The Southern Poverty Law Center has long been watching the rise of hate groups and has the pulse of what contributes to fuel this fire.
Michele Bachmann has been promoted to the top of the SPLC militia enablers list
When it comes to spreading fear of a menacing federal government infested with anti-American elements, U.S. Rep. Michele Bachmann can give even the most paranoid militiaman a run for his money.
The two-term representative for Minnesota's 6th Congressional District has used her office as a megaphone for outrageous claims and conspiracy theories that in the past wouldn't spread far beyond the firing ranges and obstacle courses where militiamen and other antigovernment "Patriots" gather.
As a number of us have warned this community over the past couple of years, Bachmann is more dangerous that we want to believe.
One reason the resurgent antigovernment "Patriot" movement is taking off so quickly is the support for many of its central ideas that comes from ostensibly mainstream figures in politics and the media
SPLC makes a laundry list of Bachmann's outrageous claims
- Her views on the Census
- Call Americorps - "re-education camps"
- A call to arms against the energy tax
- Call for Joe McCarthyism inquest as to whom in Congress is unpatriotic
By the way - These are a just a few of the inciting claims that she has made. She has become far too reckless.
Whether or not Bachmann believes what she is saying or is just putting on a media dog and pony show, the SPLC realizes that she really is an enabler for many of these anti-government Patriots.
In the last year and a half, militias and the larger antigovernment "Patriot" movement have exploded, accompanied by the rapid expansion of other sectors of the radical right. This spectacular growth (see timeline) is the result of several factors, including anger over major political, demographic and economic changes in America, along with the popularization of radical ideas and conspiracy theories by ostensibly mainstream politicians and media commentators.
Whether or not we find some of the comments Bachmann makes as completely outrageous and perhaps even humorous, we must recognize the outright danger.
For a member of Congress to make this list is more than a shame, it's an outright travesty. Bachmann will do nothing to help those in her district (the highest foreclosure rate in Minnesota), but she continues to encourage a climate of hate.
Again - just another reason that we have to donate to Tarryl Clark
We have Tarryl on our Progressive Electorate/Daily Kos page and every bit helps. Just a $30 contribution will help her continue to get ads up on Bachmann's crazy BP comments.
Michele Bachmann - Don't make it a hard habit to quit her.