According to a report issued this week by the Southern Poverty Law Center:
Almost a decade after virtually disappearing from public view, the antigovernment militia movement is surging across the country, fueled by fears of a black man in the White House, the changing demographics of the country, and conspiracy theories increasingly spread by mainstream figures.
The “report” is little more than a sloppy editorial, citing no statistics or academic sources, and relying only on anecdotal evidence gathered from interviews. Nonetheless, it dovetails nicely into the pattern of rhetoric that we’ve been seeing for the past six months.
The strategy of this administration has become increasingly strident and transparent. Here’s how it works:
“Don’t listen to anyone who questions us. They’re out of touch, and if they’re not with the program, they’re crackpots and liars. Better yet, imply that they’re terrorists. It also helps to throw down the race card.
“We won the election, not them. They don’t matter. We’re the elites now, and we know what’s best for the ignorant masses. Do not allow yourself to get cornered with facts or statistics. Ignore their petty concerns, and do so blatantly. If that doesn’t work, hand-pick a friendly audience.
“We’re going into the August recess, and these idiots are going to whine about the money we’re going to spend on our health care program. Don’t let them point out that it hasn’t worked in Canada, Northern Europe, or even in Massachusetts. If anyone argues, imply that the Right planted them there.
“As a matter of fact, ‘Right Wing Conspiracy’ worked really well the last time we had control of the government. Let’s stick with that. Better yet, let’s resurrect the whole white-supremacist militia thing from Ruby Ridge and imply that they’re all like that.”
The best thing about this whole agenda of arrogance and disdain is that it’s patently obvious to the general public. They’re not even trying to hide it. I don’t think this is what liberals meant by “transparency,” but that’s what they’re getting, and it’s going to haunt them through the next election cycle, and hopefully far beyond.