The politics of assassination: Inside the violent movement that spawned James von Brunn and Scott Roeder.

[one...two...tree 2,762]

By Joe Conason

Acts of madness like the killing of George Tiller and Stephen T. Johns can be too easily dismissed as the work of disturbed individuals and then subsumed in the usual rumble of recrimination between left and right. But if we are to understand the deeper implications of those acts of murder, what must be examined is their origin in the shadow world of white nationalism. Nobody knows more about the movements that spawned the alleged gunmen than Leonard Zeskind, who has spent most of a lifetime observing, analyzing and opposing racism and anti-Semitism in America and abroad. Now he has distilled those hard and dangerous decades of work into "Blood and Politics: The History of the White Nationalist Movement From the Margins to the Mainstream," a magisterial new book that explains how and why racial hatred became and remains a significant political force in American society.

To Zeskind, the most recent attacks only represent the latest stage in a long wave of extremist violence dating back to the early 1980s, marked by assassinations, bombings, bank robberies and other crimes that were largely ignored by the mainstream media because they often occurred in distant rural locations. "The reason we're talking about this incident," he said "is because it happened in Washington, D.C., at the Holocaust Museum, instead of somewhere in the backwoods of Montana."

According to Zeskind, "the level of racist and anti-Semitic violence was much worse during the Reagan era, back in the '80s, when we had the Order, which killed [Jewish radio host] Alan Berg, and certainly in the '90s when Clinton was president, when we had Timothy McVeigh and the Oklahoma City bombing, the Aryan Republican Army robbing banks, the Phineas Priesthood shooting people. Those years saw much more of these kind of attacks than what we are seeing right now."

That distinction is no excuse for complacency, he emphasizes, because there may yet be worse to come in a period of economic privation and social change. "What we are seeing is the first spate of violence since the crackdown after Oklahoma City, when the government went after these criminals, rounded up all the shooters that they could and prosecuted a lot of them." Effective prosecutions conducted by the Clinton Justice Department suppressed the most violent wing of the white nationalist movement, as did the national alert against terrorism that followed the 9/11 attacks.

"A bunch of the violence-prone people got arrested in the period between 1997 and 1998," he recalls with satisfaction. "The government went after them like nobody's business, and Clinton did a good job of isolating them. Then Bush's rhetoric about terrorism put a damper on them, because they knew the Department of Homeland Security was looking at them." Now it may well be time for the government to devote additional intelligence and investigative resources to domestic extremists.

But Zeskind dismisses, sardonically, the notion that the shootings of Tiller and Johns are "somehow Barack Obama's fault" -- for simply being the first black president, a symbol of racial equality and the child of a black man and a white woman. He points out that both of the men arrested in these shootings -- antiabortion zealot Scott Roeder and anti-Semitic pamphleteer James von Brunn -- were active extremists long before Obama's election. Indeed, years before Obama first ran for office, Roeder was reportedly involved with the Freemen, a white supremacist sect that promoted Christian Identity ideology, while von Brunn had worked with the pro-Nazi, Holocaust-denial movement for as long as 40 years. "Obama simply confirms their belief about what has already happened, namely that the United States government is in the hands of their racial enemies," Zeskind says." But they had that belief long before the 2008 election."

As in "Blood and Politics," he warns against the comfortable liberal assumptions about the mentality and intelligence behind acts of crude violence. "If you want to understand the threat, don't substitute what you think about these people for what they think about themselves." He notes that like many of the leaders of the white nationalist movement, von Brunn was in no way stupid or unsophisticated. Attributing his behavior to mental illness is a way of ignoring the underlying issues that make such individuals dangerous.

"Von Brunn may have had mental problems but he really had serious political problems -- and in that sense he wasn't alone. This was a guy who wanted the old white republic that used to exist in America. He thought the Jews had stolen it from him. People like him don't want to share power. When they see any gains by people who are not part of their group, they cannot tolerate it."

Zeskind knows that "you probably can't stop one shithead with a rifle," but he believes that Americans can stop white nationalism from becoming a mass movement, even in hard times when it is so easy to blame immigrants, Jews or other scapegoats for economic distress. Aside from prosecuting those who are stockpiling weapons and plotting violence, the best armor against racist extremism is "education, organizing and a good analysis, understanding the exact nature of their ideology."

