The Business of Keeping Problems Alive

The Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) has caused quite a stir this week. The group, founded to highlight and fight racism, stands accused of handing out more than three million dollars to at least eight groups that can only be described as racist organizations.

Serious Allegations, Serious Questions

There is a big distance between being indicted and being convicted of wrongdoing. However, it would be an understatement to label the accusations as troubling. SLPC has been charged by the U.S. Department of Justice with wire fraud, bank fraud, and money laundering conspiracy. Allegedly, they hid from their donors the fact that their money had been spent on this purpose.

A Defense That Raises Eyebrows

In its defense, SLPC is attempting to paint a very different picture. They claim these dollars were spent to support individuals willing to infiltrate violent extremist groups. Beyond the legal issues, there is the question of whether their description passes the straight-face test.

Following the Money

For example, dollars appear to have been used to help plan the infamous Charlottesville protests in 2017. Not only that, but those they were paying made multiple racist online posts. They even coordinated rides to attend the protests.

SLPC dollars were also given to the Imperial Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan (KKK). Another charmer, who served as an officer in neo-Nazi groups, received hundreds of thousands of dollars. There’s plenty more, but the point is simple, and it defines cynical. SLPC gave money to individuals inside the very organizations they supposedly were fighting.

A Narrative That Doesn’t Add Up

In some ways, you have to tip your hat to the SLPC’s reaction to the indictment. They were not spending money that went to create the very problems they supposedly were trying to alleviate. No, these were brave individuals who risked their lives to serve as informants. They even argue that this is a common practice. Please.

Informants or Instigators?

It is true that the government gives money to individuals to inform them of threats that need attention. That is a far cry from stirring up the trouble in the first place. Thus far, no other organization has admitted to practicing this policy. One critic likened all of this to having MAGA people working their way into DEI groups to set up more DEI groups while raising money to stop DEI groups.

The Incentive to Keep Problems Alive

Alas, we have come upon the essence of what was allegedly taking place. For SLPC to survive, to raise money, to pay staff, to stay in existence, one thing is needed. This would be a steady supply of problems that center on race and racism. You would think if systemic racism were as prevalent and destructive as SLPC claims, that would be the least of their challenges.

When Mission Turns Into Maintenance

That SLPC needed to stir up the pot to justify their existence is beyond despicable. The problem is that it would appear they hardly stand alone in needing to keep problems alive to stay in business. You see, victory can never be achieved, or there is no reason for them to be around.

Beyond Race: A Broader Pattern

In addition to race pimps, we have the poverty pimps. Elevating people to be able to take care of themselves? Not really a great idea if you depend on there being a need for you. American born citizens improving their standard of living too quickly? Well, there’s a solution. You just pretend illegal immigration is a massive net plus to the nation. The U.S. Census Bureau reports 72 percent of Somali-born households receive public assistance. Restock the inventory, and presto, your problem goes away.

Crisis as a Business Model

Then, we have the existential threat to human existence—our own environment. Against any metric—air quality, water quality, waste disposal—there has been dramatic improvement since the first Earth Day in 1970. The event had its annual events this week. It is fair to say, it was anything but a celebration. Once more, if things are getting better, the urgency to give someone money to address the situation is lessened.

A Call for Accountability

Is there a need to address real problems of race, income inequality, and our environment? You bet. However, there is no good reason or excuse to continue contributing to making the problems worse in the first place. This is precisely what seems to be the case with SLPC. Shame on all of you.

Remember This

Remember this: If creating problems is part of your plan, you might want to rethink your ethics. What do you think?