What drives anti-government extremists?

[Stephanie]

Excellent analysis.

It's a load of crap.

Anti-government extremist want government to leave them alone, they aren't making a statement about what they want government to be. They want government to not be in their business.

Liberal's identity is so tied up in government, you can't even comprehend the idea that someone's identity isn't.

The problem with your question is you didn't define what you view as an extremist. Are you talking about the violent ones like Timothy McVie? Or do you consider libertarians extremists like Jake does. We are completely different animals.

I didn't SAY government. I said America. To reiterate, I said the following:

It's a hatred for America because it's not a reflection of the way they want it to be and think it should be.​

It's their hatred for the way that America is that drives their anti-American sentiments and anti-American feelings. They may very well blame gov't for some of it, but certainly not all of it. They blame other groups of people who are not like them. Those other groups have agendas different than theirs, maybe even opposed to what they want. They believe that THEIR America is slipping away from them, and by their America I don't just mean the kind of nation they want. I also mean a nation that belongs to them which used to grant people like them preferential treatment. They don't care about E Pluribus Unum unless they can be first among so-called equals. This is where their problem with gov't begins because the gov't is no longer consistently or automatically siding with them just because of who they are. Often when they talk about a loss of their rights, that's what they really mean.

oh boy, no one know what's in the people minds so stop making shit up, sheeesh
I think we have a reason today to fear this government...sending 200 armed agents to seize a citizens land, closing down all our parks and memorials first thing when Obama didn't get his way, the Irs is being used to target people who are deemed enemy by, the government
you can keep your head in sand but a lot of people are starting to be pushed to edge by what they are seeing today with Obama dictating and going over Congress...not listening to the people and just doing as they please, passing laws with even knowing what's all in it etc.....there's many things I'm very uneasy about them

 

[Mustang]

It's a load of crap.

Anti-government extremist want government to leave them alone, they aren't making a statement about what they want government to be. They want government to not be in their business.

Liberal's identity is so tied up in government, you can't even comprehend the idea that someone's identity isn't.

The problem with your question is you didn't define what you view as an extremist. Are you talking about the violent ones like Timothy McVie? Or do you consider libertarians extremists like Jake does. We are completely different animals.

I didn't SAY government. I said America. To reiterate, I said the following:

It's a hatred for America because it's not a reflection of the way they want it to be and think it should be.​

It's their hatred for the way that America is that drives their anti-American sentiments and anti-American feelings. They may very well blame gov't for some of it, but certainly not all of it. They blame other groups of people who are not like them. Those other groups have agendas different than theirs, maybe even opposed to what they want. They believe that THEIR America is slipping away from them, and by their America I don't just mean the kind of nation they want. I also mean a nation that belongs to them which used to grant people like them preferential treatment. They don't care about E Pluribus Unum unless they can be first among so-called equals. This is where their problem with gov't begins because the gov't is no longer consistently or automatically siding with them just because of who they are. Often when they talk about a loss of their rights, that's what they really mean.

oh boy, no one know what's in the people minds so stop making shit up, sheeesh
I think we have a reason today to fear this government...sending 200 armed agents to seize a citizens land, closing down all our parks and memorials first thing when Obama didn't get his way, the Irs is being used to target people who are deemed enemy by, the government
you can keep your head in sand but a lot of people are starting to be pushed to edge by what they are seeing today with Obama dictating and going over Congress...not listening to the people and just doing as they please, passing laws with even knowing what's all in it etc.....there's many things I'm very uneasy about them

Let's take those one at a time.

Bundy's land was not seized. But it may be if he refuses to pay his grazing fees. He'll be sued in court and if a judgment is rendered against him, he might just lose his land if he won't pay his debt. That would make it a self-inflicted wound.

The parks were closed because the gov't was shut down except for essential services. The Republicans did that. Damned if you do. Damned if you don't.

The IRS is trying to prevent (and now put an end to) people violating the tax code by using tax free status groups for political purposes. Conservatives don't get a pass on that just because they're conservative. As long as the gov't isn't favoring one kind of group over another, I say they're doing what they're supposed to do. Unfortunately, it seems like there were more conservative groups shading the lines of what was and was not appropriate non profit activities which would qualify for tax exempt status. Or are you of the opinion that cheating the gov't is okay as long it's conservatives who are doing it?

So far, the worst thing I've seen from the gov't is the piss poor way they've handled the VA and not doing a damn sight better job in making sure Vets get the care they need. But you didn't mention that, did you?

 

[Lakhota]

Government is made up of people - and many people are getting meaner and more irrational. Compromise has become a dirty word to many who believe it must be their way or the highway.

Hate radio/TV feeds the fear.

 

[Stephanie]

Government is made up of people - and many people are getting meaner and more irrational. Compromise has become a dirty word to many who believe it must be their way or the highway.

