Daily Archives: 05/07/2010

(Community Matters) no surprise, I’m a strong proponent for financial regulatory reform, and I am worried about the size and concentration of economic assets.  And, I’m a huge fan of Senator Brown.  Nevertheless, as reminded last week, simply breaking the largest banks up into 2 or 3 doesn’t solve the problem, it just makes even more financial institutions to worry about (not so simple but there’s a lot to be said about this too simple approach).  Nor is spinning derivatives business into some unregulated entity an appropriate reform.

(Community Matters) Evidently I made a mistake not joining Steven on his business trip to Traverse City, Michigan.  He’s reporting it is gorgeous and very friendly – great parks, walks, people and restaurants.

We’re meeting in Milwaukee tomorrow for a performance of his American Fiesta, plus a reception for Steven with Renaissance Theaterworks board members and donors.  It’s exciting to see one of Steven’s plays performed by others.

(Community Matters) At yesterday’s Anti-Defamation Leagues’ executive committee meeting, lots of super updates on the great work our Austin staff has launched.  And, a presentation from national staff on their work in helping law enforcement fight & monitor hate groups.

Patriot Movement – I didn’t really know what this means.  It includes three groups: 1) militias, 2) sovereign citizens and 3) tax protesters.  As I understand it, militias believe our government is at risk of falling and they are preparing to defend it.  Sovereign citizens believe government has already fallen; they don’t recognize the government in power, don’t believe they must obey “illegitimate” laws, often issuing their own arrest warrants and holding their own courts – lots of new world order conspiracy.

I’ve been told before but forget some of the more prevalent jargon/code used by these folks:

14 words refers to the phrase: We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children

88 – eighth letter of the alphabet twice, HH – Heil Hitler

23 16 – White Power

KOTF – Keepers of the Faith

Michigan has the largest number of militia members; Texas is thought to be second.  Scary stuff

ADL site on Extremism in America