Economic Woes
Encourage Rise of Hate Groups

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)