Supremacy organizations are getting fresh blood in their ranks, researchers say. A study conducted by a faith-based organization in Chicago revealed that during the last year in the Midwestern states, 33 percent of the 338 white supremacist groups actively recruit young people, 10 percent higher than in 1999.

There is nothing wrong with taking pride in one’s race or heritage, whether it be black, white, Asian, Indian or anything else. The problem lies when you place those of other races and cultures below you.

The message of anti-racism and tolerance bears repeating - the world is full of people who are just as kind, capable, intelligent and worthwhile as anybody, and a group promoting racial intolerance is not something the nation needs.

What is deeply troubling is that many of these organizations use the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 to recruit new members. Many people lost their lives in those attacks, and they were not all white. This perversion of the facts is disgusting.

Representatives from the Ku Klux Klan claim they are merely misunderstood. They assert their view that they are only upset with the “changing face of America,” and only want to see a tightening on U.S. immigration policies.

Some believe the surge in membership is from those who are looking for answers about their own identity. The supremacist groups claim they only offer unity with other white people.

But this causes a withdrawal from other races - instead of coming together, which only helps to further the discrimination some white supremacy organizations promote.

Being able to take pride in one’s ethnicity is a wonderful thing. But when it turns into discrimination against other races, there becomes a serious need to do some serious re-examination of values.