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Who’s A Low Level Terrorist? Are You?
Emily Spence
Dissident Voice
Monday, June 29, 2009
Recently, an American Civil Liberties Union report pointed out, “Anti-terrorism training materials currently being used by the Department of Defense (DoD) teach its personnel that free expression in the form of public protests should be regarded as ‘low level terrorism’.” [1]
Despite that DoD officials removed the offensive section from their educational resources at the urging of ACLU members, the DoD stance is still troubling since a longstanding practice to designate peaceful, law abiding activists as dangerous and treasonable still exists in many government departments and agencies. Indeed the participants of the first antiwar protest against the Vietnam incursion, put together in the mid-1960’s by peaceable Quakers and FOR members after having discussed Gandhi’s Salt March as a model for a nonviolent demonstration, faced government operatives filming them face by face from rooftops as they moved en masse down Broadway to the UN Plaza. (My mother, a pacifist married to a World War II Conscientious Objector, and I, a child at the time of the march, both were in attendance. When the film crew focused on us, she stood tall, faced the agents with their telephoto lens, glared in disdainful defiance and, simultaneously, throw the corner of her coat over my face. Afterwards, she muttered, “How dare they try to intimidate us!”)
This sort of happening in mind, the treatment of Nobel Peace Award winner Aung San Sui Kyi in Myanmar is not necessarily all that different than the response that she’d receive in the USA and, while it’s commendable that American spokespersons publicly object to her most recent arrest, they, certainly, might seem to be a bunch of hypocrites. This is due to the fact that a number of Nobel Peace Award recipients, such as American Friends Service Committee (AFSC), have had difficulties of their own on American soil.
For example, “AFSC’s work, always open and resolutely nonviolent, has been under government surveillance for decades. The Service Committee secured nearly 1,700 pages of files from the FBI under a Freedom of Information request in 1976. These files show that the FBI kept files on AFSC that dated back to 1921. Ten other federal agencies kept files on AFSC, including the CIA, Air Force, Navy, Internal Revenue Service, Secret Service, and the State Department. The CIA has intercepted overseas mail and cables in the 1950s, and some AFSC offices (and even its staff’s homes) have been infiltrated and burglarized in the late 1960s into the 1970s.”
In relation, AFSC associate general secretary for justice and human rights, Joyce Miller, asked, “How can we speak of spreading democracy in Iraq while dismantling it here at home?” She further remarked, “Political dissent is fundamental to a free and democratic society. It should not be equated with crime.”
Add to the AFSC problems, those pertaining to Nobel Peace Award recipient Nelson Mandela, who only a year ago had the designation “terrorist” removed from his name, under protest by the State Department, so that he no longer suffered travel restrictions from the US government. Yet his travel curtailment was not nearly as awful as was Ramzy Baroud’s blockage. He, the editor of Palestine Chronicle, had his US passport seized by a consular officer at an overseas American Embassy. [3] Similarly, Senator Edward Kennedy was, also, flagged by the US no-fly list.
Then again, Ted Kennedy received much less harassment than did Nobel Peace Award winner Mairead Corrigan Maguire after her flight from Guatemala had been directed to Ireland through Houston:
She was probably tired and ready to get back to Belfast, where her attempts to bring about an end to The Troubles in 1976 made her at 32 the youngest Nobel Peace Prize-winner ever. Since then, she’s been given the Pacem in Terris Award by Pope John Paul II, and the United Nations selected her (along with the Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, Jordan’s Queen Noor and a dozen or so other fellow Nobel Laureates) as an honorary board member of the International Coalition for the Decade.
Unfortunately for Maguire, her flight back home to Northern Ireland was routed through Houston, where none of that meant diddly. Federal Customs officials were far less interested in any of that than they were in a box on the back of the transit form she filled out on her flight.
“They questioned me about my nonviolent protests in USA against the Afghanistan invasion and Iraqi war,” Maguire said later in a statement. ‘They insisted I must tick the box in the Immigration form admitting to criminal activities.
Maguire was detained for two hours — grilled once, fingerprinted, photographed, and grilled again. She missed her flight home. She was only released after an organization she helped found — the Nobel Women’s Initiative — started kicking up a fuss.
