Dark forces, purple prose

Nothing so energizes the Right as losing the reins of government.

A draft of the 27-page document, which was provided to The Washington Post by a source outside the NRA, lashes out at such icons of the left as investor George Soros, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and Pelosi. They are depicted as part of "a marching axis of adversaries far darker and more dangerous than gun owners have ever known."

Few places are less likely to be burgled than the Fairfax County headquarters of the NRA. But Arulanandam alleged that someone recently stole a "working draft" of the pamphlet, called "Freedom in Peril."

The document is filled with sinister-looking caricatures of supposed anti-gun figures such as filmmaker Michael Moore, comedian Rosie O'Donnell, New York City Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg (R) and CBS News anchor Katie Couric. One chapter attacks Democratic lawmakers such as Sens. John F. Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts and derides them as a "Gang of Opportunists." Other NRA enemies are "One-World Extremists," "Animal Rights Terrorists" (such as People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) and "Illegal Alien Gangs."

"America, by its free and independent nature, is a breeding ground and safe haven for violent, illegal criminal gangs," the "Gang" chapter states. "And as always, it is the lawful who will take the fall."

"Dark forces," Jewish financiers, "Illegal Alien Gangs." It's all there. Now that Republicans have been voted out of power, who will protect us from the black helicopters of "One World types?"

Republicans and the Right, as evidenced by the last 12 years in which they controlled all branches of government, were never very serious about governing. But they are very serious about fund raising, and they are never better at it than when they're in the minority.

Nevermind that Democrats have not shown any inclination to take up gun control any time soon. It's the specter of Dark Forces that rallies the troops.

New Years prediction: We'll be hearing a lot about the "Dark Forces" this year; you know, those who would take away your guns, make it a crime to not have an abortion, expunge "God" from the pledge of allegiance, and raise your taxes to pay illegal aliens to hang around on the corner threatening your daughters. They're out there.