Letter from Morris Dees

[H2O Man]

(Probably numerous other DUers have gotten this e-mail from the Southern Poverty Law Center. I think that it should be of interest to everyone here. Peace, H2) Man)

August 12, 2009

Dear Friend,

As you may have seen in the news today, we've just released a new report about the resurgence of the right-wing militia movement — a movement steeped in paranoia and infused with a boiling rage against President Obama.

Back in 1994, we detected similar stirrings among those in the radical right, and we warned the federal government that the "mixture of armed groups and those who hate is a recipe for disaster." Six months later, 168 people were murdered in the Oklahoma City bombing.

Today, we're facing a similar situation. One federal agent told us that "all it's lacking is a spark."

Anti-government militias are just one part of an explosion of extremist rage in America — a backlash to Obama's election and to the progress we're making toward social justice and tolerance. These groups and their allies traffic in bizarre conspiracy theories — like the claim that Obama is not really a U.S. citizen and that he wants to euthanize senior citizens.

The Department of Homeland Security has recently warned that right-wing extremists such as these militias currently pose the No. 1 threat of domestic terrorism. T

he fact is, we're already seeing acts of terror. Six law enforcement officers have been murdered by extremists in recent months, and Obama has received more threats than any other president.

We're working hard to keep law enforcement agencies at every level up to date with the latest and most accurate intelligence about these extremists and their activities. Please read our new report and pass it along to your friends and family. We all need to stay informed so that we can fight back against this rising tide of extremism.

Thank you for supporting our work — and remember to speak out against hate and intolerance in your community.

Sincerely,
Morris Dees

[AspenRose]

1. *sigh*

I'm tired.

[H2O Man]

6. I understand that.

There are times when I get tired, too. I try to remember back when I was an amateur boxer, very tired between rounds in a long fight. My cornerman would always say, "If you are tired, you can be sure he is tired, too." And that was true.

It's good to take a rest between rounds. We all need that. And then it's good to step up the pace, because our opponent is certainly weaker than we are tired. And that is the absolute truth.

[AspenRose]

12. I hope you're right.

[maglatinavi]

7. sigh

How can you be so blaze about this? Do you remember the Oklahoma disaster? Aren't you afraid of all these nutty minds? Do you remember that even day care children were not spared? I cannot believe your indifference... Gee!!!

[H2O Man]

10. I suspect that

my friend was commenting on how tiring it can be to face the hatred that poisons our society, not expressing a lack of interest or concern.

[AspenRose]

11. Hyperbole isn't your strong suit.

And that's "blase."

[noiretextatique]

16. me too

i am tired of arguing with people here who supported the policewoman in ohio who "took down" an 84 yo black woman with alzheimers who had a steak knife in her hand. the woman was bleeding from her head after this "appropriate action."
i expect it from my enemies. double tired, i am.

[grantcart]

30. But the President isn't he just keeps on trucking with high energy

amazing isnt' it?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

2. I got that, too. I'm not surprised, but it's awfully depressing.

[maglatinavi]

8. depressing

Depressing? It scares the hell out of me...Depressing? ... sigh...What about scared?

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

14. It's depressing to think that there are so many hateful people in this country.

And yes, it's also scary.

[H2O Man]

22. It's sad.

Many of the gains that were made are sliding backwards. It's our job to work to regain that ground, and to move forward.

I do not allow myself to have "fear." I do think there is cause for serious concern, and can appreciate that others do have fears. But together, we'll get past them.

[H2O Man]

9. I think it is

a clear call for focused action. The SPLC is very accurate in their measure of the threats within our society. They are equally accurate in identifying the work we need to do to meet the challenges we are faced with.

It is difficult, sometimes, when one wants to engage in rational discussions, and there are those who only speak hatred, paranoia, and fear. But it must be done.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

15. The SPLC is a great organization.

These days, especially, it's essential to have somebody out there that keeps track of this shit and publicizes it. I gladly contribute to the SPLC and I'd encourage everyone else who can afford to send them a few bucks to do so.

[loudsue]

20. I've been trying to sound the alarm around here for weeks about how bad it is.

This area is literally crawling with these guys (rural north carolina...same state, and not too far down the hwy. from Blackwater/XE ) who think they're Rambo. You should see/hear about the arsenals these guys have built up, and their plans to go into town and "shoot all the n****rs when they riot because Obama is going to get assassinated". Some of these Rambos are local law enforcement.

Fox News and Limbaugh...their fearless leaders. These Rambos WANT civil war, because they are absolutely CONVINCED that Obama is a Nazi socialist, and the reason nobody has jobs is because Obama took all the money out of the economy and is giving it to Black people in reparations. So what do they think? All the black people are HOARDING all this money? These people are clinically INSANE.

And now we've got these well-funded IDIOTS shouting everyone down at protests and town hall meetings, so none of us are ever going to get the health care we deserve.

Junior and his minions mucked this country up beyond recognition, and Obama walks in thinking he is going to make nice with the republicans, and staffs his presidency w/ blue dogs.

This country really is a tinder box right now, and it seems like nobody in power is paying attention. They're too busy being bought and paid for.

[Me.]

3. K & R

[asdjrocky]

4. I hate to have to K & R this.

[GrantDem]

5. K&R for visibility

[mascarax]

13. Donate to Southern Poverty Law Center in Sarah Palin's name!

I too received the email from Mr. Dees.

I think we should donate to SPLC in Sarah "Death Panel" Palin's name. Since she's been hate mongering for almost a year now (yes, late August she got on the national stage, and Tina Fey's popularity exploded!). Similar to the effort last year with Planned Parenthood.

https://secure.splcenter.org/donate/online/online.jsp

Select "Honor a friend or loved one" (they don't have any "On behalf of a racist lunatic" selection)
> Next Step
> Ms. Sarah Palin
> select "I want to send an e-card" (let's not waste the SPLC's money on a postal card!)
> [e-mail] (since she QUIT, that seems most likely email)
> Next Step
...and so on to donate.

Obviously, I need to channel my disgust/anger/horror in a more positive manner. This works.
Thanks for considering.

[Name removed]

17. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dixiegrrrrl]

18. SPLC is chock full of resources , truly a great organization.

I only hope they have changed funding tactics since I last donated.
I sent one check.
and for 2 years I got countless requests for money from them.

Nowdays, I only donate via money order.

[mmonk]

19. Thank you. I've been thinking alot about the Southern Poverty Law Center

lately as I watch the town hall disruptions, the hateful signs, and gun packing crazies that show up. Brings back the darkness of years gone by.

[Name removed]

21. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. 
[link:www.democraticunderground.com/forums/rules.html|Click
here] to review the message board rules.

[mzmolly]

23. Adding to the collective sigh.

:(

[Historic NY]

24. I used to get a bi-monthy mailing from them..at my former job...

great guy Morris.

[deaniac21]

25. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.

[elleng]

26. Thanks for this.

I'm sorry I can't afford to contribute, but I am SO PROUD of my Dad! He's 95, and he continues to contribute!

[spanone]

27. so little has changed

r

[XXXMADAM]

28. and remember to speak out against hate and intolerance

[PSzymeczek]

29. I love the SPLC

and contribute at least once a year, to maintain my membership. I would contribute more, but can no longer afford it. They do very important work. Everyone who can needs to support the SPLC!!

[TexasObserver]

31. Recommend