I'm increasingly incensed by the measures the federal government views as necessary and appropriate to fight terrorism. They've thrown out habeas corpus, exercised extreme rendition and torture, illegally surveilled communication by US Citizens, and taken unilateral action against those perceived as a threat. The government has advocated that we spy on each other and seem increasingly inclined to promote thought homogenization. One need only look at recent elections to see the tone set by Republicans of a false dichotomy philosophy of "with us or against us" -- not allowing that someone opposed to their preferred plan of action could in fact also be in favor and support of the country.
Now there's further evidence that this is coming in a recent bill passed by the House. H.R. 1955 has been described on Slashdot as being a bill that declares the Internet a terrorist threat, and in a way it does. What's more important to note, however, is that this bill is designed to attack ideology that may be considered threatening to the US. It specifically focuses on trying to limit terrorist and radicalist ideology, but it does so under the guise of promoting nationalism.
While a nationalist approach may seem harmless on the surface, it concerns me greatly as just another step toward though policing and homogenization. Now the government wants to overtly tell me what I should think about the country and government. Other groups have even declared that multiculturalism is a threat to national security.
Folks, we need to be vigilant and resist these attempts to homogenize thought. Difference of opinion and the strength to argue one's dissenting point is of vital importance in a Democracy. When we fail to intelligently debate ideas, we stand to lay ourselves open to complete compromise. It seems that the weaker the Administration's footing becomes, the more they want to clamp down on free thought and free speech. Actively resist oppression!
