Title: The Second Wave, Return of the Militias: A Special Report from the Southern Poverty Law Center

Publication Date: August 2009

What does it say?

This report traces the history of the militia movement of the 1990s to its current resurgence and expansion as a larger anti-government movement.  The current movement appears to be trying to consolidate anti-immigration factions, tax-protest groups, pro-gun rights groups and hate groups.  The final section of the report lists anecdotes of extremist activity from July 1995 to June 2009.

How can I use it?

This report helps to connect the dots on the philosophical underpinnings of the various extremist groups that have been in the media recently (e. g. the Tea Party movement). The report mentions a recent NRA campaign based on anti-government rhetoric, “Prepare for the Storm in 2008,” and the role of gun shows in supporting militia ideology (p. 9) as well as documenting extremists’ possession of .50 caliber rifles and other assault weapons (see pps. 19, 20, 21).

Citation

The Intelligence Project of the Southern Poverty Law Center, The Second Wave, Return of the Militias: A Special Report from the Southern Poverty Law Center, Montgomery, AL, August 2009

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