

“We are on the lookout for criminal and terrorist activity but we do not – nor will we ever – monitor ideology or political beliefs. We take seriously our responsibility to protect the civil rights and liberties of the American people, including subjecting our activities to rigorous oversight from numerous internal and external sources.

“I am aware of the letter from American Legion National Commander Rehbein, and my staff has already contacted him to set up a meeting next week once I return from travel. I will tell him face-to-face that we honor veterans at DHS and employ thousands across the department, up to and including the Deputy Secretary.

“As the department responsible for protecting the homeland, DHS will continue to work with its state and local partners to prevent and protect against the potential threat to the United States associated with any rise in violent extremist activity.”

[JBS]

I have taken the liberty of uploading the video clip from Campaign For Liberty via YouTube to my web server. Seemed like important stuff about the latest DHS secret terror memo.

http://recall2.nfshost.com/newmedia/judge.htm

It's originally on FOX noise, which I never watch, for what its worth.

[JBS]

The clip is:

"Freedom Watch" 4/15/09

On Wednesday, Dr. Paul joined Peter Schiff, Lew Rockwell, Michelle Muccio, Dr. Liam Fox, and Shelly Roche on the latest installment of Judge Napolitano's "Freedom Watch."

[lee51]

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iY4U7grAdfoZTwVsntWagLqvr-vwD97J67100

Republicans criticize report on right-wing groups
By EILEEN SULLIVAN – 14 hours ago

WASHINGTON (AP) — Republicans on Wednesday said a Homeland Security Department intelligence assessment unfairly characterizes military veterans as right-wing extremists.

House Republican leader John Boehner described the report as offensive and called on the agency to apologize to veterans.

The agency's intelligence assessment, sent to law enforcement officials last week, warns that right-wing extremists could use the bad state of the U.S. economy and the election of the country's first black president to recruit members.

The assessment also said that returning military veterans who have difficulties assimilating back into their home communities could be susceptible to extremist recruiters or might engage in lone acts of violence.

"To characterize men and women returning home after defending our country as potential terrorists is offensive and unacceptable," said Boehner, R-Ohio.

The commander of the veterans group the American Legion, David Rehbein, wrote to Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano expressing concern with the assessment, which made its way into the mainstream press after conservative bloggers got wind of the analysis.

Rehbein called the assessment incomplete and said it lacked statistical evidence. He said the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by military veteran Timothy McVeigh, cited in the report, was one instance of a veteran becoming a domestic terrorist.

"To continue to use McVeigh as an example of the stereotypical 'disgruntled military veteran' is as unfair as using Osama bin Laden as the sole example of Islam," Rehbein said in the April 13 letter.

Napolitano defended the assessment and others issued by the agency.

"Let me be very clear — we monitor the risks of violent extremism taking root here in the United States," Napolitano said in a statement. "We don't have the luxury of focusing our efforts on one group; we must protect the country from terrorism whether foreign or homegrown, and regardless of the ideology that motivates its violence."

Napolitano said the department respects and honors veterans and that she intends to meet with Rehbein next week after she returns from a tour of the U.S.-Mexico border and meetings in Mexico City.

Glen M. Gardner Jr., national commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, disputed claims that Homeland Security analysts were describing veterans as terror threats.

"The report should have been worded differently, but it made no blanket accusation that every soldier was capable of being a traitor like Benedict Arnold, or every veteran could be a lone wolf, homegrown terrorist like Timothy McVeigh," said Gardner, a Marine veteran from Round Rock, Texas. " It was just an assessment about possibilities that could take place."

Homeland Security says the assessments are part of a series published "to facilitate a greater understanding of the phenomenon of violent radicalization in the United States."

In February, the department issued a report to law enforcement that said left-wing extremist groups were likely to use cyber attacks more often in the next 10 years to further their cause.

In September, the agency highlighted how right-wing extremists over the past five years have used the immigration debate as a recruiting tool.

