FBI Director Louis Freeh

greenspun.com : LUSENET : TimeBomb 2000 (Y2000) : One Thread

Feb.4,1999

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - FBI Director Louis Freeh warned Thursday that right-wing extremists, religious cults or apocalyptic groups could turn to violence to fulfill their prophecies of Armageddon as the year 2000 approaches.

At a congressional hearing on counter-terrorism, Freeh cited ``rogue terrorists'' such as Saudi dissident Osama bin Laden -- blamed by Washington for the bombing of two American embassies in East Africa last year -- as probably the most urgent risk to U.S. interests. But he said the domestic threat could not be ignored, especially as the millennium approached.

``The possibility of an indigenous group like Aum Supreme Truth cannot be excluded,'' he said, referring to the cult responsible for a nerve gas attack in the Tokyo subway system in March, 1995.

``With the coming of the next millennium, some religious/apocalyptic groups or individuals may turn to violence as they seek to achieve dramatic effects to fulfill their prophecies,'' he said.

Freeh expressed dismay at a ``pattern of racist elements'' seeping into the U.S. militia movement most of which, he said, had no racial overtones and did not espouse bigotry.

But he discussed at length ``a disturbing trend'' toward the pseudo-religion of Christian Identity -- and other hate philosophies -- that provided both a religious base for racism and anti-Semitism as well as an ideological rationale for violence against minorities.

``Many white supremacist groups adhere to the Christian Identity belief system, which holds that the world is on the verge of a final apocalyptic struggle ... and teaches that the white race is the chosen race of God,'' he said.

Many of those who believe in this credo are engaged in survivalist and paramilitary training, storing foodstuffs and supplies and caching weapons and ammunition.

Freeh said that as 1999 came to a close, Identity's more extreme members could prepare for Armageddon by carrying out armed robberies to finance the upcoming battle, destroying government property and targeting Jews and non-whites.

The FBI had ``little credible intelligence'' at this time indicating that terrorists, either domestic or international, were preparing to attack the United States, the director said.

But he added that ``a growing number -- while still small -- of 'lone offender' and extremist splinter elements of right-wing groups have been identified as possessing or attempting to develop or use'' chemical, biological or nuclear weapons.

Attorney General Janet Reno, who also appeared before the Senate Appropriations subcommittee, said a terrorist attack using a biological weapon might not be immediately apparent with far-reaching impact on victims and emergency personnel.

``In fact, we have found recently the mere threat of the use of unconventional weapons can cause concern and panic. Threats to release harmful biological or chemical substances cannot be ignored,'' she said. Freeh said the FBI dealt with an ``anthrax warning letter'' somewhere in the country almost every day.

U.S. officials had to be able ``to match wits with the bad guys,'' Reno said.

She appealed to the Senate panel to approve funds for a National Domestic Preparedness Office to be led by the FBI to provide coordination and a single point of contact for state and local communities.

-- Deborah (news@upi.com), February 04, 1999

Answers

This may be the case, however, there are already groups and individuals right now that operate and have operated in their extreme fashions - without Y2K.

Abortion clinic bombings, cult poisonings and sacrifices, and let's not forget even the bombing at the Olympics, etc. Sure, the obvious notoriety of the year 2000 will spur some into action and open windows of opportunity that wouldn't be in place otherwise (without all the millennial distractions), but these people and groups are here already.

With utter amazement, I have watched the government take the terrorism issue and bolt it to the forefront of the Y2K delima. It is falling into place as their "catch-all scapegoat". If ANYTHING happens in the US, it will more than likely be attributed to terrorism facilitated by the presence of y2k hampered systems. Clinton cleverly pointed that out a little over a week ago. CYBER TERRORISM. It can be applied to our big businesses to wreck our economy. That's better than a messy bomb, isn't it? And gee, if it's cyber terrorists sabotaging our economic structure, they'll be clever enough to do it under the guise of Y2K problems, won't they? So, big business isn't to blame and the government is off the hook. Aren't they clever.

The government is saying they are right on schedule for Y2K and there should be no problem in the private sectors either...blah blah, while on the other hand they release horrifying scenario predictions such as the FBI statement above claiming all sorts of "possible" catastrophic and devastating events.

It doesn't look like the government will take the blame or responsiblity for y2k on the chin. They are setting up the smokescreen good too. These terrorists have been around in this capacity (lurking, watching, vaguely threatening) for years and years. Now there seems to be a virtual media blitz of "terrorist warnings".

It's more than coincidental.

OH, AND DON'T MISS THIS I'm sure most of you gasped in horror like I did when I read it.

*****snip from above post***** But he discussed at length ``a disturbing trend'' toward the pseudo-religion of Christian Identity -- and other hate philosophies -- that provided both a religious base for racism and anti-Semitism as well as an ideological rationale for violence against minorities.

