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Reichsbürger: German ‘crackpot’ movement turns radical and dangerous
Plotters accused of overthrowing the German government include members of the Reichsbürger movement
The Reichsbürger were, for years, a source of national derision, dismissed as crackpots.
But they’re increasingly a source of concern for the security services who say they’re becoming more radical and more dangerous.
Members don’t recognise the post-war German state and reject the authority of its government. Despite the name, this is no organised national movement – rather a disparate set of small groups and individuals scattered across the country who are united in that shared belief.
Some print their own currency and identity cards and dream of creating their own autonomous state.
Earlier this year for example, a group calling itself the Königreich Deutschland (Kingdom Germany) bought two pieces of land in Saxony upon which they intended to create their own self-administered state.
Others refuse to pay tax or intentionally clog up the administration of local authorities by sending large volumes of, often abusive, letters.
And many have guns – legally or otherwise.
Since 2016, when a Reichsbürger shot and killed a policeman as officers raided his stash of weapons, the German authorities have revoked more than a thousand gun licences of people they believe to subscribe to the ideology. But at the end of last year around 500 still had valid gun licences.
Government figures show that Reichsbürger and so-called Selbstverwalter – a “grouping” with similar beliefs that translates as self-administrators – committed more than 1,000 extremist criminal acts in 2021, double the number in 2020.
Of the 21,000 people in the Reichsbürger “scene”, around 5% are believed to be right-wing extremists and 10% potentially violent.
They also have links to the German military, says Miro Dittrich, an expert who tracks the group as well as other conspiracy theorists.
The pandemic, he believes, has served to further radicalise the group as well as increase support.
“The pandemic was a hard moment for a lot of people. it was unclear how things were going to develop… conspiracy narratives were quite attractive for a lot of people because it gave the world an order,” he said.
Reichsbürger members demonstrated alongside anti-vaxxers and Covid deniers (indeed some share those positions) as well as QAnon supporters during mass street protests in the last few years. They were there when a mob from a Covid demonstration tried to storm the Bundestag in August 2020.
Many have been surprised at the depth to which conspiracy theories in general have permeated German society – particularly during the pandemic. I’ve experienced it myself while reporting on various demonstrations over the last few years.
Plenty of people have told me that the Covid vaccine is a poison or repeated the commonly voiced conviction that the German government plans to “replace” the “native” population with foreigners.
Just last week, at a small protest against high energy bills, one man expressed the view that Germany’s foreign and economy ministers were preparing to declare war on their own country.
What worries the authorities is the extent to which that could boil over into violence. Of course not every conspiracy theorist represents a physical danger. But plenty of politicians here have been on the receiving end of death threats. Plenty more are agonising over how to stop the spread of disinformation.
So today’s raids and arrests will be the source of huge national concern.
Source: www.bbc.com
world
Harris’ pick highlights the power of social media — but it may make the electoral math harder
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz hadn’t been in the top tier of potential running mates for Kamala Harris until the past few weeks. But his selection to join the vice president on the Democratic ticket underscores both the power of social media and of being relatively affable and nondivisive.
The fact that Harris selected a candidate who does well online shouldn’t be surprising — this is the campaign that has embraced “coconut tree” and “brat.”
But is the Walz pick indicative of a campaign that is too online?
That’s a fair question given that Harris skipped over Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro in favor of Walz. Shapiro, who was long seen as a front-runner for the vice presidential pick, divided a lot of the online left over his perceived views on the Israelis and Palestinians.
Notably, Walz shares many of those same views but received far less backlash than Shapiro, who is Jewish.
One of the first rules when it comes to a vice presidential pick is to “Do no harm.” Harris likely did no harm with this pick. The big question now is whether she left points on the board by choosing Walz over Shapiro.
Minnesota is likely not going to be competitive this fall. No Republican nominee for president has carried the state since 1972, and polling in the North Star State since Harris entered the race has shown that the streak is likely to continue.
Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is almost certainly a must-win state for Harris. In fact, it is probably the most important swing state this cycle, and the polling there has been very tight.
Shapiro holds a 61% favorable rating in Pennsylvania and outperformed Biden’s 2020 baseline by 14 points in 2022.
What we can say, though, is that Walz is not likely to help Harris with many swing voters. He did less than a point better than Biden in Minnesota when he won reelection in 2022. In fact, Shapiro seems to have done better with White voters without a college degree in Pennsylvania than Walz did with the same demographic in his state two years ago.
Analysis from CNN’s Harry Enten
world
How Staying Informed Gives You the Edge in the Crypto World
In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency, staying informed is not just an advantage; it’s a necessity. The crypto landscape is marked by rapid price fluctuations, technological advancements, regulatory changes, and a multitude of new projects and tokens emerging daily. Those who stay informed are better equipped to make informed decisions, spot opportunities, and avoid pitfalls in this volatile market. In this article, we will explore the importance of staying informed in the crypto world and provide insights into how to do so effectively.
The Importance of Staying Informed
- Mitigating Risk: Cryptocurrency markets are notorious for their volatility. Prices can skyrocket one day and plummet the next. Staying informed allows investors to react swiftly to market developments, reducing the risk of significant losses. Being aware of potential regulatory changes or security vulnerabilities can prevent unpleasant surprises.
