Samuel Francis

Samuel Francis argues in the following viewpoint that the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC), an organization that monitors “hate groups,” exaggerates the extent and the severity of the activities of these groups. He contends that many law-abiding conservative organizations are labeled as “hate groups” by the SPLC simply because of their political beliefs. Moreover, the SPLC has no evidence to back up its claims that these groups are “hate groups” or constitute a danger to Americans. Francis is a syndicated columnist.

As you read, consider the following questions:

1. How many organizations are said to be a part of the “Patriot Movement,” as cited by Francis?
2. What are some of the conservative organizations that have been inaccurately labeled as a “hate group,&rdquo...