It’s time to demand tangible proof that the people who question Obama’s citizenship aren’t the idiots they appear to be. Show us proof you graduated from the 6th Grade. Submit to a drug test, while you’re at it.

There is, indeed, a conspiracy afoot. Dangerous fanatics are conspiring to stir up the easily-confused so that some freedom-loving kook does something horrible. And when the next Timothy McVeigh strikes, all these vile rabble-rousers will say, “oh, we never intended such consequences.” Liars. Destruction is their goal.

Gov. Rick Perry (R-TX) was one of the dozens of Republican lawmakers who are addressing the anti-Obama tea parties today. He told the crowd he didn’t believe they were all “right-wing extremists,” as others had sought to portray them. “But if you are, I’m with you!” he shouted. After, he told reporters that Texas might have to secede from the union ….

Think Progress » Gov. Rick Perry: Texas might have to secede.

Tea party organizers and participants have repeatedly insisted that their nationwide protests today are completely non-partisan and not meant to be anti-Obama. However, there didn’t seem to be any anti-Republican or anti-Bush signs at the protests. Instead, not only were there signs/clothing protest Obama’s policies, but some had violent or racist rhetoric. One participant even asked Joe the Plumber about waterboarding Obama ….

Think Progress » Tea baggers joke about Obama being waterboarded, shining the shoes of the Saudi king.

I’ve noticed the nutty Naegele’s writing before. Every loon is free to trumpet, but, of course, a view like Naegele’s inspires violence. peace, mjh

Strong U.S. Military Will Be Next To Go

NOW THAT President Obama has moved to place the U.S. banking and judicial systems under the thumb of international authority, his next undertaking will be the radical downsizing of the U.S. military.

       While, in theory, foreign economic and court systems now could exercise control over their U.S. counterparts, one roadblock remains — the overwhelming power of the U.S. military. The next president, for instance, simply could renege on Obama’s transnational commitments because he or she would be backed by the U.S. military.

       Therefore, Obama must see that the U.S. military is reduced to the glorified national police force so favored by the Europeans — a force that poses no substantial offensive threat. The first thing that must go, of course, is the U.S. nuclear arsenal.

WM F. NAEGELE Albuquerque

ABQJOURNAL OPINION/LETTERS: Talk of the Town

Think Progress: DHS Report

The extreme right — those who are “hate-oriented,” “mainly antigovernment,” or those dedicated to a “single issue” — is a legitimate threat that law enforcement must deal with, according to a new assessment from the Office of Intelligence and Analysis at the Department of Homeland Security. The report, which was coordinated with the FBI and is being given to federal, state, and local law enforcement, warns:

[R]ightwing extremists may be gaining new recruits by playing on their fears about several emergent issues. The economic downturn and the election of the first African American president present unique drivers for rightwing radicalization and recruitment.

Remember: The largest act of terrorism on US soil by US citizens was perpetrated by the Radical Right. Further, the majority of the violence against individuals for cultural or political reasons originates with the Radical Right. Respect their right to speak, write, and assemble, but they can be — have been — dangerously violent time and time again.

If you hear any Republicans mouthing off about "business as usual" or Obama’s feet of clay, please remember the following:

(1) Republicans oppose government. It is in their interest to undermine everyone’s confidence in government.

(2) Republicans consider taxation stealing — it funds the oppressive government. Therefore, Republicans should appreciate any instance that highlights the complexity of the tax code.

(3) Republicans believe the Rich drive the economy. Anything that benefits the Rich benefits us all.

So, when Republicans say, "Those Rich, tax-dodgers are just business as usual," what they mean is, "How come we’re not in charge anymore?"

The difference between Republicans and Democrats is one thinks the Rule of the Rich is just and the others think it’s just necessary.

Above all, it should be obvious how badly we need to reform the tax code. (And election finance.) Even smart, rich people can’t follow the rules. Merri and I are smart, if not rich, and well-educated on tax matters. Yet, we struggle to comply with absurd rules and maddeningly complex forms. Why?