|
MmeGigs -> RE: How soon until there is a new 'Thought Police' Agency? (6/1/2009 4:54:56 PM)
|
quote:
ORIGINAL: jlf1961
Now, article 9, suggests that the US take lessons from other countries.....
Taking lessons from other countries doesn't mean we're going to do things the same way they do. We'd be idjits not to look at the way that countries that have been dealing with terrorists have handled it and how effective or counterproductive their methods have been.
quote:
For the record, some groups that have been placed on the watch list for 'ideologies' which are considered seditionist by the Department of Homeland Defense includes, but are not limited to, Religious affiliated groups protesting the war, Native American groups promoting Native American rights AND compensation for treaty violations.
Consider some of your thoughts, beliefs both religious and moral, and ask the question, "Can I be arrested for this?"
I think that you're misreading the bill. This legislation seems to be trying to address the excesses of the previous administration that resulted in the watch-listing of the groups you mention. From the bits you quoted -
"individuals should not be targeted based solely on race, ethnicity, or religion."
"[measures taken] should not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, or civil liberties of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents."
The law seems to be specifically targeted at groups that commit, plan to commit or threaten to commit violence. From the "definitions" section -
(2) VIOLENT RADICALIZATION- The term `violent radicalization' means the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating ideologically based violence to advance political, religious, or social change.
(3) HOMEGROWN TERRORISM- The term `homegrown terrorism' means the use, planned use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual born, raised, or based and operating primarily within the United States or any possession of the United States to intimidate or coerce the United States government, the civilian population of the United States, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
(4) IDEOLOGICALLY BASED VIOLENCE- The term `ideologically based violence' means the use, planned use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the group or individual's political, religious, or social beliefs.
The commission it establishes is bi-partisan, I assume to avoid the kind of political/ideological targetting that you referred to. This legislation seems to me to be intended to provide the kind of oversight of domestic surveillance that was lacking with the previous administration. I'm sure it's not a perfect solution, but it seems to be a step in the right direction.
|
|
|
|