``Many white supremacist groups adhere to the Christian Identity belief system, which holds that the world is on the verge of a final apocalyptic struggle ... and teaches that the white race is the chosen race of God,'' he said.

Many of those who believe in this credo are engaged in survivalist and paramilitary training, storing foodstuffs and supplies and caching weapons and ammunition.

Freeh said that as 1999 came to a close, Identity's more extreme members could prepare for Armageddon by carrying out armed robberies to finance the upcoming battle, destroying government property and targeting Jews and non-whites.

*****end snip*****

Now, let's see......... for people who get their 5 minutes of soundbyte news per day from the t.v., these Christian based, food storing, weapon carrying, people (must be them damn y2k survivalist kooks) are going to rob everyone and kill non-whites and Jews.

Again, not just a coincidence.

-- Mr_Kennedy (y2kPCfixes@motivatedseller.com), February 04, 1999.


Yep.

-- Robert A. Cook, PE (Kennesaw, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), February 04, 1999.

YEP YEP

-- Nikoli Krushev (doomsday@y2000.com), February 04, 1999.

Mr Kennedy,

That is the exact reason I posted this. Have extra food? A hunting rifle ? Welcome to the world of being a potential scapegoat.

Got a lawyer?

Just a Soccer Mom, Deborah

P.S. I also noticed the part where Reno says "we have found recently the mere threat of the use of unconventional weapons can cause concern and panic."

How did THEY find recently? Planted 'hoax' Anthrax threats? Like today in Washington D.C. & (I think) Georgia? In the past weeks in California? hmmm let's see how the sheeple react.....

I guess words like Cyberterrorism & bological attack get people's attention more than 'so-called y2k computer bug'

Also in my opinion people would be more likely to go to a shelter/lock themselves in their homes if they thought they were under attack.

I realize threats of these kinds exist, but I find the TIMING ironic.

-- Deborah (notRacist@all.duh), February 04, 1999.


The battle between the multi-culturalists and the white nationalists dates back to the days of what today is referred to as "civil- rights". Of course the names have changed over the years. For example, the original definition of "civil-rights" as the right of citizens to be free of an over-bearning government has essentually become "minority-rights". The battle is heating-up because of a rapid rate of increase in non-white populations in the US. The non- whites are bolder and stronger now. The whites who don't like living with non-whites are taking notice. On a related note, today whites only make-up 11% of the worlds population (and are shrinking rapidly!). Extinction (near-extinction) of the "white race" is about 5 generations away (based on US & UN demographic projections).

Other than Y2K being an additional factor, though, I don't see the big covert connection between Y2K and a 30+ year-old demographics "issue".

-- Anonymous99 (Anonymous99@Anonymous.com), February 04, 1999.



Terrorist attack has always been a threat. The government has avoided THAT very real topic.....until now.

It now serves THEIR purpose to start beating the drums of terrorist alarm to sidetrack Y2K events that are coming. It covers their asses every way you turn it.

They used to avoid mentioning terrorist activity or suspicions to avoid panicking the public. Now you can't shut them up about it. Not because there is any more terrorist activity or suspicion than there was before, but because all of Y2K outcomes can be blamed the easiest and most effectively under the terrorist label. Don't you see? Y2K preparations have been poorly represented in the media as "survivalists - heading for the hills". Now the public, with the help of our dear government, will equate Y2K preparations with food hoarding, gun toting, white supremist TERRORISM.

I'd just bet that my good friends Y2k camp started for 8 families would be considered a terrorist outpost. It's no joke. They'll have to watch out for who's "watching THEM".

-- Mr_Kennedy (y2kPCfixes@motivatedseller.com), February 04, 1999.


Yep.

Deborah

-- Deborah (handwriting@wall.com), February 04, 1999.


Other than Y2K being an additional factor, though, I don't see the big covert connection between Y2K and a 30+ year-old demographics "issue".

-- Anonymous99

The "issue" (racism) is not the connection. This is the issue: People who store food, buy secondary "secure homes" (usually in remote areas), arm themselves, stock provisions, and prepare to live off the grid (as much as possible) are now being heavily associated with the same descriptions of White Supremist Terrorists.

The flurry of press releases from the government to this effect is not coincidental. They are trying to scare people into "remaining the same sheeple they are" and not do these "terrorist" type activities.

It is the same tactic as the banks are using. Bank CEO's have no qualms in saying publicly that people who plan to take money out of the banks are stupid and irresponsible. Uh huh. And I suppose Fractional Reserve Banking was a stroke of genius.

