Right Wing Extremist Vets, Left Wing Extremist Puter Hacks, Oh My…
The Department of Homeland Security recently disseminated two FOUO reports – Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment (7 April 09) and Leftwing Extremists Likely to Increase Use of Cyber Attacks over the Coming Decade (26 January 09) – that are now in the public domain. These two reports – which say absolutely nothing helpful to those on the frontlines of defending our nation – will most certainly stoke partisan bickering.
David Rehbein, National Commander of the American Legion, expressed his concern over such analytical mush as this nugget from the “right-wing” report…
The possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks.
… in a 13 April letter to Secretary Janet Napolitano at the DHS:
… The best that I can say about your recent report is that it is incomplete. The report states, without any statistical evidence, “The possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks.”
The American Legion is well aware and horrified at the pain inflicted during the Oklahoma City bombing, but Timothy McVeigh was only one of more than 42 million veterans who have worn this nation’s uniform during wartime. To continue to use McVeigh as an example of the stereotypical “disgruntled military veteran” is as unfair as using Osama bin Laden as the sole example of Islam…
The cited DHS report is almost as sad as this Penn State ‘instructional video’ entitled The ‘Worrisome’ Veteran.
Update:
US Officials: Recession Could Fuel Right-Wing Extremism – Voice of America
Homeland Security Warns of Rise in Right-Wing Extremism – FOX News
US Officials Warn of Radical Activity – United Press International
Federal Agency Warns of Radicals on Right – Washington Times
Right-wing Extremists Seen as a Threat – Los Angeles Times
Napolitano Defends Report on Extremism – Washington Post
Napolitano Says ‘Risks’ Monitored, Not Ideology – Reid Wilson, The HIll
Napolitano Defends DHS Report – Politico
Six Things You Should Know About the Homeland Security Report on ‘Rightwing Extremism’ – Judge Andrew Napolitano, FOX News
Homeland Security Report Characterizing Veterans as Potential Terrorists is “Offensive and Unacceptable” – Congressman John Boehner
Legion Objects to Vets as Terror Risk – Washington Times
Homeland Insecurity – San Francisco Chronicle
Top Dem ‘Dumbfounded’ by ‘Extremism’ Report – Washington Times
Republicans Criticize Report on Right-wing Groups – Associated Press
The New McCarthyism: DHS Reports on Right-Wing Extremism – US News & World Report
DHS Report on Right-Wing Extremists Is No Attack on Tea Party Conservatives – US News & World Report
