All Americans should be particularly attentive to the January 27th release by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of a bulletin warning of a continued threat from domestic violent extremists, as it portends a dangerous direction for national surveillance. No imminent or specific threat was identified, but it described “a heightened threat environment across the United States, which DHS believes will persist in the weeks following the successful Presidential Inauguration”. It continued, “Information suggests that some ideologically-motivated violent extremists with objections to the exercise of governmental authority and the presidential transition, as well as other perceived grievances fueled by false narratives, could continue to mobilize to incite or commit violence”.
The bulletin was issued through the DHS National Terrorism Advisory System and is particularly notable because it is obvious that the incoming Biden administration sees violence aimed at overturning the election as akin to terrorism.
Congressman Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, commended DHS for issuing the bulletin: “I am glad to see that DHS fully recognizes the threat posed by violent, right-wing extremists, and is taking efforts to communicate that threat to the American people.” There was no mention in the alert to be especially wary of those people wearing MAGA hats, but you get the picture.
It sounds like you are feeling sorry for those folks at the insurrection with MAGA hats who might be called domestic terrorists. You have seen the pictures and know that five people died, 140 policemen were injured and many other folks were injured, along with significant property damage. What will it take for you to take this threat seriously?
I take all acts of criminal violence seriously, including those on January 6 at the Capitol. What I resent is the double standard in the prosecution of such crimes and the use of this event as cover for the purge by the radical progressive left of all things Trump and the blacklisting and demonization of Trump supporters as “domestic terrorists”.
I have many friends who are or were Trump supporters and I would not think of claiming there were domestic terrorists. However security people made serious mistakes when they thought the Trump supporters on Jan 6 were going to be peaceful. There are many people out there with guns who are ready for action and are always waiting for encouragement which Trump gave them. We now have a congresswoman who carries guns and has stated she wants Pelosi and others killed. There are Proud Boys and others who will listen to her. Yes we should be afraid and our security folks should take nothing for granted. This are not the thoughts of the “radical progressive left”.