The Hate Next Door

1. Hate hides in plain sight, evolving with society.

Hate, and its particular rendering of White supremacy, has morphed over the past forty years.

Evolving nature of hate. The book emphasizes that hate, particularly White supremacy, is not static but adapts to changing social and political landscapes. What once manifested as pointy hoods and overt displays of racism has transformed into shaved heads, camouflage, and even khakis and golf shirts.

Subtlety and deception. Hate often operates beneath the surface, making it difficult to detect. It can be found in seemingly innocuous actions, such as jokes, symbols, and coded language. This subtlety allows it to spread and normalize within communities.

Examples of modern hate:

• Volksfront using government money to run a clinic for British veterans with PTSD to indoctrinate and recruit young soldiers.
• Suburban high schoolers drawing swastikas on their cheeks "as a joke."
• A single man in body armor covered in graffiti borrowed from the Crusades with two AR-15s entering a mosque in New Zealand.

2. Undercover work blurs the lines between reality and pretense.

We are what we pretend to be, so we must be very careful what we pretend to be.

Psychological toll. The author's experience highlights the psychological dangers of prolonged undercover work. Spending years immersed in a world of hate can lead to violent thoughts, emotional detachment, and a struggle to define one's own identity.

Vonnegut's warning. The quote from Kurt Vonnegut serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of pretending to be someone you're not. The constant need to maintain a false identity can erode one's sense of self and lead to a loss of moral compass.

The importance of support. The author's relationship with his wife, Tawni, is presented as a crucial lifeline that helped him maintain his sanity and perspective. Her unwavering support and involvement in the undercover work provided a much-needed anchor to reality.

3. White supremacy exploits vulnerabilities and seeks legitimacy.

The racists are out again: Confederate banners waving, rifles slung over camouflaged shoulders. Emboldened to emerge from the shadows.

Targeting the vulnerable. The book reveals how White supremacist groups prey on individuals who are isolated, unemployed, or struggling with mental health issues. These groups offer a sense of belonging, purpose, and identity to those who feel lost or disenfranchised.

Seeking legitimacy. White supremacists often attempt to legitimize their views by aligning themselves with mainstream political movements and figures. This allows them to reach a wider audience and normalize their radical ideas.

Examples of exploitation:

• Volksfront using government money to run a clinic for British veterans with PTSD.
• White supremacists joining larger political rallies to legitimize their radical views.
• Dylann Roof, a self-radicalized shooter, finding inspiration online after experiencing personal failures.

4. Law enforcement faces systemic challenges in combating hate.

Law enforcement is reactionary. Frustratingly so.

Lack of resources and training. The author's experience reveals a lack of resources and training dedicated to combating White supremacy within law enforcement agencies. This can lead to a failure to recognize and address the threat posed by these groups.

Jurisdictional limitations. The book highlights the challenges of investigating hate crimes that cross jurisdictional boundaries. Bureaucratic hurdles and a lack of coordination between agencies can hinder efforts to bring perpetrators to justice.

Internal biases and prejudices. The author's encounters with fellow officers who downplayed the threat of White supremacy or harbored their own biases underscore the need for greater awareness and accountability within law enforcement.

5. Personal connections and empathy can challenge hate.

Spending all that time with hate-filled men was like walking into a radioactive wasteland.

Humanizing the "enemy." Despite the author's efforts to maintain a professional distance, his interactions with White supremacists often led to unexpected moments of empathy and understanding. These connections challenged his own prejudices and forced him to confront the humanity of those he was investigating.

The power of dialogue. The book suggests that open and honest dialogue can be a powerful tool for combating hate. By engaging with individuals who hold extremist views, it may be possible to challenge their beliefs and encourage them to reconsider their perspectives.

Tawni's approach. Tawni's ability to connect with people on a personal level, even those who held hateful views, is presented as a valuable asset in gathering intelligence and understanding the motivations behind White supremacy.

6. Extremism infiltrates mainstream politics and institutions.

This battle, we fear, is only beginning.

Political opportunism. The book reveals how White supremacists often exploit political opportunities to advance their agenda. By aligning themselves with mainstream politicians and movements, they can gain access to power and influence.

Institutional infiltration. The author's experience highlights the potential for White supremacists to infiltrate institutions such as law enforcement and the military. This can pose a significant threat to public safety and undermine the integrity of these organizations.

Examples of infiltration:

• JT Ready, a White supremacist, running for local and state office.
• A police officer recruiting for a White nationalist group at a high school.
• Volksfront using government money to run a clinic for British veterans with PTSD.

7. Community action and education are essential for prevention.

It’s time to “deputize” the rest of the world.

Information is power. The book emphasizes the importance of education and awareness in combating White supremacy. By understanding the symbols, language, and tactics of these groups, individuals can be better equipped to recognize and challenge them.

Community involvement. The author argues that combating hate requires a collective effort from all members of society. This includes reporting hate crimes, supporting anti-hate organizations, and challenging prejudice in our own communities.

Empowering the next generation. The book stresses the need to educate young people about the dangers of White supremacy and to provide them with the tools to resist its appeal. This includes promoting critical thinking skills, fostering empathy, and encouraging engagement in civic life.

8. Faith can be corrupted to reinforce hate, or used to combat it.

Here’s much to do with hate, but more with love.

Christian Identity. The book explores the role of Christian Identity, a fringe religious movement that promotes White supremacy and anti-Semitism. This highlights the potential for faith to be twisted and used to justify hate.

The importance of interfaith dialogue. The author's experience underscores the need for interfaith dialogue and understanding to combat religious extremism. By building bridges between different faith communities, it may be possible to challenge prejudice and promote tolerance.

Faith as a force for good. The book also suggests that faith can be a powerful force for good in combating hate. The author's own Mormon upbringing instilled in him a sense of empathy and compassion that helped him navigate the dark world of White supremacy.

9. The fight against hate requires constant vigilance and adaptation.

The evolution of racial hate remains an ever-growing threat that has brought us to a fundamental, and frightening, brink.

Dynamic threat. The book emphasizes that White supremacy is not a static phenomenon but an evolving threat that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. As hate groups find new ways to spread their message and recruit new members, it is essential to stay one step ahead.

The need for innovation. Combating hate requires innovative strategies and tactics. This includes using technology to counter online propaganda, developing new educational programs, and building partnerships between law enforcement, community organizations, and tech companies.

The importance of resilience. The author's experience highlights the emotional toll of fighting hate. It is essential to develop resilience and self-care strategies to avoid burnout and maintain a long-term commitment to the cause.

10. The cycle of hate can only be broken with empathy and action.

Maybe close enough now for us all to finally do something about it.

Empathy as a weapon. The book suggests that empathy can be a powerful weapon in combating hate. By understanding the motivations and experiences of those who are drawn to White supremacy, it may be possible to challenge their beliefs and offer them a path to redemption.

The importance of action. The book emphasizes that empathy alone is not enough. It must be coupled with concrete action to dismantle the systems and structures that perpetuate hate. This includes advocating for policy changes, supporting anti-hate organizations, and challenging prejudice in our own communities.

A call to action. The book concludes with a call to action, urging readers to "deputize" themselves and join the fight against White supremacy. By working together, it may be possible to create a more just and equitable world for all.

Last updated: April 7, 2025