I doubt that it would happen;but, antis certainly could be charged with 'Thought Crimes' because of their pushing for radical Social Change.
Gary K.

http://www.pcwatch.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, November 07, 2007

'Thought Crimes' bill HR 1955 -- Passed With 404 Votes

This was obviously aimed at Muslims but could be used against almost anybody. Christians beware!

The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed HR 1955, titled the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. It was passed with 404 votes in favor.

A close reading within an historical context - keeping especially in mind the Patriot Act and the Military Commissions Act of 2006 and Presidential Executive Orders, pursuant to which the government has engaged in massive surveillance of its own citizens, as well as detentions, extraordinary renditions, assassinations, and torture - leads me to the following conclusions:

* This is a "Thought Crime" bill of the type so often discussed in an Orwellian context.

* It specifically targets the civilian population of the United States.

* It defines "Violent Radicalization" as promoting any belief system that the government considers to be extremist.

* "Homegrown Terrorism" and "Violent Radicalization" are defined as thought crimes.

* Since the bill does not provide a specific definition of extremist belief system, it will be whatever the government at any given time deems it to be.

A few extracts of the Bill are presented below to show you its tone or "flavor."

"(2) VIOLENT RADICALIZATION- The term `violent radicalization' means the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system,to advance political, religious, or social change."

You can more readily look at it the other way:
Because 'WE' are against the concensus of policy makers and citizens polled about SHS...
We could be considered homegrown terrorists.
We are against the 'Norm'

H.R 1955

I watched a senate hearing on the subject over the weekend and during the testimony of Mitchell Silber of the New York City Police Department I began thinking of the McCarthy era.

Further, I started drawing comparisons to religion in general, MADD, and the anti-smoking movement.

Mr. Silber stated that the problem with our current terrorist threats is because there is no leader who can control them. He described participants as educated middle and upper class men without direction. Men nurtured who go out on their own.

I further wondered about the majority of high school dropouts in this country and wondered what the schools are doing to drive these teens away. What will happen to them, what they can do to the rest of us.

It is scary to realize the number of people being ostracized in our society today and what they as individuals can do for revenge.

To view the hearing go to www.hsgac.senate.gov and select the presentation of Mr. Silber where he defines the development stages of local terrorists. Then view the balance of the hearing with McCarthy in mind.