Are you an extremist?

Recently there has been news that in February there is going to be a global summit on “extremism.” But the definition of extremism as identified by the government does not fit the normal definition which can be found through a Google search or that can be found on Wikipedia. In a Google search an extremist is defined as “a person who holds extreme or fanatical political or religious views. Wikipedia defines extremism as “an ideology (particularly in politics or religion), considered to be far outside the mainstream attitudes of a society or to violate common moral standards. Both these definitions do not use the term violence. The current emphasis is on domestic extremists which is the basis for the development of the list associated with the upcoming extremism global conference.

In recent years, it has become a code word for those that do not have an “enlightened” view of the world. If your views on politics, religion or social issues are extremely different from the liberal, progressive views of “the mainstream” (as defined by the mainstream media and by “mainstream” politicians such as Barack Obama), then they consider you to be an extremist.

There is a list of activities which have been defining individuals as extremists many if not all of them will surprise you. The entire list will be provided but comments on a few are appropriate given the activity involved. The definitions below are applied to the activities considered to fall under the extremist umbrella.

Ideology

– A set of political beliefs about the nature of people and society; an organized collection of ideas about the best and most appropriate way to live.3.

Extremism

– A term used to describe the actions or ideologies of individuals or groups who take a political idea to its limits, regardless of unfortunate repercussions, and show intolerance toward all views other than their own.4.

Extremist

– A person who advocates the use of force or violence; advocates supremacist causes based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, or national origin; or otherwise engages to illegally deprive individuals or groups of their civil rights.5.

Supremism

– The belief that a particular race, religion, gender, species, belief system, or culture is superior to others and entitles those who identify with it to dominate, control, or rule those who do not. A person who believes that a certain group is or should be supreme is a

supremacist

Those that talk about “individual liberties”

Our individual liberties are basically identified in the Constitution through the Bill of Rights but in addition to these we have the liberty travel from one location to another without restrictions by government. We also have the right

Those that advocate for states’ rights

Like the federal government states have certain rights and responsibilities. The federal government has defined authority and topics which are not identified for the federal government fall under state responsibilities and rights. Given the legal authority in article 10 (amendment 10) to the Constitution powers not granted to the federal government are left for the state. States’ rights involve decisions to be made that they have the right to make. The federal government has no legal or constitutional authority to make decisions for which states are responsible according to the Constitution.

The colonists who sought to free themselves from British rule

If it were not for the colonists our country would not exists as it is today. These individuals took a bold step for liberty and freedom the details of which are engrained in the Constitution.

Members of the American Border Patrol/American Patrol

American Border Patrol is the only non-governmental organization (NGO) that monitors the border on a regular basis - mostly by air. It has three aircraft, each designed for a specialized mission.

ABP operates from a ranch right on the Mexican border in Southeastern Arizona in the heart of a major smuggling corridor.

ABP is a watchdog. We watch what the government is doing and we report to you directly.

Anyone that “complains about bias”

Many of us complain about bias and it is something that exists throughout our country much of it can be seen in media sources for the news. Many organizations place their own political spin on events of the day and do not always provide equal coverage regarding news events. We as individuals have a right to our opinion including our right to complain about bias we see in all areas of our life. Individuals have bias just like organizations. Our right to complain about any issues especially bias is not an extremist ideology.

Returning veterans

Including veterans on this list is a disservice to all those individuals who have put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms some of which have made the ultimate sacrificewe now enjoy and hope to continue to enjoy in the distant future. Like other groups of individuals and just regular individuals anyone can be radicalized which is the aim of including veterans on this list. To signal out veterans

Anyone that “fears impending gun control or weapons confiscations”

The current battle over gun control legislation brings fears of government confiscating our weapons which we have a right to purchase to protect ourselves and our families under the Constitution. With the violence which has been occurring in our country and around the world the proponents of gun control legislation is in conflict with Amendment 2 to the Constitution. Granted there needs to be some improvements in our firearm system to keep individuals who do not have the capability of determining right from wrong as in the case of individuals who are mentally impaired. Our right to own firearms should not be impaired or restricted as provided for in the Constitution. Taking away or restricting this right could threaten our safety. Most individuals want the capability to protect themselves. The point of any gun control legislation is that criminals will not pay attention to the law but law abiding citizens will. Individuals who decide to own firearms are a deterrent to criminals knowing the possibility they will not succeed in their plans.

Anyone that “is frustrated with mainstream ideologies”

In recent years, it has become a code word for those that do not have an “enlightened” view of the world. If your views on politics, religion or social issues are extremely different from the liberal, progressive views of “the mainstream” (as defined by the mainstream media and by “mainstream” politicians such as Barack Obama), then they consider you to be an extremist.

Mainstream ideologies are often in conflict with the real world and what most citizens believe. We are a nation who was created to think for ourselves not what others want us to think. The leaders of tomorrow must make their own decisions based on their knowledge and observations not what the mainstream media want us to believe. In some cases mainstream ideologies being pushed conflict pushed with the founding principles upon which this country. We have a right to be frustrated with the ideologies being pushed by mainstream media based on the fact we have freedom of speech and freedom of the press. If our ideologies do not agree with the mainstream media it does not make us extremists. We have a right to our opinions whether it agrees or disagrees with mainstream ideologies.

In addition sometimes there are examples where ideologies being pushed by the media are not really the mainstream and the push to paint individuals with different opinions or ideologies is not necessarily extreme. Our Constitution is a living document and has been amended over twenty times. The ideology that surfaced to make these changes under the definitions presented may have been considered radical or extreme at the time but in reality they were right for America. Simply because the mainstream media or even government does not agree with our philosophy does not make us extremists. We as individuals want the right decisions to be made by our government at all levels which involves honoring the applicable constitutions in place. The philosophy of wanting our elected or appointed government officials to honor the Constitution is not an extremist’s ideology it is the right ideology to have.

