What are the Different Sectors of the Right

[weester87]

What are the Different Sectors of the Right

As the United States slides into the twenty-first century, the major mass movements challenging the bipartisan status quo are not found on the left of the political spectrum, but on the right. The resurgent right contains several strands woven together around common themes and goals. There is the electoral activism of the religious fundamentalist movements; the militant anti-government populism of the armed militia movement; and the murderous terrorism of the neonazi underground--from which the bombing the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City emerged.
It is easy to see the dangers to democracy posed by vigilante forces such as armed militias, and the extrteme right including neonazis, and racist skinheads. However, hard right forces such as dogmatic religious movements, regressive populism, and White racial nationalism also are attacking democratic values in our country.

The best known sector of the hard right--dogmatic religious movements--is often called the "Religious Right" It substantially dominates the Republican Party in at least 10 (and perhaps as many as 30) of the 50 states. As part of an aggressive grassroots campaign, these groups have targeted electoral races from school boards to state legislatures to campaigns for the US Senate and House of Representatives. They helped elect dozens of hard-line ultraconservatives to the House of Representatives. This successful social movement politically mobilizes a traditionalist mass base from a growing pious constituency of evangelical, fundamentalist, charismatic, Pentecostal, and orthodox churchgoers.

The goal of many leaders of this ultraconservative religious movement is imposing a narrow theological agenda on secular society. The predominantly Christian leadership envisions a religiously-based authoritarian society; therefore we prefer to describe this movement as the "theocratic right." A theocrat is someone who supports a form of government where the actions of leaders are seen as sanctioned by God--where the leaders claim they are carrying out God's will. The central threat to democracy posed by the theocratic right is not that its leaders are religious, or fundamentalist, or right wing--but that they justify their political, legislative, and regulatory agenda as fulfilling God's plan.

Along with the theocratic right, two other hard right political movements pose a grave threat to democracy: regressive populism, typified by diverse groups ranging from members of the John Birch Society out to members of the patriot and armed militia movements; and White racial nationalism, promoted by Pat Buchanan and his shadow, David Duke of Louisiana.

The theocratic right, regressive populism, and White racial nationalism make up a hard right political sector that is distinct from and sometimes in opposition to mainstream Republicanism and the internationalist wing of corporate conservatism.

Finally, there is the militant, overtly racist extreme right that includes the open White supremacists, Ku Klux Klan members, Christian Patriots, racist skinheads, neonazis, and right-wing revolutionaries. Although numerically smaller, the extreme right is a serious political factor in some rural areas, and its propaganda promoting violence reaches into major metropolitan centers where it encourages alienated young people to commit hate crimes against people of color, Jews, and gays and lesbians, among other targets. The electoral efforts of Buchanan and Duke serve as a bridge between the ultraconservative hard right and the extreme right movements. The armed militia movement is a confluence of regressive populism, White racial nationalism, and the racist and antisemitic extreme right.

All four of these hard right activist movements are antidemocratic in nature, promoting in various combinations and to varying degrees authoritarianism, xenophobia, conspiracist theories, nativism, racism, sexism, homophobia, antisemitism, demagoguery, and scapegoating. Each wing of the antidemocratic right has a slightly different vision of the ideal nation.

[Red Regal T]

If anyone ever wanted to know what MOONBAT FANTASY is, this is it.

But it's interesting you post these absurd lies here. But tell me, being a Jew, you should be able to answer a question I've been wondering about. I am not Jewish, however, I have been a staunch supporter of Israel and have made many posts on different sites expressing this view. I recognize the evil that is the Palestinians and their lame excuses for murdering woman and children. The US is the main ally, if not the only ally of Israel. We have promised to protect Israel, we give billions in aid, and we share many of the same values. What puzzles me, and I object to strongly, is why so many American Jews work overtime undermining America's efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. You very much fit this mould.

Do those American Jews, who undermine America, want Israel protected or not, or do they prefer annihilation of Israel? Or are they just about confusing the American people.

There are over a hundred and fifty thousand American troops in the middle-east, to fight terrorism and intimidate those who would push the Jews into the Red Sea, all while a great many American Jews go about their business of undermining this country, it's traditions, and it's war on terror. You're the big Jewish expert, and are guilty of all the above, so why don't you explain this phenomenon.

