The Gangs All Here

I wasn't really paying attention to the TV until I heard someone say that "the United States does not face an existential threat". I think it was Susan Rice. As usual, she was wrong. Our worst existential threat is from inept, greedy, and foolhardy politicians. But that is not the point this time. 

Let's just deal with those that are violent, outside the law, and know no limits. Most of these alone would not be a great threat. Combined, they can do real harm. First are the gangs. I can remember when the Hell's Angels came on the scene. They were a scary bunch then. Compared to some of today's gangs they are teddy bears. 

The worst is the MS-13, Mara Salvatrucha. They started in El Salvador and now exist, at least 10,000 strong in every major city in the country. Every day, more keep arriving across our wide open southern border. They have competition for top spot from the M-18 gang. Mostly, but not entirely Mexican. They may have even more members than MS-13.

While no one motorcycle "club" can compete with these gangs, combined they, very easily, could. Then there are the old standbys, the Crips and the Bloods. They cannot be ignored in the deprived areas of the larger cities.

But these enemies of the state make no effort to "hide their light under a bushel". Their garish tattoos and confrontational attitude identify them to any and all. They advertise. There is another group far less visible. That is the way they want it. They want to be invisible until they strike. Then they seek fame, fear, and martyrdom. I will put them all under the classification of jihadists.

These jihadists may be lone wolves. They may be Al Qaeda affiliates, or ISIS, or independent groups with loose ties among them. Make no mistake, they are here. They too cross our southern border with impunity. There are at least twenty-two jihadist training camps within our borders. In spite of our Presidents declarations, there are two thing these people have in common. They gain their justification through the Quran and they identify themselves as Islam.

Jihadists take the long view. They strike when they are prepared. Remember, two strikes at the World Trade Center, the Boston Marathon, Fort Hood, Times Square. They are not done. They are growing in numbers and skills. So do not believe those that would pacify you. We do face existential threats. Be wary and be careful when in public. If in doubt, raise an alarm. Protect you and yours. The President's lovely call to prayer isn't so lovely if it is followed by an explosion.