The greatest future peril may well arise not from the violent fringe but from racialist organizations and ideologues that have avoided violence. "The Council of Conservative Citizens, the successor to the old White Citizens Councils in the South, is the most dangerous even though they're not violent," he says. "A lot of the smart skinhead types are not violent. They're doing subcultural organizing around music and style on the Internet. They are looking for a political vehicle." Many of the most active racialist militants are seeking to infiltrate and influence the "Tea Party" movement that is planning events for July 4 as well as the remnants of the Ron Paul presidential campaign.

How to isolate and disarm these racist elements is a question that confronts responsible conservatives as well as moderates and progressives. Instead of pretending that von Brunn is a "leftist" or dog-whistling to the far right, as figures like Pat Buchanan and Ann Coulter habitually do, Republicans, Democrats and independents ought to find common ground, as the president would say -- and condemn racialism and violence, without exception or excuse.

http://www.salon.com/opinion/conason/2009/06/12/von_brunn/

[Danno 1,228]

:oved a;; the

facts and figures

provided to add weight to the opinion piece.

Just to show I did read it, this was my fav line.

"Republicans, Democrats and independents ought to find common ground, as the president would say -- and condemn racialism and violence, without exception or excuse."

Is this something which has not been done by all over and over?

Is there a suggestion that "Some" in politics are quietly supporting the actions of these few kooks?

What we have here is more of the old Liberal "Do as I say" Sh_t.

If anyone can be accused of not condemning "Racialism" (as the President suggests), it is the President himself.

RACIALISM is an emphasis on race or racial considerations.[1]

Lets take another look at the type of Church Mr Obama spent decades in and evidently found closest to his heart.

In 1981 Trinity Church adopted a "Value System".

If one were to rewrite this and substitute "White" for "Black", one would think it belonged to a Race-group cited in the Salon article above.... But no, it was the spiritual home for Obama.

If this isn't "racialism" tell me what is!

THE BLACK VALUE SYSTEM

These Black Ethics must be taught and exemplified in homes, churches, nurseries and schools, wherever Blacks are gathered. They consist of the following concepts:

1. Commitment to God. "The God of our weary years" will give us the strength to give up prayerful passivism and become Black Christian Activists, soldiers for Black freedom and the dignity of all humankind. Matthew 22:37 - Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.

2. Commitment to the Black Community. The highest level of achievement for any Black person must be a contribution of strength and continuity of the Black Community. I John 4:20 - If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother [or his sister], he is a liar; for he that loveth not his brother or sister whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?

3. Commitment to the Black Family. The Black family circle must generate strength, stability and love, despite the uncertainty of externals, because these characteristics are required if the developing person is to withstand warping by our racist competitive society. Those Blacks who are blessed with membership in a strong family unit must reach out and expand that blessing to the less fortunate. Deuteronomy 6:6-8 - And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

4. Dedication to the Pursuit of Education. We must forswear anti-intellectualism. Continued survival demands that each Black person be developed to the utmost of his/her mental potential despite the inadequacies of the formal education process. “Real education” fosters understanding of ourselves as well as every aspect of our environment. Also, it develops within us the ability to fashion concepts and tools for better utilization of our resources, and more effective solutions to our problems. Since the majority of Blacks have been denied such learning, Black Education must include elements that produce high school graduates with marketable skills, a trade or qualifications for apprenticeships, or proper preparation for college. Basic education for all Blacks should include Mathematics, Science, Logic, General Semantics, Participative Politics, Economics and Finance, and the Care and Nurture of Black minds. Matthew 22:37 - Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul and with all thy mind.

