National Crackpot Day -- April 19

Monday is the 235th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington, marking the start of the Revolutionary War on April 19, 1775.

Regrettably, the date has become the nexus for right-wing nutcases who actually believe the American establishment -- government, military, banks, corporations, et al. -- will sit around and do nothing while they, the new Sons of Liberty, launch a second American Revolution.

Adding fuel to their beady little burning eyes, April 19th is an anniversary of sorts for two of their favorite martyrs, David Koresh and Timothy McVeigh. On April 19, 1993, 76 Branch Davidians, including Koresh, burned to death when fire destroyed their Waco, Texas compound at the end of a 51-day siege by federal agents.

Two years later, following his bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, McVeigh said he chose the date, April 19, 1995, in retaliation for the government's actions at Waco (and Ruby Ridge).

Now we learn of an apocalyptic militia calling itself Hutaree that planned to kill cops and federal agents, possibly on April 19th, before it was busted. Also on that date, another group plans an "open-carry," meaning armed, protest in the Washington area. And the Tea Party Patriots' Website, in a nearly incomprehensible screed, calls for an "Articles of Freedom Rally" on, what else, April 19th:

"We need at least 10% of the population 20 Million people (they're only off by 100 million) to show up for our Demands to hold any water! If you let people know and let's Change our constitution back the way it should be! CUT THE TYRANNY OUT!! THE MOB RULE!! -- THEY HAVE GONE TOO FAR AND WE NEED THIS change\VICTORY or the next party in office might be OK,...? roll the dice.. This is the only way unless you want to all be a zombie in an 'Socialist' or worse government."

The Southern Poverty Law Center, that tracks such activity, reports a 244 percent increase in identifiable, anti-government "patriot" groups since President Obama's election; from 149 to 512, reminiscent of the surge in militia activity preceding Oklahoma City.

So far the crackpots have only managed to spit on several congressmen, throw the "N" word around and break some windows during the health care debate, show up at town hall meetings wearing guns and issuing death threats. But remember Charles Manson started out small too before he was sentenced to death for the Sharon Tate murders on -- April 19, 1971.

Another event of note took place on April 19th. In 1943 Swiss chemist Albert Hofmann tried an experimental drug for the first time and triggered hallucinations, delusions and paranoia. It was lysergic acid diethylamide -- LSD. I can't help but wonder if there's a connection.