ntable private armies. The Second Amendment protects state militias acting in the name of, and accountable to, the entire people. Private armies may act in the public good, but there is no way other than violence to enforce this. Democracy means that differences are settled and problems resolved by public debate and discussion, not armed force" (Dees et al A19). Because they believe they are doing right by the white race, they also believe that they are "exempt from the laws and regulations" (Freeh PG) that all others have to follow. This defiance to abide by accepted principles is a primary reason why they are often regarded as trouble-making societal fringe desiring nothing more than to cause problems and wreak havoc. Therein lies the decisive factor of the matter: that these American skinheads truly endorse their questionable activities as being in the best interest of the entire white race. In spite of the fact that their intentions may certainly be honorable in their eyes, the execution is what has led them to acquire less than admirable reputations with the law, other ethnic groups and the general public. One of the many legal issues at hand is such that those who partake in violent demonstrations do not readily perceive of their activities as being socially or racially unacceptable; instead, they truly believe that they are doing the white race justice by protecting them from the infiltration of other races. As the influx of skinheads has steadily increased over the recent years, the inherent threat associated with their existence has become even more of a grave concern. Not only are ethnic groups paying close attention to their activities, but average citizens have also grown cautious of the militant attitudes that supposedly protect white supremacy. One of the primary focal points of concern with regard to skinhead activity is the intrinsic connection to extremism and terrorist agendas. Radicals like the skinheads who engage in...
