Put On the Cuffs, I'm Guilty as Charged

(4) While the United States must continue its vigilant efforts to combat international terrorism, it must also strengthen efforts to combat the threat posed by homegrown terrorists based and operating within the United States.

Most of those tormented by Senator Joseph McCarthy fifty years ago are dead by now. But in case supposed communists have been quietly been reincarnating themselves as supposed terrorists, Harman strives to bring back the halcyon days of Joe. Are those ‘card-carrying’ terrorists, Jane?

(5) Understanding the motivational factors that lead to violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence is a vital step toward eradicating these threats in the United States.

Eradication. Like Dutch Elm Disease. My motivation is the freedom to speak, to practice my religion (as a Muslim if that is my choice) or none at all, to associate with friends and perhaps even indulge in political discussion, to write without governmental editing, to travel as my desires, finances and passport allow and to be left the hell alone—all of these without threat (or perceived threat) to my neighbors.

(6) Preventing the potential rise of self radicalized, unaffiliated terrorists domestically cannot be easily accomplished solely through traditional Federal intelligence or law enforcement efforts, and can benefit from the incorporation of State and local efforts.

Probably correct and yet one wonders how (again, ambiguously) this bill purports to incorporate State and local effort. So far as I know, even Joe McCarthy was never  allowed to do that.

(7) Individuals prone to violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence span all races, ethnicities, and religious beliefs, and individuals should not be targeted based solely on race, ethnicity, or religion.

Well Janie, let’s hear it for equal-opportunity victimization. But if not solely, then how about just a little bit?

(8) Any measure taken to prevent violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism in the United States should not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, or civil liberties of United States citizens or lawful permanent residents.

Should not (probable), will not (absolute). Does that ‘should not’ apply before or after the determination to pack a suspect off to another country. I would suggest to you a quick reference to the tale of the son of an Egyptian diplomat.

(9) Certain governments, including the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia have significant experience with homegrown terrorism and the United States can benefit from lessons learned by those nations.

No doubt. Then of course, having not dotted every 'i' and crossed every 't' in the observation of her fellow (but perhaps less well-connected) citizens, Harman proposes to set up her own version of a “School for Scandal.”

SEC. 899D. CENTER OF EXCELLENCE FOR THE STUDY OF VIOLENT RADICALIZATION AND HOMEGROWN TERRORISM IN THE UNITED STATES. (Blah, blah and then more blah, until we get down to ‘c’)

(c) Activities- In carrying out this section, the Center shall--

 1  |  2  |  3  |  4  |  5