[STAGE 2]

So serious question weester, where do I belong? Hmmm...

[Drew L]

the liar and retired wee response will include at least one cut-n-paste and the he will use the slang word y'all. Again, China, Russia, France and the UN were quick to condemn Israel for protecting itself but not a peep about Korea launching missles that the koreans claim to be "protection"

go wee go

[Mac in SD]

This article is from the book Eyes Right!: Challenging the Right-Wing Backlash, (Anthology). Chip Berlet, ed. Boston: South End Press, 1995.

A complete resource list of reports, bibliographies, books, and other printed matter is available upon request by writing or calling:

Political Research Associates 617.661.9313 1310 Broadway Street, Suite 202 Cambridge, MA 02144


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


Chip Berlet is senior analyst at Political Research

Associates in Cambridge, MA. Margaret Quigley was an analyst at PRA from 1987 until her untimely death in 1993. She and Berlet had been working on this manuscript, which Berlet completed. Portions of this chapter previously appeared in the December 1992 issue of The Public Eye and the October 1994 issue of The Progressive. Copyright 1995, Chip Berlet and the Estate of Margaret Quigley.


Chip Berlet wishes to acknowledge the input of pro-democracy researchers and activists who met at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in upstate New York (including Suzanne Pharr, Loretta Ross, Russ Bellant, Skipp Porteous, Frederick Clarkson, Robert Bray, Tarso Ramos, Scot Nakagawa, Marghe Covino, and others); discussions at Lumiere Productions (with Frances Fitzgerald, Leo Ribuffo, John C. Green, and George Marsden); and the staff of Political Research Associates (especially with Jean Hardisty), as well as private conversations with Sara Diamond, Holly Sklar, and Matthew N. Lyons.

[Pronto]

Like I said before, as each you look at each parties farthest fringes the more they look and sound alike with an end result of less freedom and free thinking. Thank God most people fall in the middle.

[UNGN]

Originally Posted by Mac in SD

This article is from the book Eyes Right!: Challenging the Right-Wing Backlash, (Anthology). Chip Berlet, ed. Boston: South End Press, 1995.

A complete resource list of reports, bibliographies, books, and other printed matter is available upon request by writing or calling:

Political Research Associates 617.661.9313 1310 Broadway Street, Suite 202 Cambridge, MA 02144


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


Chip Berlet is senior analyst at Political Research

Associates in Cambridge, MA. Margaret Quigley was an analyst at PRA from 1987 until her untimely death in 1993. She and Berlet had been working on this manuscript, which Berlet completed. Portions of this chapter previously appeared in the December 1992 issue of The Public Eye and the October 1994 issue of The Progressive. Copyright 1995, Chip Berlet and the Estate of Margaret Quigley.


Chip Berlet wishes to acknowledge the input of pro-democracy researchers and activists who met at the Blue Mountain Conference Center in upstate New York (including Suzanne Pharr, Loretta Ross, Russ Bellant, Skipp Porteous, Frederick Clarkson, Robert Bray, Tarso Ramos, Scot Nakagawa, Marghe Covino, and others); discussions at Lumiere Productions (with Frances Fitzgerald, Leo Ribuffo, John C. Green, and George Marsden); and the staff of Political Research Associates (especially with Jean Hardisty), as well as private conversations with Sara Diamond, Holly Sklar, and Matthew N. Lyons.

The Democrats have done such a great job of "challenging the right" since 1995, they really need to listen to this guy... not.

Weester, still living in the 90's I see.

Every day you confirm the stereotype we've painted of you.

[The Blob]

Where did the term "moonbats" come from?

[Red Regal T]

Originally Posted by UNGN

The Democrats have done such a great job of "challenging the right" since 1995, they really need to listen to this guy... not.

Weester, still living in the 90's I see.

Every day you confirm the stereotype we've painted of you.

