The number of
hate groups in the United States is on the rise, a trend
that some see as directly correlated to the failing economy.
There are now at least 888 known hate groups in
the country, according to a report by the Southern
Poverty Law Center.
Jim Cavanaugh of
the Anti-Defamation League told TheWashington Post that "the Internet, immigration
and the economic crisis -- that is the molten mixture for
these guys."
As the world
delves deeper into uncertain economic times, veteran
investigators in the United States have started to pay more
attention to supremacists and radicals who harm
certain minority groups to make a point, the
Post reported Monday. In addition to fiscal
troubles, rising immigration and the reality of a black man
in the White House may be enough to push some
extremists over the edge.
As the number of
hate groups increases, the number of hate crimes
committed against gays and lesbians has also seen a rise in
the past year. FBI figures show that such attacks
increased by 6% from 2006 to 2007, while the
number for all hate crimes had dropped slightly (1%
in the same time period). Race-based incidents made up a
majority of the 7,624 hate crimes reported in 2007.
While federal
investigators have been able to intercept plans for violent
acts, one infamous group is heading to Washington, D.C. to
protest the inauguration of President Obama. The
antigay Westboro Baptist Church, which the Southern
Poverty Law Center deems a hate group, will no doubt
make headlines during its protest of Obama,
who supports many gay-related causes and is
pro-choice. (Advocate.com)
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