Researching the Right for Progressive Changemakers
Part Two: Government Abuses Bolstered by Flawed Analytical Models
In part two of this article, we will examine how government abuses of power are bolstered by these flawed analytical models, and how liberals and neoconservatives can sometimes become collaborators with the political right in justifying state repression against political dissidents.
Current Repressive Aspects Of Centrist/Extremist Theory
There are many influential groups and individuals that use centrist/extremist theory as an analytical model, although many are unaware of the basis of their views given the way centrist/extremist theory has established itself as the dominant paradigm. When President Bill Clinton talks about the "vital center," he is echoing centrist/extremist theory. When the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith justifies its private collection of surveillance files it is based on the concepts of centrist/extremist theory. When the Southern Poverty Law Center supports intrusive federal probes of the racist right, it is relying on criminalizing aspects of centrist/extremist theory. When women's rights and pro-choice groups support the use of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to prosecute militant anti-abortion protesters, they are endorsing the repressive aspects of centrist/extremist theory.
More on Activism/Liberty
- Civil Liberties Portal Page
- Security for Activists
- Current Political Repression
- Terrorism, Counterterrorism, and Repression
- History and Theory of Political Repression
- The FBI COINTELPRO Operations
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