5. Dedication to the Pursuit of Excellence. To the extent that we individually reach for, even strain for excellence, we increase, geometrically, the value and resourcefulness of the Black Community. We must recognize the relativity of one’s best; this year’s best can be bettered next year. Such is the language of growth and development. We must seek to excel in every endeavor. Ecclesiastes 9:10 - Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

6. Adherence to the Black Work Ethic. "It is becoming harder to find qualified people to work in Chicago." Whether this is true or not, it represents one of the many reasons given by businesses and industries for deserting the Chicago area. We must realize that a location with good facilities, adequate transportation and a reputation for producing skilled workers will attract industry. We are in competition with other cities, states and nations for jobs. High productivity must be a goal of the Black workforce. II Thessalonians 3:7-12 - For yourselves know how ye ought to follow us: for we behaved not ourselves disorderly among you; Neither did we eat any man's bread for nought; but wrought with labor and travail night and day, that we might not be chargeable to any of you: Not because we have not power, but to make ourselves an ensample unto you to follow us. For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat. For we hear that there are some which walk among you disorderly, working not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread.

7. Commitment to Self-Discipline and Self-Respect. To accomplish anything worthwhile requires self-discipline. We must be a community of self-disciplined persons if we are to actualize and utilize our own human resources, instead of perpetually submitting to exploitation by others. Self-discipline, coupled with a respect for self, will enable each of us to be an instrument of Black Progress and a model for Black Youth. I Peter 1:4-7 - To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.

8. Disavowal of the Pursuit of "Middleclassness." Classic methodology on control of captives teaches that captors must be able to identify the "talented tenth" of those subjugated, especially those who show promise of providing the kind of leadership that might threaten the captor's control. Proverbs 3:13-14 - Happy are those who find wisdom and those who gain understanding, for her income is better than silver and her revenue better than gold.

Those so identified are separated from the rest of the people by:

* Killing them off directly, and/or fostering a social system that encourages them to kill off one another.

* Placing them in concentration camps, and/or structuring an economic environment that induces captive youth to fill the jails and prisons.

* Seducing them into a socioeconomic class system which, while training them to earn more dollars, hypnotizes them into believing they are better than others and teaches them to think in terms of "we" and "they" instead of "us."

* So, while it is permissible to chase "middleclassness" with all our might, we must avoid the third separation method - the psychological entrapment of Black "middleclassness." If we avoid this snare, we will also diminish our "voluntary" contributions to methods A and B. And more importantly, Black people no longer will be deprived of their birthright: the leadership, resourcefulness and example of their own talented persons.

9. Pledge to Make the Fruits of All Developing and Acquired Skills Available to the Black Community.

10. Pledge to Allocate Regularly, a Portion of Personal Resources for Strengthening and Supporting Black Institutions.

11. Pledge Allegiance to All Black Leadership Who Espouse and Embrace the Black Value System.

12. Personal Commitment to Embracement of the Black Value System. To measure the worth and validity of all activity in terms of positive contributions to the general welfare of the Black Community and the Advancement of Black People towards freedom.

*Comments please

[Dr. Obvious 49]

Many of the most active racialist militants are seeking to infiltrate and influence the "Tea Party" movement that is planning events for July 4 as well as the remnants of the Ron Paul presidential campaign.

Imagine that.

[Tahoma 2,292]

Danno, it seems you have misquoted your "fav line". You didn't include the part about your "pretender" hero, Pat Buchanan. It must have been a simple oversight on your part. I realize how busy you are flying your confederate flag and whistling dixie.

[Pooky 3,848]

Danno, it seems you have misquoted your "fav line". You didn't include the part about your "pretender" hero, Pat Buchanan. It must have been a simple oversight on your part. I realize how busy you are flying your confederate flag and whistling dixie.

For every Pat Buchanan, there is always a Bill Ayers.

Extremists of both sides should be condemned. Singling out one side in a chop-piece like the one Salon put out only increases the polarization of the USA, when the one thing this country needs most of all is a move toward common ground.

The opinions of both sides of the political divide on these topics just drive home this point. Both sides need to GTFU.

[Danno 1,228]

Danno, it seems you have misquoted your "fav line". You didn't include the part about your "pretender" hero, Pat Buchanan. It must have been a simple oversight on your part. I realize how busy you are flying your confederate flag and whistling dixie.

I don't think I have misquoted anyone. The quote I cited was from the last paragraph in the Piece above.

Pull your head-out of your ____ for just one minute and see for yourself

As far as quoting Pat, it's hard to know where to start and stop so here.... I'll give you the long version.

