I know that I haven't written for some months, but with this semester winding down, maybe.... :-)
There has been a pretty bit uproar about the naming of right-wing 'extremests' as a terrorism threat by DHS Janet Napolitano . And I think to a large degree that it is justified. In that report, uncalled for and generalized statements were made, especially regarding veterans and their potential involvement in such 'right-wing terrorism'. Such allegation regarding the veterans are repulsive indeed and should be apologized for more than they have been explained already.
However, there were a few things about this report that I was not aware of, that I thought I would write here.
Please note the following press release that was thoroughly quoted by most of the news articles on this report.
Statement by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano on the Threat of Right-Wing Extremism
Release Date: April 15, 2009
***We are on the lookout for criminal and terrorist activity but we do not – nor will we ever – monitor ideology or political beliefs. ****
Whether or not she should have said what she said in the report, The DHS Secretary Napolitano seems to try and make it clear that she's not out to pin the right-wingers, or any other group. She's out to protect this country and this is the best way she sees how to do it. Now, that said, obviously what most politicians say needs to be discerned through and taken with a grain of salt, but they should at least be considered and looked upon charitably to a degree. In other words, maybe Napolitano is doing her best to protect the country even from the interior threats and is just trying to cover all of the bases.
Also, did you know that there was a left-wing extremest report issued in January? While this report seemed to be much better prepared and was specific to already evident threats, it was a report on left-wing extremest non-the-less. Another possible evidence that these reports are an FYI to the law agencies of the country, not a targeting of us right-wingers.
Anyway, just food for thought. Mind you, I don't trust the implications of this "right-wing / veteran extremist terror-threat" any more than the rest of you. But I think it is best to have the full story, most of which I am sure most of you already are aware of. But what small additional information was presented here was new to me, and seemed to be somewhat ignored by some of the right-wing political advocate groups, for whom I largely have a great deal of respect and appreciation for. Fox News seemed to present most aspect of this situation very fairly, while also giving some plausible implications of such a report.
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Here is a ling to the right wing report issue by the DHS.
http://www.fas.org/irp/eprint/rightwing.pdf
Although I do find it interesting that in the following quote from the report, they attack some of the core values of Christians, and attack those that hate based on religious, or racial preference.
"* (U) Rightwing extremism in the United States can be broadly divided into those groups, movements, and
adherents that are primarily hate-oriented (based on hatred of particular religious, racial or ethnic groups),
and those that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or
rejecting government authority entirely. It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a
single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration."
And yet at the same time, the left will openly attack Christians for there beliefs. Can we say hypocrisy?
If find it interesting as well that if you read the leftist report, you will find that it warns against those that are anti capitalist, communist, and socialistic. And yet we have a President that is pushing all of these things in his health care, education, and his taking over corporations and private businesses. Tell me how that isn't socialism in the extreme.
Why is it that so many Americans are blind to this? Why do so many people not care?
Maybe Napolitano is doing what she thinks is best for the country. But a few words of caution. She was appointed by the President for her ideals. He picked her because they think alike, or at least Obama thinks they do. I think she has tried to be far, but failed in this report in my opinion.
The real danger is not the right winger extremist, or the left winger extremist. They are monitored (or profiled which the government isn't supposed to do according to there own statements). The real threat is a President and Congress with not checks or balances that will run rough shod over everyone no matter what they think. That is a real danger. And that danger is what makes "right wingers" take actions to be prepared.
As for her remarks about veterans. I am not sure I want to go there. Her apologies are pathetic and without meaning. The only reason she makes any remark is to smooth it all over.
Just my thoughts on the subject. Thanks again for a great post.
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