US society is notoriously complacent when it comes to the rise of fascist tendencies. When Dylann Roof murdered nine black parishioners in a Charleston church, media emphasis remained superficial. Familiar narratives of insane lone wolves and Confederate flags masked the organizations that inspired Roof's act and their connections to politicians at the local, state, and federal levels throughout the South--groups like the Council of Conservative Citizens (formerly the White Citizens Council).

Scratch the surface of such groups and you'll find a web of complex ties and front groups...