Those that “believe in the right to bear arms

The right to bear arms is engrained in Amendment 2 to the Constitution and should not ever be considered to be an extremist philosophy. The right to bear arms has been constantly under attack not only from certain members of Congress but organizations. Belief in the rights and exercising the rights identified in the Constitution are not extremist’s actions or ideology.

Those that are against illegal immigration

We have immigration laws and regulations which are not being enforced to the full extent of the law with some exceptions. The flood of illegal immigrants into our country is hurting individuals who are out of work and is costing states thousands of dollars if not hundreds of thousands.

Christian Action Network

Christian Action Network (CAN) was founded in 1990 by Martin Mawyer. Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, the group is a public advocacy and education organization based on biblical principles, values, traditions and American ideals. Its primary goals are to protect America’s religious and moral heritage through educational efforts.

CAN accomplishes its education work through direct-mail campaigns aimed at impacting public policy, along with public speaking engagements, documentary films, radio and TV interviews, books, and alliances with other organizations to impact change.

Members of the American Family Association

American Family Association (AFA), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, was founded in 1977 by Donald E. Wildmon, who was the pastor of First United Methodist Church in Southaven, Mississippi, at the time. Since 1977, AFA has been on the frontlines of America’s culture war. The original name of the ministry was National Federation for Decency but was changed to American Family Association in 1988.

Members of the Tennessee Freedom Coalition

The mission of the American Family Association is to inform, equip, and activate individuals to strengthen the moral foundations of American culture, and give aid to the church here and abroad in its task of fulfilling the Great Commission

Tennessee Freedom Coalition

The Tennessee Freedom Coalition is a 501(c)4 non-profit organization designed to educate Tennesseans on policy matters relating to equitable tax structures, education reform, vibrant economic paradigms, immigration issues, limited government, health care, Islamic radicalization, job creation, and our proper constitutional relationship to the federal government.

Members of the Christian Action Network

Christian Action Network (CAN) was founded in 1990 by Martin Mawyer. Based in Lynchburg, Virginia, the group is a public advocacy and education organization based on biblical principles, values, traditions and American ideals. Its primary goals are to protect America’s religious and moral heritage through educational efforts.

Those that talk about “individual liberties”

Those that advocate for states’ rights

Those that want “to make the world a better place”

The colonists who sought to free themselves from British rule”

Those that are interested in “defeating the Communists:

Those that believe “that the interests of one’s own nation are separate from the interests of other nations or the common interest of all nations”

Anyone that holds a “political ideology that considers the state to be unnecessary, harmful, or undesirable.”

Anyone that possesses an “intolerance toward other religions”

Those that “take action to fight against the exploitation of the environment and/or animals”

“Anti-Gay”

Anti-Immigrant”

Anti-Muslim”

The Patriot Movement

Opposition to equal rights for gays and lesbians

Members of the Family Research Council

Members of the American Family Association

Those that believe that Mexico, Canada and the United States “are secretly planning to merge into a European Union-like entity that will be known as the “North American Union”

Members of the American Border Patrol/American Patrol

Members of the Federation for American Immigration Reform

Members of the Tennessee Freedom Coalition

Members of the Christian Action Network

Anyone that is “opposed to the New World Order”

Anyone that is engaged in “consipiracy theorizing”

Any that is opposed to Agenda 21

Anyone that is concerned about FEMA camps

Anyone that “fears impending gun control or weapons confiscations”

The militia movement

The sovereign citizen movement

Those that “don’t think they should have to pay taxes”

Anyone that “complains about bias”

Anyone that “believes in government conspiracies to the point of paranoia”

Anyone that “is frustrated with mainstream ideologies”

Anyone that “visits extremist websites/blogs

Anyone that “establishes website/blog to display extremist views”

Anyone that “attends rallies for extremist causes”

Anyone that “exhibits extreme religious intolerance”

Anyone that “is personally connected with a grievance”

Anyone that “suddenly acquires weapons”

Anyone that “organizes protests inspired by extremist ideology”

Militia or unorganized militia

General right-wing extremist

Citizens that have bumper stickers that are patriotic or anti-U.N.

Those that refer to an ”Army of God

Those that are “fiercely nationalistic (as opposed to universal and international in orientation

Those that are “anti-global

Those that are “suspicious of centralized federal authority”

Those that are “reverent of individual liberty

Those that “believe in conspiracy theories”

Those that have “a belief that one’s personal and/or national “way of life” is under attack”

Those that possess “a belief in the need to be prepared for an attack either by participating in paramilitary preparations and training or survivalism”

Those that would “impose strict religious tenets or laws on society (fundamentalists)”

Those that would “insert religion into the political sphere”

Anyone that would “seek to politicize religion”

Those that have “supported political movements for autonomy”

Anyone that is anti-abortion

Anyone that is anti-Catholic

Anyone that is “anti-nuclear

Rightwing extremists

Returning veterans

Those concerned about “illegal immigration

Those that “believe in the right to bear arms

Anyone that is engaged in “ammunition stockpiling

Anyone that exhibits “fear of Communist regimes”

Anti-Abortion activists

Those that are against illegal immigration

Those that talk about “the New World Order” in a “derogatory” manner

Those that have a negative view of the United Nations

Those that are opposed “to the collection of federal income taxes”

Those that supported former presidential candidates Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin and Bob Barr

Those that display the Gadsden Flag (“Don’t Tread On Me”)

Those that believe in “end times” prophecies

Evangelical Christians