There really is a gathering storm

We've heard about Obama's first 100 days, perhaps it is time to check in on the militant right's corresponding 100 days. This information is from a blog that tracks the doings of the militant right. Current efforts could make the Oklahoma City bombing look tame. The Department of Homeland Security is keeping a close watch on these guys and has noted a growing urgency and fury since Obama was inaugurated. However, the DHS has no information of any specific planned events.

The basic narrative of these groups: The End of the World is near. It's Us against Them. That split allows retreat from consensus reality. The "us" are persecuted. We must eliminate "them" to purify our world. These ideas are being played more openly since the November election.

Things that are different now: In addition to claiming the opponent is purely evil these groups are now saying it is time to do something about it. The fabrications to justify their actions (they're good at making stuff up) are no longer built on a kernel of truth. They were thoroughly humiliated in the last election and don't take humiliation well. There is a new sense of urgency -- Obama the Evil will usher in his age of destruction Any Day Now. The hate-mongers (Limbaugh among them) have seized center stage now that the GOP party apparatus is in tatters. They are putting themselves in opposition to the power of the state (forgetting that is was one of their own who made the state so powerful). They are arming themselves to the teeth and have volunteered for military service for training. They've already started experimenting with threats and petty violence as training for bigger ventures.

Are they ready to act? The next steps to look for: They go "up-country" withdrawing from the world in isolated enclaves. Are they buying land? Is secessionist talk increasing? Such isolation allows leaders to consolidate power over members. Their lawlessness becomes overt. Their thuggery is justified because they answer to a higher law. When they break laws it especially includes weapons laws. The pick fights with authorities. At this point they are armed, barricaded, prepared, and spoiling for a fight and any excuse (a routine traffic stop) can be a catalyst that can only end in disaster.

Will it happen? That depends on how many who are drunk on hate-talk sober up in time, how many realize what their leaders really intend before the violence actually happens. Forget that wimpy gay ad. This is the Gathering Storm.