Gov't views opponents of abortion, illegal immigration as possible threats
Associated Press and OneNewsNow - 4/15/2009 8:35:00 AM
In an intelligence assessment issued to law enforcement last week, Homeland Security officials said there was no specific information about an attack in the works by right-wing extremists. But the agency warns that an extended economic downturn with real estate foreclosures, unemployment, and an inability to obtain credit could foster an environment for extremists to recruit members who may not have been supportive of these causes in the past.
The latest assessment started making its way into the mainstream press after conservative blogs got wind of the analysis. In the unclassified report -- "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment" -- the agency warns that imposing new restrictions on firearms and returning military veterans who have difficulties assimilating back into their communities could lead to terror groups or individuals attempting to carry out attacks. The returning war veterans have skills and experience that are appealing to right-wing groups looking to carry out an attack, according to the report.
The report says right-wing extremism in the United states can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and adherents that are primarily "hate-oriented" and those that are mainly anti-government, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority or rejecting government authority entirely.
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According to the Homeland Security document, right-wing extremism "may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as abortion or immigration."
The report goes on to say that "many right-wing 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."
The Homeland Security report also makes reference to the rise of right-wing extremism in the 1990s and says factors which enhanced the movement were opposition to things such as abortion and same-sex "marriage."
It also says "antigovernment conspiracy theories and 'end times' prophecies could motivate extremist individuals and groups to stockpile food, ammunition, and weapons."