On can add to her troubles countless other ones wherein human rights and environmental supporters have been repeatedly hassled for no other reason than that they’re holding views that don’t jive with positions at any number of U.S. government institutions. One needn’t return in time to the McCarthy Era to find many individuals who have been investigated and persecuted for holding vilified opinions. For example, Stephen Lendman, a peace advocate and writer in his seventies with a permanent knee injury that delimits travel, has been repeatedly investigated by the FBI.
At the same time, he is joined by myriad others such as assorted activists in Maryland whose names were put on federal terrorist lists by state police who infiltrated their groups. As such, their perfectly legal activities, freedom of speech and right to unhindered assembly have been criminalized.
Simultaneously, there’s a certain inescapable irony and disingenuous quality presented by the Western government heads who are harshly critical of the Iran crackdown on dissenting citizens while they, themselves, condone similar ironfisted policies in their own lands. Their two-faced position is barely hidden beneath the surface of their mock concern for the well-being of Iranian protesters as they urge their own and allied troops into battle, show little (if any) sincere remorse over the slaughter of masses of civilians that happen in the process and make sure that demonstrators at home are disregarded, denigrated or preemptively rounded up as happened at the 2008 Republican National Convention.
Then again, one might find himself in pretty good company if he were singled out as unpatriotic and treacherous for holding viewpoints or undertaking actions that go contrary to the perspectives that a certain hawkish and totalitarian segment of society holds. All the same, every method conceivable might be used to hunt down the offenders and, when taken to the extreme, render their seemingly provocative positions ineffectual by any means possible, including imprisonment and murder.
Anyone who doubts this to be the case needs only to remember about what happened to people like Howard Fast, the slain Freedom Riders Andy Goodman, James Chaney and Michael Schwerner, the thirteen shot students at Kent State University at which Ohio National Guardsman fired sixty-seven rounds over a thirteen second period, and scores of others who have stood against mainstream policies.
Meanwhile, stigmatizing dissidents is a fairly common practice. As such, “There are 1.1 million people on the [U.S.] Terrorist Watch List and there is a 35 percent error rate, minimum, for that list,” according to ACLU’s Michael German. [6] Furthermore, the overzealous and aggressive surveillance tactics used by the National Security Agency (NSA) to check the public’s e-mails, telephone calls and other communications are the same ones as were in use during George W. Bush’s administration. Likewise, the amount of spying on personal exchanges is as high as it ever was.
In relation to recent claims by Justice Department and national security officials that the overcollection was unintentional, House representative, Rush Holt, a Democrat from New Jersey and Chairman of the House Select Intelligence Oversight Panel, commented, “Some actions are so flagrant that they can’t be accidental.” Additionally, the act of tracking e-mailed transmissions and other interactions has seemed in violation of federal law according to lawyers at the Justice Department. Regardless, the practice continues.
At the same time, the decision to designate social activists as troublemakers, while singling them out for intimidation, threats and investigations, carries serious legal and political implications in democratic societies. The further measure of subjecting them to the sorts of difficulties that Mairead Corrigan Maguire, Ramzy Baroud, AFSC members and innumerable others have endured is clearly based in xenophobic, paranoid and despotic thinking. It embodies the kind of authoritarian mentality and oppressive activities that one finds in the worst types of tyrannical regimes.
As Harry S. Truman suggested, “Once a government is committed to the principle of silencing the voice of opposition, it has only one way to go, and that is down the path of increasingly repressive measures, until it becomes a source of terror to all its citizens and creates a country where everyone lives in fear.” Due to this fear, are we, then, to all conform with lock step in perverse obedience to the State’s dictates, outlooks and agendas in an increasingly Orwellian milieu? If not, then we must constantly remind ourselves and each other of US Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas’s vision: “Restriction of free thought and free speech is the most dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that could most easily defeat us.”
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21 Responses to “Who’s A Low Level Terrorist? Are You?”
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June 29th, 2009 at 11:20 am
how long can this go on? we know who the actual terrorists are the united states criminal government
EYESWIDEOPEN Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Until they actually try to enforce their ‘rules’.
savedman Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 7:58 am
I am a street preacher among many other ministries. From what I have seen in the progression of the sinfulness of the American public since 1979 when I began preaching on the streets, “evil men are waxing worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.” The American public, for the most part would love to have me labeled a terrorists and shut up. Everything is progressing just exactly the way God said it would in the “last days” in His innerent Word. God is simply going to let man have what he wants and deserves SOON! My friend they probably will shut me up but it will also cost you. I am simply warning sinners from God, that His judgment is soon to come. The Lord Jesus Christ could come today for His church. When He comes, you will not have another opportunity to be saved (2 Thessalonians 2), I don’t care what you’ve read in the “Left Behind” books. Only the ones who have never heard the gospel will have the choice to be saved during the tribulation. Believe me, you don’t want to gamble with your eternal soul. Call upon the name of the Lord Jesus Christ today before it’s too late (Romans 10:9-13)
storky Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 10:33 am
. . .
