14 warned protestors that Zimbabwe's army stood ready to “pull the trigger” against anyone seeking to topple him as a mounting political and economic crisis raised fears of unrest. (Source: Independent (Zim) 18 August 2006) In February 2007 he intimidated that his government would not tolerate protests against plans to extend his rule, saying such actions were being spearheaded by “deranged” people. When asked to comment on opposition threats to mount peaceful anti-government protests Mugabe said: “The deranged ones? ... they are in the wilderness. We will not allow that.” (Source: Reuters 7 Feb 2007) On 16 March 2007 in President Mugabe urged youth leaders to "get prepared for a fight” and to defend the people. He told them to organize and defend the revolution. He said: "The people require protection from you and protection means fighting for them, defending them. After this experience we have gone through, we expect our youth will gear themselves now to the defence of our people, our children, our communities, our resources." He was reported to have told the Youth League that it has a “blank cheque” to deal with the MDC leadership in the high density areas. He told them “ZANU PF has a big, hard-knuckled fist which it can summon effectively, once challenged.” He warned the West that he wants “no monkey business” and tells them to “check our record when we are challenged”. The U.S. Ambassador to Zimbabwe, Christopher Dell, told the BBC that Mugabe authorized the youth wing of his party to use any means available against the opposition. The youth stated that they were fully behind the President and were confident he would win the 2008 presidential election. (Sources: Zimonline 19 March 2007, International Herald Tribune 20 March 2007, The Guardian 19 March 2007, The Chronicle 17 March 2007 MDC Information department report 19 March 2007.) On 18 March 2007 he was reported to have said: “We have given too much room to mischief makers and shameless stooges of the West. Let them and their masters know that we shall brook none of their lawless behaviour.” (Source: The Chronicle 18 March) On 23 March 2007 President Mugabe said he hoped the opposition had learned that violence did not pay following the police crackdown on the recent disturbances that were sponsored by the MDC and some sections of the civic society. He said: "Our arms of Government, the police will act very vigorously and severely on those who go on a defiance campaign. We hope they have learned a lesson. If they have not, then they will get similar treatment." Their words condemn them: The language of violence, intolerance and despotism in Zimbabwe.