Between September 2008 and Feb. 5, the agency issued at least four reports, obtained by The Associated Press, on individual extremist groups such as the Moors, Vinlanders Social Club, Volksfront and Hammerskin Nation.

But the references to military veterans in the recent report angered conservatives.

"The department is engaging in political and ideological profiling of people who fought to keep our country safe from terrorism, uphold our nation's immigration laws, and protect our constitutional right to keep and bear arms," said Rep. Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla.,

Texas Rep. Lamar Smith accused the department of painting "law-abiding Americans, including war veterans, as 'extremists.'"

Indiana Rep. Steve Buyer, the ranking Republican on the House Veterans' Affairs committee, said it was "inconceivable" that the administration would consider military veterans a potential terrorist threat.

[Rock]

Napolitano Apologizes for Offending Veterans After DHS Eyes Them for 'Rightwing Extremism'



http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/16/napolitano-apologizes-offending-veterans-dhs-eyes-rightwing-extremism/

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized to veterans after a report issued by her department said troops returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were at risk for being recruited by right-wing extremists.

"To the extent veterans read it as an accusation -- and apology is owed," she said in an on-air interview on FOX News Thursday, a day after veterans' groups and members of Congress blasted her for the report, which they said libeled members of the armed forces.

"The last thing I want to do is offend or castigate all veterans. To the contrary, let's meet and clear the air," she said.

[bigron]

Re-fueling the terrorism scare 


16/04/2009 11:54:00 AM GMT
http://aljazeera.com/news/articles/39/Refueling_the_terrorism_scare.html
 
 There are, of course, real predictors of terrorism in the world, like the occupation of people's countries.





By David Swanson

Virginia is for lovers, but there's a terrorist behind every dogwood.

Or so you might gather from the "2009 Virginia Terrorism Threat Assessment" by the "Commonwealth of Virginia Department of State Police Virginia Fusion Center" which is part federal and therefore not Virginian and part private and therefore not commonwealth.

The motto of the fusion center on the cover of the report reads "Scienta Est Potentia," but they forgot to add that a little bit of scienta can be dangerous.

The ACLU and Raw Story have been criticizing this report and others by other fusion centers for their tendency to advocate tossing out the Bill of Rights in order to spy on people associated with organizations whose names almost rhyme with those of other organizations once frequented by someone whose cousin had heard first-hand a story about a real live terrorist.

One of the most horrifying threats revealed in this latest report is that someone might hack into road signs as done in Austin, where signs were made to read “CAUTION! ZOMBIES! AHEAD!!!” and “RUN FOR COLD CLIMATES.”

I feel so terrorized already I'd almost be willing to let my government leave Iraq and Afghanistan. Oh, what the heck, all right, I agree: end the wars.

There are, of course, real predictors of terrorism in the world, like the occupation of people's countries, and predictable targets in Virginia, like the Pentagon.

Spying on citizens
Sadly, energy that could go into improving foreign relations is going into profiling and spying on active citizens, the very people who might help improve the situation.

"While there is no intelligence that indicates terrorists are planning attacks in Virginia," the fusion center tells us, "the abundance of potential targets provides terrorists with many possibilities and opportunities throughout the Commonwealth." But …

"Spanning 39,598 square miles, Virginia has a population of almost 7.5 million residents. Roughly half of these residents are concentrated in the northern Virginia, central Virginia, and Hampton Roads regions. All three of these regions feature ethnically diverse populations with cultural ties to the Middle East, the horn of Africa, Southeast Asia, and other areas heavily impacted by terrorist activities.

“While the vast majority of these individuals are law-abiding, this ethnic diversity also affords terrorist operatives the opportunity to assimilate easily into society, without arousing suspicion."

The vast majority? Meaning 100 percent, since there is "no intelligence that indicates terrorists are planning attacks in Virginia"?

