Right to Obama – “you’re making us crazy”

by | Apr 14, 2009 | Conflict and security, North America

The US  report (linked by Alex earlier) on far-right extremism risks becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy, as it drives the far-right even further up the wall. Michelle Malkin voices the rage:

The “report [is] one of the most embarrassingly shoddy pieces of propaganda I’d ever read out of DHS. I couldn’t believe it was real… The piece of crap report issued on April 7 is a sweeping indictment of conservatives. And the intent is clear…In Obama land, there are no coincidences. It is no coincidence that this report echoes Tea Party-bashing left-wing blogs… and demonizes the very Americans who will be protesting in the thousands on Wednesday for the nationwide Tax Day Tea Party.

Andrew Sullivan has the best snark: “Why, one wonders, would Michelle Malkin read a DHS report on fringe, far-right extremism that could lead to violence or Oklahoma-style domestic terrorism and think … they’re talking about her?”

(Image courtesy: Random Factor)

Berlusconi: His greatest gaffes*

by | Apr 14, 2009 | Off topic

He’s done it again. Berlusconi’s gaffe’s just keep on coming. His latest comes as he went on a walkabout in the Abruzzo earthquake zone.  Turning to one female doctor he told her: “I wouldn’t mind being resuscitated by you” . Dr Fabiola Carrieri, a specialist in intensive care from Milan replied diplomatically that she hoped she would never have to resuscitate him and that he had been trying to raise a smile in the middle of all the sorrow we have all around us.

Dr Carrieri a specialist and a complete professional. Sadly the same can’t be said for the Italian Prime Minister. Remember these:

April 2009: Touring camps set up for survivors of the recent Italian earthquake he told a journalist: They have everything they need, they have medical care, hot food… Of course, their current lodgings are a bit temporary. but they should see it like a weekend of camping

On left-wing voters at a conference of retailers during the 2006 campaign : “I trust the intelligence of the Italian people too much to think that there are so many pricks around who would vote against their own best interests.”

At the launch of the 2006 campaign : I am the Jesus Christ of politics. I am a patient victim, I put up with everyone, I sacrifice myself for everyone

To German MEP Martin Schulz, at start of Italy’s EU presidency in July 2003 : I know that in Italy there is a man producing a film on Nazi concentration camps – I shall put you forward for the role of Kapo (guard chosen from among the prisoners) – you would be perfect.

*We will aim to update this page as and when they occur in the future. More here

Homeland Security warns on right wing extremism

by | Apr 14, 2009 | Influence and networks, North America

The US Department of Homeland Security’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis apparently issued an assessment to US law enforcement agencies last week, warning that conditions are ripe for radicalisation and recruitment on the extreme right.  According to TacOps:

“Right-wing extremists have capitalized on the election of the first African American president, and are focusing their efforts to recruit new members, mobilize existing supporters and broaden their scope and appeal through propaganda, but they have not yet turned to attack planning,” the assessment reads.

“The current economic and political climate has some similarities to the 1990s when right-wing extremism experienced a resurgence fueled largely by an economic recession, criticism about the outsourcing of jobs and the perceived threat to U.S. power and sovereignty by other foreign powers,” it continues.

The report also suggests that returning veterans are attractive recruits for right-wing groups looking for “combat skills and experience” so as to boost their “violent capabilities.” It adds that new restrictions on gun ownership and the difficulty of veterans to reintegrate into their communities “could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks.”

“Proposed imposition of firearms restrictions and weapons bans likely would attract new members into the ranks of right-wing extremist groups … The high volume of purchases and stockpiling of weapons and ammunition by right-wing extremists in anticipation of restrictions and bans in some parts of the country continue to be a primary concern to law enforcement,” the report says.