words to ponder

According to an "advisory" report issued by the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Intelligence and Analysis, "right-wing extremism" is on the rise. Right-wing radicals not only include racist and hate groups, but now also envelope groups that "reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority." Individuals and groups who are proponents of the Constitution's 10th Amendment, which establishes states' rights, are now viewed as "extremists" who are "anti-government."

The report, titled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," was published on April 7th and distributed to law enforcement officials. It warned that those who are exploiting fears about the economy (and the 1st "black" President elected to office) are driving a resurgence in "recruitment and radicalization activity," especially with rumors of more gun control and other attacks on conservative beliefs that are "antagonistic" toward the new presidential administration. Even more astonishing: the report suggests that recent veterans may be vulnerable to this "right-wing extremism."

However, the DHS report lacks specifics. It did not identify any group by name and provided no specific information about threats or pending violence. A similar DHS assessment on "left-wing radicals" issued in January was much less publicized and listed specific organizations that were deemed a threat. The purpose of these assessments is supposedly "to deter, prevent, preempt, or respond to terrorist attacks against the United States."

The timing of the report's release - a week before Tax Day and the thousands of "tea party" protests planned - as well as the widespread publicity and public access makes me suspicious. Has the DHS, which formed in response to 9/11, become more focused on political stability rather than on national security?

- Is Texas Governor Rick Perry considered a "right-wing extremist" for signing a resolution that reasserts state authority and the limitations of the federal government as stated in the 9th and 10th amendments of the Constitution?
- Are the Tea Party protesters viewed as criminals for having "anti-government" beliefs and exercising their freedom of speech?
- Will liberty-minded individuals such as Alex Jones and Ron Paul be labeled as "terrorists" by a skeptical American public?

* "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment" U.S. Department of Homeland Security. 7 Apr 2009.
* Sutton, Jane. "Recession Fueling Right-Wing Extremism, U.S. Says" Reuters UK 14 Apr 2009.
* "Homeland Security Warns of Rise in Right-Wing Extremism" FOX News 14 Apr 2009.
* Fairchok, Lance. "DHS, 'Rightwing Extremism' and Information Warfare" American Thinker 15 Apr 2009.
* Malkin, Michelle. "Confirmed: The Obama DHS Hit Job on Conservatives is Real" 14 Apr 2009.

Just a note about me: I am a registered voter, though I do not belong to any political party and do not subscribe to any particular set of issues or platform. I like to think of myself as a liberty-minded liberal with faith in democracy and an advocate of human rights and freedom. Although I believe in government services, I also believe in a small, non-interventionist government that protects liberty and choice. I am against war, though believe that veterans should be treated with respect.