Why can’t they be like we were?
Perfect in every way . . .
What’s the matter with kids today!
reconmarine Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 11:35 am
Only if you agree with me are you not a terrorist.
June 29th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
The Government of the USA is a juggernaut full of imbeciles that will always try to find new ideas for better security and where enemies only get added to a list, not removed. Very rare does that happen. Old enemies may be in the situation of an enemy of my enemy is my friend. Then maybe it will happen when the US seeks niceties with them. US government is heading in perpetual decline, wasting what was one of the most successful nations of all time. Despite one’s opinion for America, they developed a great infrastructure, economy, and military. However, it is all being laid to waste by greed, conquest, and power.
EYESWIDEOPEN Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 5:29 am
Same as it ever was.
June 29th, 2009 at 1:28 pm
‘Low level Terrorism’? From a source somewhere near the heart of the DoD!
When I first saw Terminator 2, I had just returned back to the UK after a genuine ten years of socio-political economic exile, and I watched it with a family guy who was ex-Nato North Atlantic Nuclear Submarine Fleet covert security. These guys relish the zeitgeist, – of humans being fair bait for ‘the machines’ and a computer in control of it all would be a boon …
It could be for real … and
On the Radio4 this morning was a talk about how The top Bankers, (who will no doubt be financing the global military coup) are ideal depositories for ideas of (quote) ‘Evolutionary Biology’ or survival of the fittest.
not just a story …
June 29th, 2009 at 5:47 pm
Imagine all of us tax paying terrorists being locked up? where is the money going to come from? Only government apparently are not terrorists everyone else is fair game.
Every so often we must water the tree of liberty, be it with our blood or theirs” Adam Kokesh
June 29th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
As far as ammo….
What you got is what you got. There is none left! (except shorgun ammo)
Even Cheaper than Dirt is out….dammit.
I got a lot, but never enough! – no more target practice for me!
Piece be with you!
Ruger, Colt, S&W….whatever
mercman Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 10:45 am
surplusammo.com
ammoman.com
June 29th, 2009 at 9:34 pm
shorgun….yeah
June 29th, 2009 at 9:40 pm
Looks like the Dod Must Hate Quakers since they single them out for 40 years. Ben Morrison
was in my class at Friends Baltimore his Dad touched himself at the pentagon. Yea who really hates who in this rotten two faced scum bag leaders corrupt freemason freak show.
June 29th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
He did not touch himself (sorry) he burned himself to protest the Vietnam War in the sixties.
The truth is here in America some people like to kill people for profit so then they pass hate
Bills to pretend to be so “nice”. all lies and two faced liars. Nothing will change just the New Warmongers and their little profit making racket will get new Yachts and mansions oof the back of the sheep. Same old Plantation same old shit. Don’t kid yourself.
Google Morrison Vietnam War Pentagon. oh yea Quakers helped give this place a Constitution when other religions were learning nothing.
June 30th, 2009 at 2:58 am
Prophecies of Thomas S. Gibson, Matthew Stephen, Tom Deckard, Dumitru Duduman, E. R. Lindsey and Chuck Youngbrandt (comments by me):
Bird flu kills millions, national quarantine declared (prepare by storing 3 to 6 months supply of food per person).
(False flag) terrorist attack hits 7 cities including NYC and Washington DC.
economic collapse, dollar collapse, high unemployment, food scarcity.
Riots and civil war in USA.
(North American Union with USA, Canada and Mexico, new Amero currency, new constitution, internet/free press/travel restricted, Homeland ID card or mark of the beast Homeland ID chip without which one cannot buy or sell, Christians, patriots, ex-military suspected as terrorists and interned or killed in FEMA concentration camps without trials. See Operation BlackJack.)
2 leaders in USA, 2 leaders in Europe and 2 leaders in Middle East are assasinated.
Bush Jr shot, Obama assasinated, Sarkozy assasinated.
WW3 starts by 2010.
US supports Israel in war probably with Iran, Syria and Lebanon.
US defends South Korea in North Korean war.