----------------------------------------

Miss Affirmative Action, 2009

by Patrick J. Buchanan

06/12/2009

Having lost the Congress in 2006 and the White House in 2008, Republicans are looking to redefine themselves for a nation that still leans conservative but is less Republican that it has been in decades.

The nomination of Judge Sonia Sotomayor to the U.S. Supreme Court presents just such an opportunity. For, even if the party loses the battle and Sotomayor sits on the court, it can win the war, as Ronald Reagan won the Panama Canal debate, even as Senate Republicans committed collective suicide by voting to give away the canal.

What are the grounds for rejecting Sonia Sotomayor?

No one has brought forth the slightest evidence she has the intellectual candlepower to sit on the Roberts court. By her own admission, Sotomayor is an "affirmative action baby."

Though the Obama media have been ballyhooing her brilliance -- No. 1 in high school, No. 1 at Princeton, editor of Yale Law Review -- her academic career appears to have been a fraud from beginning to end, a testament to Ivy League corruption.

Two weeks ago, The New York Times reported that, to get up to speed on her English skills at Princeton, Sotomayor was advised to read children's classics and study basic grammar books during her summers. How do you graduate first in your class at Princeton if your summer reading consists of "Chicken Little" and "The Troll Under the Bridge"?

In video clips dating back 25 years, and now provided to the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sotomayor, according to the Times, even calls herself an "affirmative action product."

"The clips include lengthy remarks about her experiences as an 'affirmative action baby,' whose lower test scores were overlooked by admissions committees at Princeton University and Yale Law School because, she said, she is Hispanic and had grown up in poor circumstance."

"If we had gone through the traditional numbers route of those institutions," says Sotomayor, "it would have been highly questionable if I would have been accepted. ... My test scores were not comparable to that of my classmates."

Thus, Sotomayor got into Princeton, got her No. 1 ranking, was whisked into Yale Law School and made editor of the Yale Law Review -- all because she was a Hispanic woman. And those two Ivy League institutions cheated more deserving students of what they had worked a lifetime to achieve, for reasons of race, gender or ethnicity.

This is bigotry pure and simple. To salve their consciences for past societal sins, the Ivy League is deep into discrimination again, this time with white males as victims rather than as beneficiaries.

One prefers the old bigotry. At least it was honest, and not, as Abraham Lincoln observed, adulterated "with the base alloy of hypocrisy."

As the Times reports, on the tapes, Sotomayor rejects "the proposition that minorities must become advocates of 'selection by merit alone.' She said diversity improved the legal system."

"'Since I have difficultly defining merit and what merit alone means, and ... whether it's judicial or otherwise, I accept that different experiences, in and of itself, bring merit to the system,' she said, adding, 'I think it brings to the system more of a sense of fairness when these litigants see people like myself on the bench."

What does the latest Times revelation tell us?

That were it not for Ivy League dishonesty, Sotomayor would not have gotten into Princeton, would never have been ranked first in her class, would not have gotten into Yale Law, nor been named editor of Yale Law Review, and thus would not be a U.S. appellate court judge today or a nominee to the Supreme Court.

Indeed, the White House itself leaked that the final four court candidates were all women and Sotomayor was picked because she was a Latina. One wonders how many superior students and judges have been passed over to advance Sonia Sotomayor's career?

From college days to court days, that career reflects, in word and deed, a determination to use any power she achieves to create a society where the demands of diversity triumph over the ideal of equal justice under law. For Sotomayor, the advancement of people of color over white males is justice.

Republican senators should use this Sotomayor nomination to put affirmative action in the dock for what it is -- race-based bigotry against white males so that persons of color can receive the rewards of society that they could not win in free and fair competition.

Lay out the Sotomayor record -- SAT scores, LSAT scores, bar exam score, law review articles and her opinions -- so that we can see up close what those who eviscerated Robert Bork regard as academic and judicial excellence.

No need for name-calling.

Just lay out the lady's opinions and record, so that, if she is elevated, Americans can say: Barack Obama voted against Chief Justice Roberts because Roberts could not measure up to Sonia Sotomayor, his ideal of what a justice ought to be.