After Temple Shootings, Are 'Hate' Groups a Tampa Bay Concern?
There are 55 such groups operating in Florida and at least 8 in Tampa Bay, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center.
It's been less than a week since six worshippers at a Wisconsin Sikh temple were shot and killed.
Hundreds gathered in Wisconsin on Wednesday to honor those killed.
We have learned more about the shooter, including the former Army employee's connection to Fort Bragg
And concerns have been ignited about the work of extremist groups across the country.
According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, there are 55 "hate groups" in Florida, including 8 around Tampa Bay.
Do you think these groups are a concern in Tampa Bay? Let us know in the comments below. Leave the name of your city, so we can repost the best comments in a followup article in your hometown Patch.
Here is their list:
Leroy A Haggard
8:14 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Hatred is an emotion that cannot be seen, and in many cases, as silent as still waters
and invisible to the naked eye. Hatred, for any number of reasons can harbor in anyone of us and not be known to many around us. And from the seed of hatred,
terrorism can bloom. An example could be made of the Colorado theatre alleged assasin. A student, going for a PHD, un-suspecting as they come, showed his true colors of emotions.
As long as guns are as available as candy in a candy store, Tampa, and every other city can exprect the fruits of hated and terrorism where ever we live, Hatred has no boundaries. Religion, race or creed, Muslim are not immune. It is not the "bad"
guys we should worry about, for they are for the most part in prison, but the "good" guys ready to explode and all the tools they need are readily available at their local
arms dealer.
The only defense right now society has is 'SEE SOMETHING-SAY SOMETHING"
Diana Kane
9:02 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
Separatism does not equal hate. Separatism usually indicates complete indifference. While it may feel like *hate* to those not included in the separatist group; it isn't. Separatists, for the most part, are groups in which those participating share an affinity or affinities toward a certain belief. While the beliefs held may in fact be hatred of another group, it is not always the case.
Red
10:59 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
The list of "HATERS" only serves to enforce the idea that the members are feeling less-than, not apart of, basic fear that will not be alleviated by yet another law. For instance If ________ loses their job, or girl/boy friend husband/wife, to someone of the _______race, religion, political party, it breeds a feeling of fear that no law will or can fix. The basic rules of life means that one must accept who and they as individuals to learn to live with our neighbors. Some of us tend to shine in one way or another and envy does nothing to improve someones good points. Hate most certainly does not. Acceptance, acceptance is the key. If someone ,for instance, is more knowledgeable than you there are two ways to go: 1)study more or 2)accept that another knows something you don't and keep an open mind. After-all how does a country legislate to open a closed mind?
kincade727
10:22 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
That headline is a rhetorical question, right? Ummm .... Yes!
Leroy A Haggard
11:17 am on Monday, August 13, 2012
A question I do not know the answer to. I think I know the answer, but I hope I am wrong.. If a law abiding person belongs and adheres to the bylaws of the hate group,
and ois an open member of any hate group, can that person walk into a gun dealer shop and buy a weapon and not be questioned?
Mark S. Hankins
1:56 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
Hate groups thrive on the hatred directed back against them. It was only as a group reacting against Communism that Naziism gained any ground.
What worries me is that the SPLC gives the hate groups publicity that they wouldn't otherwise have. Law enforcement knows who they are and where to find them. Perhaps the general public does not need a handy-dandy table to find that information ... perhaps for no other reason than to make it more difficult for the like-minded to find one another.
The other problem is that groups who insist on the Constitution being followed get included on the SPLC's list. If you know your Old Testament, you know that every once in a while somebody had to pull out the old scrolls and read them for the assembled Hebrews because they had gotten way off track. The SPLC is demonizing some patriots who would fulfill that function. Not all progress occurs in directions that are sustainable long-term, no matter how good it feels to move in those directions short-term. This nation is due for a painful recognition of facts like that.
Shawn Hicks
3:38 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
The SPLC is one of the primary sources of information on these groups used by law enforcement. I've come across their data linked from law enforcement websites on several occasions. They perform a good services in the work they do.
The SPLC is very clear on why each and every group is on that list. They provide concrete evidence and the methods they used to make the decision to designate the group as a "hate" group. In your example, it wouldn't be the insisting that gets a patriot group on the list but the methods they use to insist. Reasonable people can disagree on whether or not the US Constitution is being followed or not and the SPLC does not get involved in that. When the disagreement goes beyond what reasonable people might do to make a point, then the SPLC gets involved.
Nick
2:57 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
So what are the "Black Panthers" or "La Raza"?? Just curious...
Shawn Hicks
3:43 pm on Monday, August 13, 2012
The Black Panthers (or at least groups with that name) are on the list. Did you read it? There are 15 groups in the local area identified as "Black Separatist" on the list quoted above.
I've never heard of La Raza advocating racial separatism or violent action, have you?
Nick
7:37 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
"I've never heard of La Raza advocating racial separatism or violent action, have you?"
Yea
Shawn Hicks
8:48 am on Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Fair enough. Citation?
Magnus Thunderson
12:42 am on Thursday, August 16, 2012
Socialism and communism have been slandered by groups as badly as the Indian Hindu sign of the sun was turned to the hated Nazi symbol as every family group is communism in a good family as everyone needs are met and every one chips in for what they can do however communism fails beyond a small group.
however Socialism has it place in society best shown in democratic Socialism such as in Sweden and even we have Socialism policy’s in the USA such as our interstate system, Pell grants, Medicare, social security, Medicaid welfare, work programs and even farm programs which all make this country a great place to live. As if you want a true democracy move to Hong Kong were you can still open up a hot dog stand and grown your business or any other business but if it fails you crash and burn on the street as there no safely net there.
But I also agree Separatism does not equal hate except in those groups who suport violent action
Maggy Mae
9:56 am on Sunday, September 2, 2012
http://www.splcenter.org/what-we-do/hate-and-extremism/law-enforcement
Anti-Westboro Baptist
10:32 am on Monday, September 10, 2012
The Question posed by the article is do they affect us. The answer is, not so much. While we as American's should always be ready to stand up for our rights and look out for those less fortunate than ourselves, we can breathe a bit of a sigh because most of the groups listed are small and given a short period of time seem to burn out or disband. I hate lists too, but know there are times when it is a needed evil. Most of these groups can be simply opposed by ignoring them. On rare occasion, we should show up and peacefully let them here our collective voices. This usually sends them packing. So worry, No. Be mindful, Yes.