I've been having an identity crisis lately. For some time I've considered myself to be a man of Freedom, arguing that perhaps the federal government should not have so much power, that maybe the states would be inclined to better serve the needs of their constituents. But apparently our elected (or not) "officials" have a different picture of me. According to the Washington Times, the Department of Homeland Security has recently released a nine page police report on the rising influence of right-wing extremism in the United States.
Normally, this would mean nothing to me, as I don't consider myself a right-wing extremist, or even right-wing for that matter, but there was one clause that concerned me. "Analysis defines 'rightwing extremism in the United States' as including not just racist or hate groups," reads the Times, "but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority." That's a scary thought. Perhaps we should define our founding fathers as being 'right-wing extremists' then.
Moreover, the warning continues, "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration." Regardless of your opinion on these issues, is one not free to be dedicated to any cause they desire without being labeled a threat? When did it become dangerous to feel passionate about your opinion?
Add this to the recently recalled MIAC report, and I'm beginning to get a whole slew of titles: right-wing extremist, militia member, third party supporter (oh no! screams the man in Washington.) I know that I am not alone; after all, the MIAC report listed Campaign for Liberty and Ron Paul supporters as militia members, putting the total in, I don't know, hundreds of thousands! If that's really the case, the federal government better be scared.
And of course, were I to be a terrorist, the government would have the ability to tap my phones. Actually, they have that ability regardless of my political affiliation. As reported yesterday by Fox News, Obama seems to have changed his mind on that whole invasion of liberties thing. Once declaring that Bush's operation "undermined the Constitution," Obama is now using the same argument as his predecessor. This is terribly disappointing to me, as I saw candidate Obama as being far stronger on issues of personal liberty. But again, President Obama seems to be an entirely different person.
I have tried to make a habit of never declaring a title for myself. I was never content to call myself a Republican or a Democrat, Libertarian or Socialist. But there is one thing I can say without hesitation: I am no terrorist. Enjoy the Gadsden Flag, MIAC, it means more for our country than a police force ever will.
Normally, this would mean nothing to me, as I don't consider myself a right-wing extremist, or even right-wing for that matter, but there was one clause that concerned me. "Analysis defines 'rightwing extremism in the United States' as including not just racist or hate groups," reads the Times, "but also groups that reject federal authority in favor of state or local authority." That's a scary thought. Perhaps we should define our founding fathers as being 'right-wing extremists' then.
Moreover, the warning continues, "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single-issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration." Regardless of your opinion on these issues, is one not free to be dedicated to any cause they desire without being labeled a threat? When did it become dangerous to feel passionate about your opinion?
Add this to the recently recalled MIAC report, and I'm beginning to get a whole slew of titles: right-wing extremist, militia member, third party supporter (oh no! screams the man in Washington.) I know that I am not alone; after all, the MIAC report listed Campaign for Liberty and Ron Paul supporters as militia members, putting the total in, I don't know, hundreds of thousands! If that's really the case, the federal government better be scared.
And of course, were I to be a terrorist, the government would have the ability to tap my phones. Actually, they have that ability regardless of my political affiliation. As reported yesterday by Fox News, Obama seems to have changed his mind on that whole invasion of liberties thing. Once declaring that Bush's operation "undermined the Constitution," Obama is now using the same argument as his predecessor. This is terribly disappointing to me, as I saw candidate Obama as being far stronger on issues of personal liberty. But again, President Obama seems to be an entirely different person.
I have tried to make a habit of never declaring a title for myself. I was never content to call myself a Republican or a Democrat, Libertarian or Socialist. But there is one thing I can say without hesitation: I am no terrorist. Enjoy the Gadsden Flag, MIAC, it means more for our country than a police force ever will.
No comments:
Post a Comment