Topic: Patriot Groups

Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) is caught in a contradiction regarding the growth of "patriot" and "hate" groups. While a recent SPLC report claimed a 19% decline in such groups, Potok tells CNN there has been a "dramatic uptick" following the Las Vegas shooting and the Bundy Ranch standoff. The hosts suggest the SPLC adjusts its narrative to maximize fundraising and media relevance.

Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center reports that the number of hate groups has dropped by 19%. The decline is attributed to the "deflation" of the radical right following President Obama's reelection. Patriot groups are defined by the SPLC as movements unified by conspiracy theories regarding martial law and FEMA camps.

MSNBC's Ed Schultz reports on a Southern Poverty Law Center study claiming "anti-government patriot groups" are at an all-time high. The report draws parallels between current militia growth and the environment preceding the Oklahoma City bombing. The discussion criticizes the labeling of constitutionalist groups as "hate groups" and the call for an inter-agency task force to monitor them.

Mark Potok of the SPLC discussed a report claiming an 813% increase in "Patriot" groups since 2008, linking them to conspiracy theories about martial law and the New World Order. The SPLC's interactive map of hate groups is scrutinized for including organizations like "Bare Naked Islam" and "Official Street Preachers." The discussion suggests the SPLC uses these labels to marginalize legitimate political dissent.

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) released a report claiming a 60% spike in "anti-government patriot groups." Mark Potok of the SPLC is heard on Fox News attributing this growth to racial demographics, the economy, and the mainstreaming of "conspiracy theories."