government intrusion

H.R. 1955

Oct 31, 2007 in Uncategorized
Tags: government, H.R. 1955, House of Representatives

The Republicans (in favor of limiting government) and Democrats (who against the Patriot Act) in a 404-6 majority vote, the House of Representatives voted to amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002, adding the following amendment:

Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add provisions concerning the prevention of homegrown terrorism (terrorism by individuals born, raised, or based and operating primarily in the United States).

Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to:

(1) establish a grant program to prevent radicalization (use of an extremist belief system for facilitating ideologically-based violence) and homegrown terrorism in the United States;

(2) establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States; and

(3) conduct a survey of methodologies implemented by foreign nations to prevent radicalization and homegrown terrorism.

Prohibits the Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to prevent ideologically-based violence and homegrown terrorism from violating the constitutional and civil rights, and civil liberties, of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.

Thanks to the intelligence of the House of Representatives, they have
passed a vague bill that is requesting funding for the prevention of
radicalization in the United States and abroad.

Though it sounds innocent enough, who will be the arbiter in deciding who or what organization teachings are radical enough that they would lead to terror? In fact, who will deem a belief “extreme”. Upon first reading, most will think of Islamic terror cells and the like, but the bill is not that specific (obviously not that it could be). The Black Panter Party or the Minutemen who fought during the Revolutionary War could fall under these rules depending on the agenda of whatever administration has been elected.

Bad form House of Representatives!

What is very surprising (though it should not be) is the Democrat Party’s sponsorship and passing of the bill. Supposedly they are concerned about government intrusion, but I guess only when someone is looking.