Well, you see, previous to the 90's, the left didn't have to do anything. At that time, they held the monopoly on all information, and brainwashed the American people with any lie, demonize any conservative, they wanted to, at will. That is no longer the case today, and in their hysteria, leftists have exposed themselves for the unpatriotic cowards and traitors they are. Out there for all to see. My only regret is that they aren't thrown in jail for their open treason.

[weester87]

"So serious question weester, where do I belong? Hmmm..."

You tell me.......

Facts is facts, the republican party not only tolerates these wack jobs but they encourage them. The left may have the "tree huggers" but the right as groups that are far more dangerous and treasonous.

[Skylark-69]

Originally Posted by The Blob

Where did the term "moonbats" come from?

Not sure, but it's a humorous way to describe loony leftists.

[Red Regal T]

WEESER, in your excitement you must have passed right over my question to you. It's funny how this seems to happen over and over. You're such an expert. If you don't answer, maybe someone else can put forth a theory on why this is happening.

I am not Jewish, however, I have been a staunch supporter of Israel and have made many posts on different sites expressing this view. I recognize the evil that is the Palestinians and their lame excuses for murdering woman and children. The US is the main ally, if not the only ally of Israel. We have promised to protect Israel, we give billions in aid, and we share many of the same values. What puzzles me, and I object to strongly, is why so many American Jews work overtime undermining America's efforts to bring peace to the Middle East. You very much fit this mould.

Do those American Jews, who undermine America, want Israel protected or not, or do they prefer annihilation of Israel? Or are they just about sewing confusion among the American people.

There are over a hundred and fifty thousand American troops in the middle-east, to fight terrorism and intimidate those who would push the Jews into the Red Sea, all while a great many American Jews go about their business of undermining this country, it's traditions, and it's war on terror. You're the big Jewish expert, and are guilty of all the above, so why don't you explain this phenomenon.

[weester87]

Same ol' B.S. Red, when you gonna unfreeze your brain and come up with something else...

Hey Red,

Why does your party support these groups? ie:Fundamentalists, American Nazi Party, Skin Heads, KKK, militiamen and the rest of the Bigots in this country?

[Red Regal T]

Originally Posted by weester87

Same ol' B.S. Red, when you gonna unfreeze your brain and come up with something else...

Hey Red,

Why does your party support these groups? ie:Fundamentalists, American Nazi Party, Skin Heads, KKK, militiamen and the rest of the Bigots in this country?

You're lies are hardly worth the effort of denying. Why don't you get a life? All these extremist you've named, which amount to an infinitesmally small minority, do nothing compared to what leftist Jews do to harm and undermine America. Many in those groups are anti-Jewish, but when you have so many American Jews working to undermine America, it's no wonder. From what little I see of those groups, at least they are fierce in their love for America. What's your excuse?

[Mac in SD]

Originally Posted by weester87

Same ol' B.S. Red, when you gonna unfreeze your brain and come up with something else...

Hey Red,

Why does your party support these groups? ie:Fundamentalists, American Nazi Party, Skin Heads, KKK, militiamen and the rest of the Bigots in this country?

The Republican Party DOES NOT support those groups. Period.

But tell me: why does YOUR party support Code Pink, the Black Panthers, the Sandinistas, CPUSA, World Workers Party, International ANSWER, the antisemite marxists at Institute for Policy Studies, the KKK (ask Bob Byrd about that), ELF/ALF, anarchists and a host of others? Do we need to go down the list of Ray McGovern, Ramsey Clark, et al who testified at John Conyers' "hearings" arranged by the Democrat Progressive Caucus?
Do you identify with them?

Do you think this country was founded 200 years ago on their principles?

[Red Regal T]

Originally Posted by Mac in SD

Most definitely!

[weester87]

"But tell me: why does YOUR party support Code Pink, the Black Panthers, the Sandinistas, CPUSA, World Workers Party, International ANSWER,\"

Considering that I've never been a member of the democratic party, I'm really not qualified to answer that question......DOH!

But the truth is, the reps do rely on the support of these groups and they do cater to them! Bush wouldnt have gotten re-elected with out the support of the Fundamentalists, ie:religious right! You can pretend all you want, but the fact remains, the reps are supported by homegrown terrorists! I bet if you checked Reds linen closet, you would only find WHITE sheets....