Friends in High Places

Since the horrific bombing in Oklahoma, we all have heard a lot about the paranoia that infects and energizes various paramilitary groups around the nation. Some actually believe that the United States is in imminent danger of a takeover by the United Nations--which couldn’t even get food to starving Somalians and displays its impotence daily in Bosnia.

Although it may not be necessary for officials to openly refute every extremist conspiracy theory, they should avoid feeding these theories and at every opportunity ought to distance themselves from colleagues who do. To satisfy their hunger for legitimacy, some of the paramilitary groups turn to state Sen. Don Rogers (R-Tehachapi), said to be one of only two state legislators nationwide who are lending credibility to underground militias.

From Bakersfield to Atlanta, Rogers has appeared at gatherings where hate literature was disseminated, sharing podiums with the likes of ex-klansman Louis Beam. Rogers’ name appears on militia flyers and his first act in Sacramento this session was to introduce a measure seeking safeguards against a global government takeover by--you guessed it--the United Nations.

Rogers says he doesn’t have a problem with paramilitary groups “as long as they don’t break the law and don’t do anything that would be considered out of line.” His views have stunned some in Sacramento.

The dismay, however, apparently doesn’t extend to his party’s leadership in the Legislature, including Assembly Floor Leader Jim Brulte (R-Rancho Cucamonga), Senate Minority Whip Newton R. Russell (R-Glendale) and Senate Minority Leader Ken Maddy (R-Fresno). Indeed, when asked, Republican Caucus Chairman Bill Leonard (San Bernardino) would not distance himself from Rogers’ resolution, instead expressing concern about the United Nations. But he added that “extremists grab at anything to justify violence. That doesn’t mean the rest of us shouldn’t speak.” OK. But is America well-served by remarks that might strengthen a movement in which some seem to think the assault gun is the primary tool of problem-solving?