re: #107 Charles

Why are so many conservatives so ready to take offense when the extremists in their midst are criticized?

Because of this paragraph from the introduction to the report:

Some of these assertions are motivated by prejudice, but more common is an intense strain of anti-government distrust and anger, colored by a streak of paranoia and belief in conspiracies. These sentiments are present both in mainstream and “grass-roots” movements as well as in extreme anti-government movements such as a resurgent militia movement. Ultimately, this anti-government anger, if it continues to grow in intensity and scope, may result in an increase in anti-government extremists and the potential for a rise of violent anti-government acts.

What it suggests is that fringe extremism is nourished and intensified by mainstream opposition to government policies. ADL’s report is in significant part aimed not at the whacked-out fringe, but at the “angry” mainstream and tars them with the same brush. Or makes them out to be mutually reinforcing parts of the same anti-government movement. I disagree. That is all.