Election, economy spark explosive growth of militias

[xchrom]

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

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.

[slackmaster]

1. It's unfortunate that the terms militia and patriot have been co-opted to refer to bad things

There are legitimate militias defined by federal and state laws. They include the National Guard, Navy Reserve, and the unorganized militias which consist basically of all able-bodied citizens.

I was taught that being a patriot is a good thing. I still feel that way. Groups that are subversive should be labelled as such, with honest language.

[denverbill]

2. Gee, I wonder where they get their fear and hatred from (cough, Rush).