As long as this is supposed to be a free society, I choose to do with my money, belongings, and preparations as I see fit. Not many others I know outside of this forum seem to be able to withstand the pressure of being "LABELED". That is why they are sheeple, keep their money in the bank, and blindly take news blips blurted out at them on CNN at face value.

-- Mr_Kennedy (y2kPCfixes@motivatedseller.com), February 04, 1999.


Thanks Deborah,

Get on the "create community" bandwagon and side-track the .gov intentions.

I focused on "...She appealed to the Senate panel to approve funds for a National Domestic Preparedness Office to be led by the FBI to provide coordination and a single point of contact for state and local communities."

Hummm.

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), February 04, 1999.


Diane,

"Get on the "create community" bandwagon and side-track the .gov intentions."

Government cannot legislate 'community'. Government cannot legislate fairness. Government cannot legislate chairity. In short Government cannot legislate morality.

I have contacted my local .gov, haven't gotten a response. My State basically says in short that they can't guarantee an infrastructure.

I founded a ministry that feeds the homeless on Chicago's west side so I really don't need a community involvement lecture from anyone.

I merely don't trust .gov that continuously lies to me and uses deceptive language. You can believe what you want. Time will tell if history repeats itself. By the way, I really wish I was wrong.

Respectfully,

Deborah

-- Deborah (trilat@un.com), February 04, 1999.



I think we've finally reached critical mass. EVERYONE is now officially a member of a radical group seeking to fullfill prophecies. I guess this news bothers Chittum somewhat. The spinners have lumped him in with the Y2K/survivalist/hoarders.

MoVe Immediate

-- MVI (vtoc@aol.com), February 04, 1999.


Mr. Kennedy,

well said sir! and isn't it interesting that this particular issue managed to shake only one lone neonazi (?annonymous99)out of the woodwork. the way the propaganda has been going lately a casual observer would have thought this forum would be crawling with them, no?

Funny, you know as someone who comes from a German-American subculture in the upper midwest, I have to say I don't know anyone who would willingly associate with the identity cultists and their ilk...

Arlin [whose family name used to be von Adam, and who has no use whatsoever for pseudogerman hitler wannabes...]

-- Arlin H. Adams (ahadams@ix.netcom.com), February 05, 1999.


Arlin:

Might want to be careful of who you refer to as being a "cult"... the next time it gets applied it might be to those 'Y2K cultists' storing all that food. The article's remarks dismissing Christian Identity as a "pseudo-religion" are insulting enough. I am an Identity Christian, and I:

A. Do not hate others because of their race.

B. Do not espouse the overthrow of the government.

Surprised? Learn what it's about before you judge - and don't get all your information from the mainstream media, OK? There are total morons out there who claim to be Identity, but are really bitter individuals using it as an excuse for hatred and violence. The love of God isn't in them any more than it's in misanthropes in other religions.

-- Why2K? (who@knows.com), February 05, 1999.


Arlin, I don't know anyone in a "cult" per se (not "officially"), so it is truly funny to me that any of us, regardless of the level of our participation in activities such as food storage, buying rural homes/retreats, buying guns for self protection etc. are ALL being lumped into the descriptions of the established "cults" as identified by the government. See, Why2K? is not a participant in the activities that the government has established for their dreaded labeled group "Identity" . It's all government blacklisting. If we can be associated with any activities that may undermine their idea of monetary structure and social control, we are all labeled in one form or another. If "Know Your Neighbor" comes into effect, well, even our banking activity will send our vital info in a file to over 7 "official investigative agencies" and we'll be "suspect" from then on out. It doesn't matter WHAT we actually DO or why. If it is outside of government control structures, we are criminal and suspect.

I imagine it is starting to scare the "officials". In one other group I am receiving information from, there are over 40,000 others getting the newsletter also. That's at least 40,000 others that are seriously cutting ties to societal dependency as it has been established so far.

Isn't it kind of a blessing to be able to consider actually being off the grid, being more self-sufficient, and not so dependent on the big brother system? I find some satisfaction in it, actually. I've already gone from paying $350.00/mo electricity to about $120.00/mo. Makes you kind of aware how much we're being milked.

It's that kind of independence that worries big business too. They wouldn't be too big without us gluttonous consumers ;-)

-- Mr_Kennedy (y2kPCfixes@motivatedseller.com), February 05, 1999.


Deborah:

Thanks for the post. it helps to see where the folks who have the ability to send teh guns are coming from.

chuck

PS Ref Chicago feeding center. Happen to know a Demi John Miller?

-- Chuck, night driver (rienzoo@en.com), February 05, 1999.



"Government cannot legislate 'community'. Government cannot legislate fairness. Government cannot legislate chairity. In short Government cannot legislate morality."

