Homeland Security: Right Wing Extremists "Gaining New Recruits" After Obama's Election

In May 2007, Barack Obama was placed under 24/7 Secret Service protection—the earliest ever for a presidential candidate—after receiving numerous racist death threats. The election of the nation's first black president has become a potent recruiting tool for the extreme right, according to a new assessment from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security.

[R]ightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues. The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment.

If the "uncertain economy" and a "perceived rising influence of other countries" continues, "rightwing extremism is likely to grow in strength," the report adds. "[L]one wolves and small terrorist cells embracing violent rightwing extremist ideology are the most dangerous domestic terrorism threat in the United States."

The Southern Poverty Law Center adds the "number of hate groups operating in the United States continued to rise in 2008 and has grown by 54 percent since 2000—an increase fueled last year by immigration fears, a failing economy and the successful campaign of Barack Obama."

The recent shooting rampage in Pittsburgh that killed three officers was appatrently committed by a man who posted numerous racist and anti-Semitic messages on white supremacist websites.

Comments

[Nathan James]

These terrorist organizations forget too quickly that President Obama wouldn't be in the White House if millions of their white neighbors didn't vote for him. But this story is nothing new--right-wing extremist groups always gain in times of economic upheaval and uncertainty. The inherited economy that President Obama must now deal with is the result of right-wing policies that rewarded the wealthy at the expense of the rest of us. Now that the chickens are home to roost, the right finds a convenient target in the White House.

Obama is unlike any other US President, and because he is "different" it's easy for hate groups to single him out for attack. The fact that Obama has been largely successful during his first hundred days in office is immaterial to these disturbed individuals and groups. In recognition of this, the Secret Service got serious about Obama's security--I had a glimpse of that while at the Hofstra debate between Obama and McCain. Yet, even as there was super-tight security (they even opened up our cameras and remotes), we still were able to see and cover the story. Obama was sharp, personable, and very willing to stay behind after the debate was over to speak to those present. By contrast, McCain left five minutes after the debate ended. This is a BIG reason why Obama won, and it's also a big reason why hate-groups are targeting him. Can't have a bright, energetic, people-friendly man of color in the White House, oh no!

You can bet that as Obama moves forward with his Progressive administration, the right wing-nuts will be out in force. Vigilance against them is of paramount importance.

[Kevin]

You're right, Nathan.

There is no way Obama would have won the presidency without not simply "white votes" but "redneck" votes.

He won Indiana. He won Pennsylvania. He won Virginia. he won Florida. He won North Carolina. There were plenty of rednecks that voted for Obama

[gurlene]

Not only do I agree with both Nathan and Kevin but I find it interesting how NONE of the "defenders" of america mention who the alternative to Obama was/would have been nor hurl any accusations about voter fraud (as in both the '00 and '04 election(s) of Bush.

If you think this is bad you should have been around during the Carter years. That was when the Turner Diaries (the 'bible' of Oklahoma City bomber Timothy McVie) came to life.

[Luther]

The hate towards this man is getting scarier by the day, and, most of it egged on by the right wing radio and Fox "news" is to blame for this with the out and out lies they are spreading and the dimwits who believe it all to be true. I was talking to a friend today and said, had McCain won and put in the exact same stimulus package, you would not hear the same hate.

[Gary]

Why are there only ever right wing extremists? Where are the left wing extremists? Oh wait, isn't that anyone who supports gay rights?...

[Rowan]

"The hate towards this man is getting scarier by the day"

Yep.

Not surprised though.

And for those who mention that of course 'rednecks' voted for him, so therefore it should mean a slight bit of difference to a clinically insane sociopath who live to preach hate...

Erm..no.