Election, economy spark explosive growth of militias

[IDemo]

By Stephanie Schendel, Murrow News Service

The election of President Barack Obama in 2008 triggered an explosion in the number of militias and so-called patriot groups in the United States, the Southern Poverty Law Center reported in its annual tally of such anti-government organizations.

There were 149 militias and patriot groups when Obama took office, compared to more than 1,200 today — an increase of 755 percent, the nonprofit civil rights organization reported.

"The increase has just been astounding," said Mark Potok, editor-in-chief of the SPLC report. "The reality is that many of these groups are becoming more and more fearful that Barack Obama will win the re-election. You can see the anger rising along with that fear."

The SPLC defines the "patriot" movement as made up of conspiracy-minded individuals who see the federal government as their primary enemy. The movement includes paramilitary militias as well as groups of "sovereign citizens," who believe they are not subject to federal or state laws, nor obligated to pay federal taxes, according to SPLC.

http://usnews.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/07/10602763-election-economy-spark-explosive-growth-of-militias

[Zalatix]

1. This is why liberals should get armed. Well armed.

The cops won't get there in time if one of these nutball groups targets you and your family.

Your chances that it will come to this has gone up 755% since 2008.

[napoleon_in_rags]

2. We should have our own militias on the left.

Filled up with scientific rationalists, and people who value their rights.

I'll never forget seeing the armed fools attacking the Obamacare town halls by intimidating participants with guns. The possibility still exists that these fools will have their way, overturning Obamacare, and thereby establishing armed intimidation as the premier strategy for accomplishing political goals in the US. If so, the left should be ready, and with more than mid-20th century iron. The possibility exists that these people really want a fight, and we should be prepared to give them just that.

[unionworks]

3. well advised

To leave dealing with these dangerous people to the proper authorities.

[Dawson Leery]

4. When their side loses an election, the right calls for revolution.

When their side wins and election, the right calls for subjugating of their opponents.

Fascists indeed.

[chrisa]

5. 99% of these are actually just dumb rednecks who will never do anything.

Usually meth tweakers, pedos, basement dwellers who live off mommy, or just-got-out-of-jail losers. There's probably not a group of people I have less respect for or think will actually try anything.