Mad militia: Michigan arrests underscore domestic terror threat

The nine members of a militia arrested in Michigan for plotting an armed rebellion against the U.S. government called their Christian paramilitary cell the Hutaree, an invented name almost as silly as the alleged plotters were dangerous.

According to federal indictments unsealed this week in Detroit, the heavily armed Christian militia planned a series of terror attacks including the murder of a law enforcement officer and the ambushing of the funeral procession. The suspects are facing multiple sedition and weapons charges that could result in decades behind bars if convicted.

The Michigan-based group hoped to spark a nationwide uprising against the government by other militias. Because the members of the Hutaree allegedly believe a confrontation with the federal government is inevitable, the FBI decided to take the offensive.

Rather than risk the death of even one innocent person, the authorities busted the militia before they could act. Those in custody are all working-class Midwesterners who consider themselves God-fearing Americans. It's obvious that their hatred for those who don't share their views is a parody of every religion on the planet.

Last April, the Department of Homeland Security issued a report that warned of the rise of Christian militias, right-wing extremists and domestic terrorists. Conservatives took offense and the Obama administration beat a half retreat from the issue. It may be time to dust off that Homeland Security report and take its warning to heart. The Hutaree is not the only extremist Christian militia out there.