Hate radio/TV feeds the fear.

hate radio is small in comparison to the Democrat party and the hate they are throwing at us...look at Obama he's always saying hateful thing about Republicans..the Democrats have called every damn name they could think up,,,, they've called us: deniers, flat earthers, the Taliban, domestic terrorist, hostage takers, etc
And then you in the Democrat base helps it along

so talk radio pfeeeeeeeeeeeeeesh

and you were the number one spreader of fear when you on here before

 

[CorvusRexus]

Most of the answers are already here...a lot of people see that legal means either aren't working or have been taken away so violence is their way to fix or start a revolution...Personally these 2 are a hero to me. They gave their lives to take down 2 enemies of the people.

They were cowards and murderers. Both officers had children. One had a baby. There is nothing heroic in their horrible actions.

So? You think all the people cops have murdered or raped had no kids? The uniform of a cop is the uniform of my enemy. Should have gotten into another profession.

I've been thinking, a people's armed anti-government extremist revolt would be doomed to fail. A bit off-topic, sure, but I'm sure liberals just love to hear someone who is against the federal regime say it themselves.

Why ya think that? I think it would work well. Especially if they take the tactics used by Al Qaeda in Iraq and the Vietcong in Vietnam to heart. Hit and run. Make the war to expensive for them to continue.

First of all, the people would have to be united, and have you seen the state of this country? Second, you would be facing arguably the best and most highly equipped military in the world. Third, if a rebel force enters the Great Plains, they are easy targets for government airstrikes. Fourth, acting like Al-Qaeda isn't likely to garner much support. Fifth, once fighting starts, those who don't support the rebellion will likely be in the majority, and passing anti-gun laws will be simple. Then, rebels would soon run out of ammunition and could only obtain it illegally or from outside supporters. And ask yourself, which countries would support an armed rebellion against the US? The one that comes to mind quickly for me is Russia. Allying the rebellion with Russia may not be good for PR and may drive off potential recruits. Sixth, the second you gain control of an area, you would have to start taxing and regulating the populace, including those who do not support you. That ties you down and allows the US to perform more conventional attacks to defeat you.

 

[CorvusRexus]

There is a set of books that takes on a Guerilla war with the US...Written by Harold Covington. Interesting stuff.

I'm reading the Counterinsurgency Field Manual now, and I doubt a guerilla war would work. The rebels would lose support before the gov't did. Unless you became terrorists operating out of 1 or 2 % of the population, the revolt would soon be over.

 

[Lakhota]

I guess the primary drivers are ignorance, fear, and hate - mixed with various religious views.

 

[candycorn]

I have my own beliefs and opinions, but I'd really like to hear from others.

Life not turning out the way they want so they need to blame something else. The government is the easiest target.

The weak minded always seek the path of least resistance.

 

[CorvusRexus]

I have my own beliefs and opinions, but I'd really like to hear from others.

Life not turning out the way they want so they need to blame something else. The government is the easiest target.

The weak minded always seek the path of least resistance.

Advocating a revolt against the US is the path of least resistance?


And you call them weak-minded...

 

[PredFan]

A love of freedom, and a hatred of corruption.

 

[Lakhota]

A love of freedom, and a hatred of corruption.

So, you prefer an unregulated wild west type America?

 

[HelenaHandbag]

How to build a better straw man in two easy posts!

 

[TADennis]

Our current government is bought and paid for by the 1-percenters and multinational corporations. Why would an average citizen support this government??? It does NOTHING OF NOTE for the average citizen. The PEOPLE NEED TO RAISE THEIR VOICES and demand change by voting third parties into power. Only then will true change occur.

 

[dblack]

I have my own beliefs and opinions, but I'd really like to hear from others.

Pro-government extremists.

 

[Kosh]

I have my own beliefs and opinions, but I'd really like to hear from others.

During the Vietnam war the far left was setting off bombs around the country.

 

[dblack]

In all seriousness, what drives anti-government extremists is the erosion of constitutional limits on government power. Somewhere along the line, we've lost track of the proper role of democracy, and many people now operate under the assumption that might, in the guise of majority consensus, makes right. That's really the crux of it.

 

[TADennis]

From the Bible, "The fool has said in his heart there is no God." I hope your eyes/heart are opened to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. The hour is getting late.

 

[dblack]

From the Bible, "The fool has said in his heart there is no God." I hope your eyes/heart are opened to the truth that Jesus Christ is the only way to salvation. The hour is getting late.

Obey!!!

 

[Harry Dresden]

.

A left-winger is not going to understand a right-winger's disdain for the government any more than a right-winger is going to understand a left-winger's affection for it.

Most folks understand a need for balance, equilibrium.

.

most folks understand that....the farther right or left you are you then start thinking, anyone who believes that is either..... an Anti-American,a Commie,a Nazi,a Fascist,a Blue Dog,a RINO,an Idiot,an Obamabot,a Ditto Head.....the list of names from the Far Left and Right goes on and on.....

 

[CrusaderFrank]

I have my own beliefs and opinions, but I'd really like to hear from others.

One word: Freedom