The New Crime of Thinking in the US

[babylonsister]

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2008/02/12/7018/

The New Crime of Thinking in the US
by Gary D. Barnett


It looks like the term “thought police” just might take on a whole new and real meaning.

This depends on what happens in the U.S. Senate after receiving House bill H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. This act (now S-1959 - Senate version) is now being considered by Senate committees and, if passed by the Senate and signed by the president, will become law.

Common sense would indicate that something this vague and dangerous would not make it out of committee, but considering that the House passed it on Oct. 23 with 404 ayes, six nays, and 22 present/not voting, I’m not holding my breath.

snip//

This bill, if passed into law, will do nothing less than muffle, if not destroy, our ability to speak out against government. Considering the combination of the USA PATRIOT Act, The Homeland Security Act, the Military Commissions Act, and the now-enhanced executive power, adding this single piece of legislation fills the only loophole left. With the passage of this abominable act, all U.S. citizens are at risk, not just those few radical persons and foreigners spoken about by government, but all of us. This very article could be considered as ideologically based violence, subjecting me to punishment by government. This could be the final piece of the puzzle.

This new proposed legislation will help an already tyrannical government in its effort to become supreme.

[Angela Shelley]

1. Know what I thought when I read your post?

[NightWatcher]

2. I cant believe you posted this, you, you thoughtcriminal

now go turn yourself in to the proper party official

[niyad]

3. pastor niemoller comes to mind--those of us who were radicals in the 60's know this

first-hand--looks like everyone else is now going to experience this.

12/12/2000--the day America ceased to exist.

[pitohui]

4. this stuff is already illegal, looks like they're just clarifying terms to me

you already aren't allowed to promote or join organizations that promote the violent overthrow of the usa or terrorist attacks on the usa

how is this thought crime? no one is going into your head and digging out your thoughts, but once you join some group dedicated to causing a violent event, sure, all bets are off, and i hope you WOULD be caught and prosecuted before you actually succeed in killing someone