When terrorists easily assimilated prior to 9-11 there were FBI reports about them that Washington DC wasn't able to assimilate, although its former director has assimilated well as hired attorney for Prince Bandar. But, wait! Guess where these proponents of Scienta see danger lurking next:

"Virginia’s network of colleges and universities also represent a potential avenue of entry for terrorist operatives and a possible forum for recruitment of sympathizers."

There being no evidence of any planned attacks, clearly young people must be being recruited to those nonexistent causes in those hotbeds of heresy where opinions deviate dangerously from the ones ordered by superior officers: colleges.

"A wide variety of terror or extremist groups have links to Division 1."

Extremist groups too? Guess we'd better spy on them. What if they started registering voters or something?

"Richmond’s history as the capital city of the Confederacy, combined with the city’s current demographic concentration of African-American residents, contributes to the continued presence of race-based extremist groups.

"This area is also the site of several community colleges and urban universities that attract a diverse range of domestic and international students and professors; two area universities are designated as Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

“While the majority of individuals associated with educational institutions do not engage in activities of interest to the VFC, it is important to note that University-based students groups are recognized as a radicalization node for almost every type of extremist group.

"A small number of Division 1 area college students also align themselves with anarchist or animal and/or environmental groups."

Not environmental groups! What if they should put up a solar panel or turn off a lamp? I'm s-c-a-r-e-d, officer, please protect me!

And the "majority" of such people don't engage in activities that interest you? What about the minority who are not planning terrorism but do manage to interest you? Are some of them so extremist as to be BLACK?

"… Richmond is also home to several large commercial facilities, including a major NASCAR track."

In fact, I visited that track last year for a Sarah Palin rally, where I filmed these peculiar people, one of whom was dead set on putting bullets into a great many human beings, but he only had in mind Iraqis, so that wasn't terrorism.

However, this decrepit dump of an arena for our bread and circuses did strike me as a prime target for terrorism, especially if every other nonresidential structure on earth had already been destroyed.

-- David Swanson is the author of the upcoming book Daybreak: Undoing the Imperial Presidency and Forming a More Perfect Union. He is co-founder of AfterDowningStreet.org.

ConsortiumNews




-- Middle East Online

 

[JBS]

Napolitano Apologizes for Offending Veterans After DHS Eyes Them for 'Rightwing Extremism'



http://www.foxnews.com/politics/first100days/2009/04/16/napolitano-apologizes-offending-veterans-dhs-eyes-rightwing-extremism/

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano apologized to veterans after a report issued by her department said troops returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan were at risk for being recruited by right-wing extremists.

"To the extent veterans read it as an accusation -- and apology is owed," she said in an on-air interview on FOX News Thursday, a day after veterans' groups and members of Congress blasted her for the report, which they said libeled members of the armed forces.


"The last thing I want to do is offend or castigate all veterans. To the contrary, let's meet and clear the air," she said.

Terrorist Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is just the kind of monster this country can do without. These kinds of statement/memos are only good for stirring up all kinds of hostilities, hate and paranoia. It sounds like the ravings of a terrorized Neocon lunatic that thinks the whole country is full of terrorists. This idiot would not know a terrorist if one came up and bit her on the ass. Thanks Mr. Nomamma for picking a complete idiot that has no idea how to run anything. Boy, I sure feel safer now that we have an idiot in charge of DHS SS!
She even looks like a Nazi pig. I mean gee, when you accuse your own nation's soldiers of being possible terrorists? The problem with her is that she must be a leftover from the Hitler Regime. The kind of person that thinks that everyone is a dissident and therefore a terrorist. You, me, everyone.

[heavyhebrew]

Soon Napolitano will have a new report issued for kids....

[KI4BNC]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^that is funny^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

[Nailer]

Anti Gun Protest Backfires..  LOL


http://washingtontimes.com/photos/2009/apr/06/1713/


About 100 supporters of a bill tightening Virginia gun control staged a lie-in on the Capitol lawn, but were outnumbered 3-1 yesterday by opponents who wielded signs declaring "Here Lie Disarmed Victims."