- Identifying Investment Opportunities: The crypto market is not just about Bitcoin and Ethereum. Thousands of cryptocurrencies and tokens offer unique features and investment potential. Staying informed helps investors identify promising projects and seize opportunities before they become mainstream.
- Understanding Technology: Cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are highly complex. Staying informed enables enthusiasts to deepen their understanding of the underlying technology, which can be useful when evaluating projects or participating in discussions within the crypto community.
- Navigating Regulatory Changes: Regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies vary worldwide and are subject to change. Staying informed about regulatory developments is crucial for compliance and avoiding legal issues, especially for those involved in cryptocurrency businesses.
- Avoiding Scams: The crypto space has its fair share of scams and fraudulent schemes. Being well-informed can help individuals recognize and steer clear of such scams, protecting their investments and personal information.
- Participating in Community Discussions: Cryptocurrency enthusiasts often engage in active discussions and debates about various projects, technologies, and market trends. Staying informed allows individuals to contribute meaningfully to these discussions and build valuable connections in the crypto community.
How to Stay Informed in the Crypto World
Staying informed in the crypto world requires a proactive approach. Here are some effective strategies to keep up-to-date with the latest developments:
1. Follow Credible Crypto News Websites:
One of the most straightforward ways to stay informed is by regularly visiting credible crypto news websites. These platforms provide a wealth of information, including market updates, project news, regulatory changes, and expert analyses. Some reputable crypto news websites include:
- Miami Crypto: Miami Crypto is a news website dedicated to covering the latest news and events in the cryptocurrency industry in Miami and beyond. They provide readers with informative and unbiased reporting on everything from Bitcoin to altcoins, ICOs to DeFi, AI, and more. Miami Crypto is committed to providing readers with the most up-to-date information on the cryptocurrency industry in Miami, enabling them to make informed decisions about their investments.
- CoinDesk: CoinDesk is a well-established source for crypto and blockchain news. It covers a wide range of topics, from market trends to technology advancements, and features expert opinions and in-depth analyses.
- Cointelegraph: Cointelegraph is another highly respected crypto news outlet. It offers comprehensive coverage of the crypto space, including breaking news, interviews, and educational content.
- CryptoSlate: CryptoSlate focuses on delivering timely news and accurate information about the crypto and blockchain industry. It also provides data on various cryptocurrencies and ICOs.
- The Block: The Block is known for its investigative journalism and in-depth reporting on crypto-related topics. It covers not only news but also research and analysis.
- Decrypt: Decrypt specializes in making complex crypto and blockchain topics accessible to a broader audience. It features news, guides, and explanations of key concepts.
2. Join Crypto Communities:
Engaging with crypto communities can be an excellent way to stay informed and connected with like-minded individuals. Platforms like Reddit, Twitter, and Discord host various crypto-related groups and forums where enthusiasts discuss news, share insights and provide valuable information.
- Reddit (r/CryptoCurrency): The r/CryptoCurrency subreddit is a vibrant community with millions of members. It features news updates, discussions, and insights from crypto enthusiasts worldwide.
- Twitter: Many prominent figures in the crypto industry regularly share news and insights on Twitter. Following key influencers and industry experts can help you stay updated on the latest trends and developments.
- Discord: Discord hosts numerous crypto-related servers and communities. These platforms often have dedicated channels for news and discussions, making it easy to engage with the crypto community.
3. Podcasts and YouTube Channels:
If you prefer audiovisual content, consider subscribing to crypto-focused podcasts and YouTube channels. Many industry experts and enthusiasts host informative shows and interviews that provide valuable insights into the crypto world.
- “The Pomp Podcast” by Anthony Pompliano: This podcast features interviews with some of the most influential figures in the crypto space, providing in-depth insights into their perspectives and predictions.
- “Unchained” by Laura Shin: Laura Shin’s podcast covers a wide range of topics related to blockchain and cryptocurrencies. She interviews experts and explores the latest developments in the industry.
- YouTube Channels (DataDash, Ivan on Tech, Crypto Zombie): These YouTube channels provide regular updates on market trends, technical analysis, and project reviews, making them valuable resources for crypto enthusiasts.
4. Read Whitepapers and Documentation:
For a deeper understanding of specific blockchain projects and cryptocurrencies, it’s essential to read their whitepapers and documentation. Whitepapers contain detailed information about a project’s goals, technology, and use cases. This information can be critical when evaluating potential investments.
5. Attend Conferences and Webinars:
Cryptocurrency and blockchain conferences and webinars are excellent opportunities to learn from industry experts, discover new projects, and network with like-minded individuals. Many conferences have moved online, making them accessible to a global audience.
Conclusion
In the fast-paced and dynamic world of cryptocurrencies, staying informed is the key to success. It not only helps mitigate risks but also opens doors to exciting opportunities and a deeper understanding of the technology. By following credible news websites like Miami Crypto, engaging with crypto communities, exploring podcasts and YouTube channels, reading whitepapers, and attending conferences, individuals can equip themselves with the knowledge and insights needed to thrive in the crypto world. Remember, in crypto, knowledge truly is power, and staying informed gives you the edge you need to navigate this ever-evolving landscape.
