The Center for Constitutional Rights Fact Sheet on the "Thought Crime" law...

[Junkdrawer]

Factsheet: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007
This act claims to set up a Commission for a study that will “examine and report upon the facts and causes” of so called violent radicalism and extremist ideology then make legislative recommendations on combating it.

...

CURRENT STATUS

Already passed by the House with a vote of 404-6 on October 23rd. It is possible that the bill will be referred out of Committee next Wednesday and brought to the Senate floor.

....

NOTEWORTHY POINTS

“SEC. 899A (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.”

What is an extremist belief system? term is left undefined and open to many interpretations, socialism, anarchism, communism, nationalism, liberalism, etc. that would serve to undermine expressions that don’t fit within the allowable areas of debate. A direct action led by any group that blocks traffic can be looked upon as being coercive.

“SEC. 899B. (3) The Internet has aided in facilitating violent radicalization, ideologically based violence, and the homegrown terrorism process in the United States by providing access to broad and constant streams of terrorist-related propaganda to United States citizens.”

The focus on the internet is crucial, it can set up far more intrusive surveillance techniques, without warrants, and the potential to criminalize ideas and not actions can mean penalties for your stance rather than any criminal act.

“SEC. 899A. (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.”

What is force, is civil disobedience covered under that, if arrested at a protest rally and charged with disorderly conduct, obstructing governmental administration, or even assault does that now open you up to possible terrorist charges in the future?

....

RAND CORPORATION INFLUENCE

Brian Michael Jenkins, Rand Corporation’s so-called Counterterrorism expert, testified on the Violent Radicalism hearings.

Jenkins is credited by Rand in the 1960s, of focusing in on the insurgencies in Vietnam and Cambodia, on Vietnamese military institutions, and on the styles and techniques of conflict. Drawing parallels between the rise of urbanization in the war in Vietnam and trends taking place in other parts of Asia and Latin America. The theory of guerrilla warfare as a strictly rural activity was being challenged as the guerrillas were taking their struggles to the cities. Jenkins outlined a five-stage process by which urban guerrillas could take over a city, he was able to make recommendations for government countermeasures. In his book on terrorism Jenkins says “In their international campaign, the jihadists will seek common grounds with leftist, anti-American, and anti-globalization forces, who will in turn see, in radical Islam, comrades against a mutual foe.”

Also of note a Rand study Trends in Terrorism" Chapter 4 on homegrown terrorism – advocated special attention to environmentalist, Anti-globalization activist and anarchists as potentially new terrorist in the making.


http://ccrjustice.org/learn-more/faqs/factsheet%3A-violent-radicalization-and-homegrown-terrorism-prevention-act-2007

In short, questionable people taking us down an even more questionable road.

[Atman]

1. This is soooo important. Thanks for posting.

I have a bad feeling about this.

.

[TechBear_Seattle]

2. You want to know what is an "extremist belief system?"

Taking seriously an oath to "protect and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies foreign and domestic."

Scarey, isn't it?

[Echo In Light]

3. Given such blatant tactics, I'm at a loss...

...as to why so many people, dems included, slavishly hold to their tsk-tsk "conspiracy theorist" accusations when the powers that be are no longer even attempting to disguise their want of a totalitarian system.

[EnviroBat]

4. That such a piece of legislation was even written is scary enough.

That it passed is utter bullshit. This is insanity and it must be stopped.

[Junkdrawer]

5. Here's what I think:

Certain powers that want to selectively shut down the Internet are pushing HARD for legislation. They are being opposed by a progressive minority. The proponents then decide to push for a study, knowing that even the opponents will be hard pressed to oppose.

Look for the results of this study to be brought up for a vote at a time when the public fear has been whipped up into a frenzy.

[CrispyQ]

8. I agree, but how?

I have family members that can tell you who has won every Survivor but don't know about the drought in Atlanta or the superbug. They don't know or care about the legislation mentioned in the OP. Many Americans seem to embrace being blissfully ignorant. And many others don't have time to keep up with what's going on. I am fortunate to have a good paying part time job which allows me a couple of hours everyday on the internet. If I were working three jobs, I don't know when I would have time to be informed.

Some days it almost seems hopeless. And that's exactly how they want us to feel.

Most days I feel like this. :banghead:

[Echo In Light]

12. You're not helpless...

The prevailing propaganda effort perpetuates the fallacy that ordinary people need to rely on "leaders," "experts," and "hero's" who will serve the publics best interests from the top-down, when historically, social change {for the better} always occurs in the exact opposite form: from the bottom-up, when people take to the streets and demand change. So, 'they' want you to fell helpless, aside from "voting" {a fuckin' JOKE}, but realize that 'they' have much to fear from the public mind, hence the enormous propaganda effort of the mainstream to win "hearts and minds."

