Terrorism Law Applied With Vigor.

Radio ^ | 1/16/2002 | self

[Razz]

SEC. 802. DEFINITION OF DOMESTIC TERRORISM.

(a) DOMESTIC TERRORISM DEFINED- Section 2331 of title 18, United States Code, is amended--

(1) in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), by striking `by assassination or kidnapping' and inserting `by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping';

(2) in paragraph (3), by striking `and';

(3) in paragraph (4), by striking the period at the end and inserting `; and'; and

(4) by adding at the end the following:

`(5) the term `domestic terrorism' means activities that--

`(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;

`(B) appear to be intended--

`(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;

`(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or

`(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and

`(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States.'.

(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT- Section 3077(1) of title 18, United States Code, is amended to read as follows:

`(1) `act of terrorism' means an act of domestic or international terrorism as defined in section 2331;'.

So reads the definition of terrorism in the controversial `Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001.'

The law was sharply criticized on its passage last October. opponents claimed the law was unconstitutional, was passed by a Congress that didn't even read the bill, and granted unheard of powers to law enforcement agencies. They claimed it wasn't a matter of if the law would be abused, but when.

Now, three months later, few, if any reports on the application of the law appear in the national press. An uncertain number of people have been detained in terrorism-related investigations, usually under minor or questionable charges, when details are even revealed. Reports range from a few hundred to nearly two thousand. Regardless of the true number of detainees, there has been no general public outcry. Claims of Constitutional violations are ignored for the most part. The detentions are justified because "they aren't Americans, they don't have Constitutional protections," and after all, they must be involved in terrorism, right?

But, despite the media's general silence, odd facts seep to the surface. For various reasons, I, like many Americans today, really on the internet for most of my news. But occasionally the news comes on the radio and I don't happen to switch stations. thus, I heard the first report of a man in a nearby town being charged with terrorism - in a domestic abuse case. A week or so later, I heard another report: of a man in a nearby town charged with terrorism. The crime? He threatened the Judge and prosecutor.

Two cases reported in two weeks, in extremely limited listening, in a very small corner of the country. How many more such cases must there be throughout the State? The Country?

Somehow I don't think this is what Congress had in mind when they passed these new Laws to combat 'Terrorism.'

Or maybe they did.

[dighton]

Most likely, the arrestees are charged under previously existing state laws for "terroristic threats" and such.

[Razz]

Have you seen anything like this in your area?

[nunya bidness]

I can only see it getting worse because the government will take a more active role when the Transportation Dept. takes over security at airports.

[Razz]

I thought this would have generated more discussion on FR ... there was a time when these things were a concern to many people here.

[monkeywrench]

Bttt!

[KDD]

bump for later.

[Razz]

I'vbe seen several related articles over the past week, but so far, no confirmation that this is happening outside of Minnesota/North Dakota.

I find that hard to believe, however...

[Mulder]

.... the term `domestic terrorism' means activities that.... appear to be intended.... to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion....

Appear? Intended? Influence? Intimidation?

The next demoncrat adminstration will have a field day with this.

Basically, anyone they disagree with will instantly become a "domestic terrorist" in the eyes of a corrupt Executive.

[Mulder]

I thought this would have generated more discussion on FR ... there was a time when these things were a concern to many people here.

One of the other "surprises" in the "Patriot Act" is that the ATF can now apparently confiscate a .50 caliber rifle, without due process

[Razz]

I heard the first report of a man in a nearby town being charged with terrorism - in a domestic abuse case. A week or so later, I heard another report: of a man in a nearby town charged with terrorism. The crime? He threatened the Judge and prosecutor.

Nobody with any common sense is going to call these people terrorists. But does anybody care?

[KDD]

The Intelligence Project identified 194 "Patriot" groups that were active in 2000. Of these groups, 72 were militias, three were "common-law courts" and the remainder fit into a variety of categories such as publishers, ministries, citizens’ groups and others. Generally, Patriot groups define themselves as opposed to the "New World Order" or advocate or adhere to extreme antigovernment doctrines.

List of domestic terrorist organizations by the left wing Southern Poverty Law Center

[AAABEST]

I thought this would have generated more discussion on FR

Many Freepers aren't as interested in the "Free" part since their team is in.

Given the way it's evolving/devolving, pretty soon they'll interpret this insane law to define people posting controversial opinions on forums like this as a threat giving them license to rifle through our computers and effects without notice.

Anyone remeber when "grassontop" posted that he thought Klintoon should be tried and shot by the military for treason?

That triggered a visit by the SS, complete with interviews and a photo session. I guess he's filed somewhere as a "terrorist".

[Chad Fairbanks]

As a person who has been 'visited' by the Secret Service because of (harmless) postings on the internet during the last 8+ years, I've often wondered how many other Freepers have been visited...

[AAABEST]

As a person who has been 'visited' by the Secret Service because of (harmless) postings on the internet during the last 8+ years, I've often wondered how many other Freepers have been visited...

Gonzo got a visit as well as the result of a rant. Actually his was a little over the top, as he has stated.

It hasn't shut him up, but then again he was born with a set of nads.

More important than how many Freepers have been visited, is the question of how many people crawl into their mouseholes and avoid robust speech because of incidious, chilling legislation like this.

Or even worse how many Freepers actually will back blatantly unconstitutional garbage like the "Patriot Act" because "our guy" signed up for it or they feel it ensures their precious perceived safety.

You know, he's a cute guy with a lovely wife that gives great press conferences. Swallow, shut up and join the cheering section or you're not a team player, even if you voted for him.

[Lazamataz]

As a person who has been 'visited' by the Secret Service because of (harmless) postings on the internet during the last 8+ years, I've often wondered how many other Freepers have been visited...

I'm doing something wrong.

I've never gotten a visit! I tries and I tries....and I's just keeps gettin' ignored....

[Kevin Curry]

I thought this would have generated more discussion on FR ... there was a time when these things were a concern to many people here.

That's probably because you've made sweeping claims and generalizations without bothering to cite the actual provisions that you believe are cleaerly unconstitutional. And your examples of abuse are next to worthless inasmuch as they allude to second or third-hand accounts of alleged arrests to which the word "terror" has been vaguely applied by nameless and faceless somebodies.

Your post isn't a report. It is a rumor.

The USA PATRIOT Act may well have serious flaws. Do your homework and try again.

[Kevin Curry]

It hasn't shut him up, but then again he was born with a set of nads.

Too bad he wasn't born with a brain to go with them.

[brityank]

I've never gotten a visit! I tries and I tries....and I's just keeps gettin' ignored....

Have you seen your FBI File lately???
Hmmmm???

[OWK]

Too bad he wasn't born with a brain to go with them.

Unlike you of course.... You are clearly a nobel lauriate.