Cannot legislate 'community'? They can try! In the DC area, "they" are trying to eliminate "cul-de-sacs" because they don't foster 'community' over a large enough area. They can force integration (bussing, "affirmative action" (quotas?)) to affect community relations.

Government cannot legislate charity? What about the 1/3 (or so) of the budget that goes for entitlement programs. One can argue about the merits of such programs, but arguably these are charities.

Government cannot legislate morality? Maybe not a white christian morality (for example), but they can put in place a morality. The combination of mass-media (private corporations) and government public schools has had an incredible effect on the morality of this country. Some would things have improved because non-whites are now more accepted, and truly feel that way! I don't (because of crime, sloth, and a regression to 3rd-world culture).

-- Anonymous99 (Anonymous99@anonymous.com), February 05, 1999.


Chuck,

No, I don't think so. Does he work at a shelter?

Deborah

-- Deborah (yyyyy2k@all.com), February 05, 1999.


The real terror is supplied by our government. Take the example of Iraq: by UN estimates the U.S. enforced embargo of food and medicine has killed over 500,000 Iraqui children, 8,000 a month. For what? Pure racism, if you ask me. Or take the ongoing suppression of free speech rights: in Seattle, a federal court slammed an anti-abortion website with a $107 million lawsuit for daring to publish the names of abortionists, and DARING to call abortion 'murder.' The same day a court decision protecting the rights of internet pornographers was announced. My God! The First Amendment is about NOTHING if it is not about protecting POLITICAL speech! The parallels between our government and nazi Germany grow larger every day.---BTW, there ARE many individuals outside of this forum who are willing to be 'labeled.' Committed Christians are in prison because of their pro-life work, and there are many around the world who are martyred for their faith in God. The real struggle has always been between the forces of darkness and those of light. Governments ALWAYS try to demonize their opposition: it makes killing them so much easier. Remember the lies about David Koresh being a child abuser? All of it was made up, as Janet Reno admitted to Congress after the slaughter. Those who call themselves Christians must not forget that the way of Christ is the way of the Cross.

-- Spidey (in@ajam.com), February 05, 1999.

The real terror is supplied by our government. Take the example of Iraq: by UN estimates the U.S. enforced embargo of food and medicine has killed over 500,000 Iraqui children, 8,000 a month. For what? Pure racism, if you ask me.

Political interests- OIL. It is obvious they care less about civilian loss, just so long as the US interests in oil are preserved. Which, by the way, supports the huge corporate money mongers and of course, politicians.

-- Mr_Kennedy (here@last.com), February 05, 1999.


Thanks for trying, Diane.

-- Lewis (aslanshow@yahoo.com), February 05, 1999.

Deborah,

... "Government cannot legislate 'community'. Government cannot legislate fairness. Government cannot legislate chairity. In short Government cannot legislate morality." ...

Did you think I implied creating community under the direction of government groups? Hardly.

Grassroots actions will cause them to be gently, or not so gently, lead and ultimately supportive, because frankly, they are pretty clueless. Anyone or group that can show them positive ways to prepare people without panic, will get their attention.

People create community, not the governments. Despite the inappropriate "terrorist" labels.

Perhaps we need to come up with counter labels?

Diane

-- Diane J. Squire (sacredspaces@yahoo.com), February 05, 1999.


Diane,

First, let me say I agree with you.

You said: "Anyone or group that can show them positive ways to prepare people without panic, will get their attention."

I think these people have already gotten considersble attention. The formula in various 'media' coverage seems to be:

a: explain y2k for dummies. (the date thing, elevators, v.c.r.'s)

b: show person or group with boatloads of food in their garage.

c: summarize how confident the gov. (or whoever) is that everything will be fine.

d: interview someone with a big degree saying not to take all your money out of the bank.

at the same time statements like this one from my original post appear with continuing frequency:

"Many of those who believe in this credo (disgusting racist cultism) are engaged in survivalist and paramilitary training, storing foodstuffs and supplies and caching weapons and ammunition."

After a while the lines become blurred. In my opinion your average person is exhausted. Working, raising families, single Moms, dual income families. People catch a snippet here a bit there....y2k, storing food....oh, you're one of THOSE people.

I've seen it before. I am a born again Christian. See? A stereo-type. I automatically hate gays, voted for Pat Robertson, want abortionists to die. I want to have a Theocratic State where I can empose my views on the rest of society. When I started attending a Non-Denominational Church, my family thought I joined a cult! Media image is POWERFUL.

"Perhaps we need to come up with counter labels? " ABSOLUTELY, but forgive me if this feels a bit like David vs. Goliath. On the bright side...David won!

Deborah

-- Deborah (oneofthose@bornagains.cult), February 06, 1999.


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