[nashville_brook]

16. they get their info from TV rather than the internet (mission accomplished)

i have family members who became "radicalized" upon getting their iMac and internet account. they were already liberal, now they have surpassed my levels of activism/engagement.

the article contains the answer to your question -- the internet, or rather, the free-flow of non-corporate information, tends to radicalize people in a repressive state.

try to lead "them horses" to water. then, hope they are thirsty.

[Perry Logan]

6. Cut down on the mainstream media, and these fits of paranoia will go away.

The corporate media incessantly promote the idea that the Democrats are secret twins of the Republicans, that both parties are essentially the same, that there is no hope. Like every word you hear on the mainstream news, this meme is intended to demoralize the left--to make alienated people even more alienated, so they will give up all trust in government. The political right thrives on apathy and despair.

You may think you can see through the bias or "filter it out." But you can't, really. It's just neurologically impossible. You should regard the mainstream news as enemy propaganda and to avoid it as much as possible. (Democracy Now and Keith Olbermann are obvious happy exceptions.)

The posts about this bill--and DU in general--prove how successful this campaign has been. There are people at DU who get apoplectic every time a bill is passed. They see disaster in absolutely everything. They spend much of their time cussing out their leaders and demoralizing anyone who will listen to them. What a painful, lonely life that must be.

To counteract this effect, I strongly recommend a virtual fast from mainstream news sources. Try it. You'll feel much better; your IQ will go up; and you'll better know what's going on.

To put it in perspective: the ACLU thinks the bill is "wrongheaded," but they're not freaking out:
"Mike German, policy counsel for the ACLU...calls the legislation “wrongheaded” because it focuses on ideology, rather than criminal activity. The bill calls for heightened scrutiny of people who believe, or might come to believe, in a violent ideology. German wants the government to focus on people who are actually committing crimes, rather than those who are merely entertaining violent ideas, something perfectly legal."
http://www.inthesetimes.com/article/3388/examining_the_homegrown_terrorism_prevention_act/

[Junkdrawer]

7. "The corporate media promote the idea that the Democrats are secret twins of the Republicans."

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

OK.. OK...

Two points for originality...

[Echo In Light]

9. In other words, trust the watchers, eh Perry? BTW, where's Cali? n/t

[Junkdrawer]

11. Actually, in a novel move, he's gone the other way and is saying...

that the Corporate Media is promoting the idea that this is a One Party nation.

Absurd on the face of it, but highly original...in a Limbaughesqe kind of way...

[Echo In Light]

14. Goes to show how little he understands...

He's got it bass-akwards; the ruse promoted within the mainline media is that there is a vast world of difference between the two Name Brands, when in actuality, there is very little. But then again, we're dealing with a poster who imputes inordinate, unjustifiable "paranoia" to those who voice concern over the highly suspect aims and intent of a "representative" govt that does not serve those who "elected" them. He and Cali immediately spring into 'damage control' mode whenever anyone posts something that reveals the obvious.

[reprehensor]

10. Another RAND "former" employee testified just two weeks ago...

Bruce Hoffman;

http://explore.georgetown.edu/news/?ID=16692

His testimony to the "Terrorism and the Internet" hearing included "conspiracy theories" as part of his testimony;

"The Internet, once seen as an engine of education and enlightenment, has instead become an immensely useful vehicle for terrorists with which to peddle their baseless propaganda and manifold conspiracy theories and summon their followers to violence."

This is on-the-record testimony;
http://homeland.house.gov/hearings/index.asp?ID=102
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2303535&mesg_id=2303535

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[JHB]

13. So the rand Corp's Counterterrorism expert is a blinkered imbecile?

Yep.

Jenkins says “In their international campaign, the jihadists will seek common grounds with leftist, anti-American, and anti-globalization forces, who will in turn see, in radical Islam, comrades against a mutual foe.”

Just once I'd like to see one of these "experts" display even the slightest comprehension of what motivates people.

Jeez, or even come up with a new theory, not just rewrite the old "dupes or agents of Moscow" routine.

[Junkdrawer]

15. Meanwhile, we find that Cheney and company worked hard to give Pakistan the A-Bomb

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=2311366&mesg_id=2311366

Strange, strange times we live in...

[windoe]

17. The schitzophrenic irony of this law

is that it could be construed to take down the neo con movement. Or am I dreaming again?