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from here on April 13, 2009
http://www.wnd.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=94803
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Homeland Security on guard for 'right-wing extremists'
Returning U.S. military veterans singled out as particular threats
Posted: April 12, 2009
9:40 pm Eastern
© 2009 WorldNetDaily
WASHINGTON – A newly
unclassified Department of Homeland Security report warns against the
possibility of violence by unnamed "right-wing extremists" concerned about
illegal immigration, increasing federal power, restrictions on firearms,
abortion and the loss of U.S. sovereignty and singles out returning war veterans
as particular threats.
The report, titled "Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate
Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," dated April 7, states
that "threats from white supremacist and violent anti-government groups during
2009 have been largely rhetorical and have not indicated plans to carry out
violent acts."
However, the document, first reported by
talk-radio host
and WND
columnist Roger Hedgecock, goes on to suggest worsening economic woes,
potential new legislative restrictions on firearms and "the return of military
veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities
could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf
extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks."
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The report from DHS' Office of Intelligence and Analysis defines right-wing
extremism in the U.S. as "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 anti-government, rejecting
federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government
authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to
a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."
"[T]he consequences of a prolonged economic downturn – including real estate
foreclosures, unemployment and an inability to obtain credit – could create a
fertile recruiting environment for right-wing extremists and even result in
confrontations between such groups and government authorities similar to those
in the past," the report says.
It adds that "growth in these groups subsided in reaction to increased
government scrutiny as a result of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing and disrupted
plots, improvements in the economy and the continued U.S. standing as the
pre-eminent world power."
"Proposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans likely would
attract new members into the ranks of right-wing extremist groups as well as
potentially spur some of them to begin planning and training for violence
against the government," the report continues. "The high volume of purchases and
stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by right-wing extremists in anticipation
of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary
concern to law enforcement."
Most notable is the report's focus on the impact of returning war veterans.
"Returning veterans possess combat skills and experience that are attractive to
right-wing extremists," it says. "DHS/I&A is concerned that right-wing
extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize veterans in order to boost
their violent capacities."
The report cites the April 4 shooting deaths of three police officers in
Pittsburgh as an example of what may be coming, claiming the alleged gunman
holds a racist ideology and believes in anti-government conspiracy theories
about gun confiscations, citizen detention camps and "a Jewish-controlled
'one-world government.'"
It also suggests the election of an African-American president and the prospect
of his policy changes "are proving to be a driving force for right-wing
extremist recruitment and radicalization."
The report also mentions "'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 the violent Christian Identity
organizations and extremist members of the militia movement."
"DHS/I&A assesses that right-wing extremist groups' frustration over a perceived
lack of government action on illegal immigration has the potential to incite
individuals or small groups toward violence," the report continues.
The report states the DHS will be working with state and local partners over the
next several months to determine the levels of right-wing extremist activity in
the U.S.
Last month, the
chief of the Missouri highway patrol blasted a report issued by the Missouri
Information Analysis Center that linked conservative groups to domestic
terrorism, assuring that such reports no longer will be issued. The report
had been compiled with the assistance of DHS.
The report warned law enforcement agencies to watch for suspicious individuals
who may have bumper stickers for third-party political candidates such as Ron
Paul, Bob Barr and Chuck Baldwin.
It further warned law enforcement to watch out for individuals with "radical"
ideologies based on Christian views, such as opposing illegal immigration,
abortion and federal taxes.
Chief James Keathley of the Missouri State Patrol issued a statement that the
release of the report, which outraged conservatives nationwide, prompted him to
"take a hard look" at the procedures through which the report was released by
the MIAC.
"My review of the procedures used by the MIAC in the three years since its
inception indicates that the mechanism in place for oversight of reports needs
improvement," he wrote. "Until two weeks ago, the process for release of reports
from the MIAC to law enforcement officers around the state required no review by
leaders of the Missouri State Highway Patrol or the Department of Public
Safety."
"For that reason, I have ordered the MIAC to permanently cease distribution of
the militia report," he said. "Further, I am creating a new process for
oversight of reports drafted by the MIAC that will require leaders of the
Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Department of Public Safety to review the
content of these reports before they are shared with law enforcement. My office
will also undertake a review of the origin of the report by MIAC."
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