The Southern Poverty Law Center Links the Recession with Hate Groups

The recession has been rough on everyone, some more than most. But, according to the Southern Poverty Law Center, the economic crises has led some to turn to hate. Blaming President Barack Obama and the growing Latino population for America's woes, a growing number of hate groups have been recruiting new members at an alarming number.

It seems that amongst the many positive changes that Barack Obama has brought to the nation, there lurk a few sinsiter ones. According to the Southern Poverty Law Center, American hate groups have been growing at an alarming rate. Hate groups were once declining, but they have grown in membership and number by 54% since the year 2000.

The Southern Poverty Law Center is a Non-Profit organization that tracks the activities of hate groups throughout the nation. And in a recent report entitled "This Year in Hate", they have stated that a growing number of hate groups have increased their membership by playing into the fears of white Americans in an unstable economic climate. Largely, these groups have been fueled by fears of the consequences of Mexican immigration into the United States. Members fear that those crossing the southern border will absorb valuable resources held more dear during the recession.

However, these groups saw a 4% rise (from 888 to 926) in 2008. And the Southern Poverty Law Center reports that the nation's African-American president is to blame. Several white supremacists have been arrested, allegedly for plots against President Obama, post-election he received more threats than any other US President, and there were scores of race-related violence immediately after his election.

As long as the economic climate remains uncertain, says the Southern Poverty Law Center, hate groups like neo-Nazis, skinheads and white separatists will continue to scapegoat minorities. Groups like these had been on the decline since the year 2000, but members of these groups claim that tough times can often push those that were riding the fence to lean towards hate groups that they feel can help them alleviate their economic worries.

Even more disturbingly, the FBI reports that hate crimes are also on the rise, in tandem with the growth of hate groups. And although around 8,000 hate crimes take place a year, the FBI states that this number does not come close to representing the actual number of these crimes that take place since they often go unreported.