Are You An Extremist - Part 1

DHS Views on Extremists
After its creation, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) created a report that describes various types of "extremists." You may be surprised at what exactly, they deem who or what is a potential threat to our national security.

It's really quite interesting to see who the Department of Homeland Security considers an "extremist." You may be surprised to find yourself or someone you know grouped into this category. Your thoughts and political views may put you in the DHS crosshairs, so read on and find out for yourself.

Todays' blog looks at a few of the Department of Homeland Security's explanations of certain types of extremists. Tomorrow we will complete their descriptions. Here are some excerpts taken from their report:

1 RACISM ELEMENTS
"Rightwing extremists have capitalized on the election of the first African American president, and are focusing their efforts to recruit new members, mobilize existing supporters, and broaden their scope and appeal through propaganda, but they have not yet turned to attack planning."

Retort: So if you don't like OBAMA, disagree with his policies, his bailouts, his skirting Congress, his scandals, and violations of the laws, so the DHS says you're a racist extremist.

Or

"Rightwing extremists are harnessing this historical election as a recruitment tool. Many rightwing extremists are antagonistic toward the new presidential administration and its perceived stance on a range of issues, including immigration and citizenship, the expansion of social programs to minorities, and restrictions on firearms ownership and use. Rightwing extremists are increasingly galvanized by these concerns and leverage them as drivers for recruitment. From the 2008 election timeframe to the present, rightwing extremists have capitalized on related racial and political prejudices in expanded propaganda campaigns, thereby reaching out to a wider audience of potential sympathizers."

Retort: So if you don't like Obama hiring 35 CZARS (one of which is the "Regulatory CZAR" to curb all your behaviors), DHS says you're an racist extremist.

2 GUN FANATICS
"Proposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans likely would attract new members into the ranks of rightwing extremist groups, as well as potentially spur some of them to begin planning and training for violence against the government. The high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by rightwing extremists in anticipation of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary concern to law enforcement."

Retort: If you believe in the 2nd Amendment and want to defend yourself and see the government restricting your rights to buy ammunition, buy guns, and carry concealed weapons, you're not a law abiding citizen, no, you're a righting extremist.

Or

"Open source reporting of wartime ammunition shortages has likely spurred rightwing extremists—as well as law-abiding Americans—to make bulk purchases of ammunition. These shortages have increased the cost of ammunition, further exacerbating rightwing extremist paranoia and leading to further stockpiling activity. Both rightwing extremists and law-abiding citizens share a belief that rising crime rates attributed to a slumping economy make the purchase of legitimate firearms a wise move at this time."

Retort: You see the government stockpiling huge quantities of ammunition for the Social Security Depart, Fish and Wildlife, National Weather Service Department, but it is NOT OK for you to purchase and do the same. You must be a "PARONOID" rightwing extremist!

3 MILITARY VETERANS
"Returning veterans possess combat skills and experience that are attractive to rightwing extremists. DHS/I&A is concerned that rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to boost their violent capabilities."

Retort: If you're a veteran, you have just sacrificed yourself, your life,  and your time to protect and serve your country. However, now the DHS says you will come home and turn on your fellow countrymen and women for a fanatical cause. You're a potential rightwing extremist.

Or

"The possible passage of new 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."

Retort: You just returned from combat and have to wait a week to buy a gun. This makes you mad so you want to get even with authorities. The DHS says you're possibly a "Lone-wolf extremist" and could harm fellow citizens like Timothy McVeigh.

OR

"DHS/I&A assesses that rightwing extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to exploit their skills and knowledge derived from military training and combat. These skills and knowledge have the potential to boost the capabilities of extremists—including lone wolves or small terrorist cells—to carry out violence. The willingness of a small percentage of military personnel to join extremist groups during the 1990s because they were disgruntled, disillusioned, or suffering from the psychological effects of war is being replicated today."

Retort: You just returned from combat and can't wait to see more carnage. You want to join-up with those who will do just that. You're a rightwing extremist and want to join a terrorist cell.

4 THE ECONOMY
"Rightwing extremist chatter on the Internet continues to focus on the economy, the perceived loss of U.S. jobs in the manufacturing and construction sectors, and home foreclosures. Anti-Semitic extremists attribute these losses to a deliberate conspiracy conducted by a cabal of Jewish “financial elites.” These “accusatory” tactics are employed to draw new recruits into rightwing extremist groups and further radicalize those already subscribing to extremist beliefs. DHS/I&A assesses this trend is likely to accelerate if the economy is perceived to worsen."

Retort: The economy is in the toilet. Millions of Americans are out of work. You may also be looking for a job. People in the neighborhood have lost their homes to foreclosures and burglaries are more frequent. It's time to join an "Anti-Semantic Militia" and save the world.

Or

"Rightwing extremist views bemoan the decline of U.S. stature and have recently focused on themes such as the loss of U.S. manufacturing capability to China and India, Russia’s control of energy resources and use of these to pressure other countries, and China’s investment in U.S. real estate and corporations as a part of subversion strategy."

Retort: You see China acquiring our debt and taking the lead in trade and manufacturing. Everything you buy is now made in China. We (the USA) manufacturer very little any more. You see the government shutting-down domestic drilling making energy prices skyrocket. DHS says these views are those of righting extremists who don't like these changes in America.

See Tomorrow's Blog
"Are You An Extremist  - Part 2"