Are They Right Wing Extremists?

At yesterday's “Small Town” Tax Day Tea Party, I saw several signs with references to “Right Wing Extremists.” These people were referring to the DHS assessment [H/T to Michelle Malkin] sent to state and local law enforcement agencies concerning “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.” It was a good thing I used her link because when I typed “Rightwing Extremism” into the search box on the Dept. of Homeland Security website I got a 24 page long gobbletity-gook, acronym rich document that was decidedly NOT helpful.

Her post about this advisory and the links to other blogs, giving their interpretation of this document and its implications were enlightening.

Two passages I found especially disturbing [though I urge you to read the entire advisory for yourself] are below:

...suspension of the U.S. Constitution, and the creation of citizen detention camps often incorporate aspects of a failed economy. Antigovernment conspiracy theories and “end times” prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons.

And

On the current front, legislation has been proposed this year
requiring mandatory registration of all firearms in the United States. Similar
legislation was introduced in 2008 in several states proposing mandatory tagging and registration of ammunition. 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.

I think the second quote is indicative of the type of "... suspension of the U.S. Constitution..." a lot of folks fear.

Of course I've heard Federal and Local Law Enforcement agencies refer to one AR-15, one .30-.30, one .30-.06 and 3 handguns as a “stockpile.” They also consider ammunition in excess of amounts to fill more than one magazine per weapon as “hoarding.”

As for “stockpiling food,” I know several individuals living in natural disaster zones who keep supplies [canned food, water, fuel for Coleman lanterns and Coleman stoves and flashlights] on hand all year long in the event of an emergency. Many of these folks also keep a “bug-out” bag with short-term food and medical supplies, money and handguns. The handguns are to protect themselves from looters and predators who go into action in post-disaster periods. [Remember the Katrina aftermath especially in N'Orlens but also in other locations all along the Gulf Coast?] Are these people “Rightwing Extremists?”

I knew a Mormon lady who informed me Mormans were instructed by their church leaders to keep emergency food and water supplies at all times. Does this make Mormons “Rightwing Extremists?”

What about citizens who re-load ammunition as a way to cut down on the expense of sport shooting and hunting. They tend to buy supplies in bulk. Are THEY “Rightwing Extremists” for trying to save money?

If a person is dissatisfied with the non-enforcement of immigration law, not for racial reasons, but for the millions they send out of the economy, the financial drain they cause on social service systems; are they “Rightwing Extremists?”

If you are a taxpayer who believes in Capitalism and are disgusted with this administration rewarding failure through its billion dollar bail-outs paid for by the successful and/or prudent; are You a “Rightwing Extremist?”

I have many friends who are Anti-abortion. They work with-in the law to curtail what they see as a death-penalty for fetuses. Are They “Rightwing Extremists?” While I am pro-choice, I've never felt threatened by our philosophical differences.

Are the hunters who may have rifles of different calibers for use against different types of animals “Rightwing Extremists” because they enjoy a sport that has its roots in the settling of this country? Many use the meat they harvest to feed their families or donate the meat to organizations like “Hunters Against Hunger.”

Please, go read the document at the link above. Then tell me if YOU are a “Rightwing Extremist.”