Some who believe they are doing God’s work strap on explosives, blow themselves up and kill as many other people as possible. Some terrorists commandeer airplanes. Others bomb gay nightclubs, abortion clinics and high-profile events like the Olympics.
All of which raises questions about the difference between international terrorism and the homegrown style of Timothy McVeigh or the recently arrested Eric Robert Rudolph. They all share a fervent belief in God along with the idea that they are right and the rest of the world is demonically misguided.
But after 9/11, the federal government focused on terrorism, international style, and appears to be somewhat less concerned about the domestic variety which has its roots firmly in right wing soil. Onward Christian terrorists?
Guests:
Brian Levin, Center for Study of Hate & Extremism, California State University at San Bernadino
Chip Berlet, co-author, “Right Wing Populism.”