US defends Taiwan in Chineese invasion.
Exactly one year before great California earthquake where everything west of San Andreas fault falls into ocean causing world-wide tsunamis three signs will occur simultaneously 1) greatest Autstralian earthquake 2) Mediterranean volcano erupts causing tidal waves and 3) mild earthquake in California cracking wall of city halls of LA and San Francisco.
Great New Madrid earthquake empties Lake Michigan into Midwest and flows into Gulf of Mexico.
37 days after New Madrid earthquake, Russian subs nuke California, NY, Florida and Las Vegas.
Russia invades US from east, China and Japan from west, and Mexico, Cuba, Nicaragua and others assist Russia/China/Japan in invasion.
70% of Americans die with earthquakes and war, USA occupied for 7 years after which USA wins back freedom with repentance of sins, godly leader, new invention and angelic help.
1/3 of humanity and 1/3 plants die from earthquakes, tsunamis and WW3.
The two witnesses, which are the church of Messiah and the man-child witness for 3.5 years in power and holiness after which the Syrian anti-christ puts them to death for not taking the mark of the beast. The two witnesses are raised to life after 3 days and many believe in Yahshua ha’Maschiach (aka Jesus Christ) because of the miracle.
Do not take mark of the beast or you will be judged by God severely and lose eternal life.
3.5 years later Yahshua returns to reign on earth as He is Lord of Lords and King of Kings
Preparation: Repent of sins and accept Yahshua ha’Maschiach as Lord and Savior, leave to places of refuge or leave America Babylon (Rev 18), store much food, medical supplies, consider buying solar panels, ham radio, water purifier, etc. and for dollar collapse consider buying physical gold, silver bullion/coins or investing in oil and food commodities BUT consider AVOIDING dollar, currencies undergoing quantative easing such as British pound, Japaneese Yen and Swiss franc, government bonds/bills, corporate bonds and stock market.
savedman Reply:
June 30th, 2009 at 7:40 am
Hey Watchman
You are preaching heresy. The two witnesses of Rev.11 are Moses and Elijah (Matt.17; Mal.4; Jms.5. The plagues of Egypt will be revisited by Moses, and Elijah will call for the 3 1/2 year drought.
Every sinner who has heard the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ before the “catching up” of the body of Christ (1 Thess.4:13-18), will not have another opportunity to be saved. They will be damned and God will make them believe a lie (antichrist) because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved during the appointed time of God’s invitation (2 Thessalonians 2). It is damnable heresy to teach that a sinner who has heard the gospel (1 Corinthians 15:1-5), and rejected Christ as saviour, can have another chance after the church is “caught up.” That my friend is just as good as the devil would have it. All the sinners wait until the believers are gone and then they get another chance, I don’t think so! That would be salvation by sight and works. The only salvation God has ever had is by FAITH, from Abraham (Romans 4) until the end of the great tribulation.
Babylon is clearly defined as the world wide religious harlot system in Rev.17, and the world wide commercial system in Rev.18. America is only part of the system.
You can store up all you can, it will all eventually run out. In James 5, God says that the rich man’s GOLD is no good in the last days. You can’t eat GOLD. After 3 1/2 years of drought I garantee you the rich man will give all he possesses for a piece of bread.
You must REPENT today, and BELIEVE on the LORD JESUS CHRIST.
Juntawatch Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 1:46 pm
Good Stuff but for those who may be wondering. ‘WATCHMAN of JHWH’ is not a Pseudonym I use. It is not Juntawatch by another name. I for one don’t mix Religion and Politics. They’re bad enough on their own! Best put in their respective Boxes with Padlocks. These topics do interest me but the Political Class clearly have been misled to believe that they will usher in a Paradisiacal Earth for the ruling Elite and Progeny of the Bankers. Not going to happen!
Juntawatch Reply:
July 1st, 2009 at 1:53 pm
In fact I’d bet a £ hundred million US (~£5) that It will not happen. Do I have a Hundred Million Dollars? Not yet, but please feel free to start placing your Bets …
June 30th, 2009 at 5:38 am
This is unbelievable, how countrymen can turn on themselves like this. All for money ?
We will most definaltely be discussing this on my site http://www.whites4zuma.co.za
Fortunately for us in South Africa, protest is a constitutionally protected right.
Good Luck USA
June 30th, 2009 at 6:27 am
Once apathy is cured this will pass..
July 6th, 2009 at 1:31 am
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