Hate Groups Top 500

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Issue Number:

Winter

1999

The annual hate group count reveals an increase from 474 in 1997 to 537 in 1998. Hatemeister William Pierce tries to build alliances with other extremists while a former National Alliance insider tells her story. The 'mainstream' Council of Conservatives is a safe harbor for racists and anti-Semites.

In This Issue

The Year in Hate, 1998

Hate group count tops 500, internet sites soar

The number of hate groups exceed 500 and the number of hate sites on the internet increases at an alarming rate.

The Toll of Hate

Racially motivated attacks mar 1998

Racially motivated violence in 1998 provokes calls for state and national hate crime legislation.

National Alliance Leader Looks to Build Far-Right Alliances

William Pierce builds bridges at home, abroad

William Pierce, author of the racist novel The Turner Diaries, uses every means possible to build bridges to other racist organizations.

Sharks in the Mainstream: Racism Underlies 'Conservative' Group

Gordon Baum, leader of the racist Council of Conservative Citizens, struggles to portray his organization as mainstream.

More Features

Legitimizing Hate Editorial By Mark Potok, Senior Fellow Intelligence Report Editor Mark Potok takes a look at race-based hate groups' attempts to legitimize their racist views.	Inside the Alliance A former National Alliance insider speaks Kirsten Kaiser, a former national Alliance insider, speaks out about the country's leading neo-Nazi organization.
Race and 'Reason' Academic ideas a pillar of racist thought By Barry Mehler Some academic professionals use the 'genetic inferiority' argument to legitimize the white supremacist movement.	American Knights Klan Group Builds Thuggish Reputation Klan group builds record of aggressive action The American Knights of the Ku Klux Klan build a reputation of aggressive action. Headed by Jeff Berry, this group's violent actions guarantees publicity that continues to draw in those susceptible to the message.
Hate on the Net As new sites arise, so do legal issues In 1998, the number of hate sites jumped by 60%, while extremists tested the legal limits of the internet with sites such as the Nuremburg Files.	The Annals of Hate An introduction to leading racist periodicals The American hate movement has relied on the power of the printed word to proclaim the superiority of one race over another. The Intelligence Report takes a look at some of the most widely read and influential hate publications.
Militia Leader Faces Drug Charges Tri-States Militia leader Michael D. Bridge Jr. was arrested with $2,100 in cash after selling an ounce of amphetamines; he now faces up to 20 years in prison.	Center Sues Aryan Nations The Southern Poverty Law Center has sued the Aryan Nations on behalf of a woman and her son who were terrorized by the group's security guards.
Battle By the Book Pierce's novels inspire slaughter By Jerry Mitchell National Alliance leader William Pierce's writings inspire violence, including a racially-motivated shooting spree in Mississippi.	William Pierce Appeal Denied The U.S. Supreme Court has announced it will not hear Pierce's appeal in the Center's case, Mansfield v. Pierce.
In Their Own Words: Racism, Anti-Semitism, Eugenics, Social Darwinism... Read the words of prominent race scientists — supporting racism, anti-Semitism, eugenics, social Darwinism, and more.	IQ and Race: The Web Sites Read a list of key websites dedicated to arguing for genetic differences in intelligence between racial and ethnic groups.

Briefs

Attacks on Abortion Doctors Investigated U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno has created a task force to investigate a conspiracy against abortion providers.	Grand Jury Concludes No Conspiracy in OKC A grand jury has found that there was no larger conspiracy in the Oklahoma City bombing.	David Duke Running for Office — Again Former Klansman David Duke jumped into a Congressional race in Louisiana after losing other political races.
Neo-Nazi WCOTC Members Plead Guilty Three WCOTC members plead guilty in the assault and robbery of a video store owner.	Underwriting the Radical Right Wealthy financiers are backing neo-Nazi and other extremist groups to the tune of $2 million.	Kehoe Trial Postponed The federal racketeering trial of white supremacist and antigovernment icon Chevie Kehoe was postponed due to objections by the defense.
Acts, Not Words, Are the Key Acts, not words, are the reason why the Christian Knights of the Ku Klux Klan and its leader, Horace King, were found liable for the arson of the Macedonia Baptist church.

Southern Poverty Law Center