From my perception, America is changing. More people are waking up to the problems that plague our nation, and a few of us are doing what we can to make the necessary changes. As it currently stands, our dollar is failing, our warfare/welfare state is increasing, and our country is facing continued resentment throughout the rest of the world.
Now, many Americans refuse to accept that this is happening. They are living in a state of willful ignorance that is only making it more difficult to live daily. However, what they don't also realize is that this willful ignorance is going to have a substantial impact on the lives of those in my generation, as well as generations that will come after mine.
As a member of the 18–24-year old group I face a failing education system, a failing social security system, and a failing dollar. However, I am almost guaranteed an increase on my income tax, an increase in the amount of war that plagues this nation, and an increase in the curtailing of civil liberties at home.
Now, out of all the problems that I face as young American, I am most troubled by the last one. I am part of a generation that is increasingly vocal about standing up for what they believe in, and we are not afraid to let our voices be heard. Unfortunately it seems like this may no longer be the case. On October 23, the US House of Representatives passed "H.R. 1955," otherwise known as "Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007."
This bill seeks to prevent homegrown terrorism and radicalization using the vaguest descriptions of terror and radicalization possible. It is enshrined with more of a blatant disregard for personal liberty and privacy than any bill I have ever read.
- HOMEGROWN TERRORISM – The term "homegrown terrorism" means the use, planned use, or threatened use, of force or violence by a group or individual born, raised, or based and operating primarily within the United States or any possession of the United States to intimidate or coerce the United States government, the civilian population of the United States, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political or social objectives.
- RADICALIZATION – The term "radicalization" means the process of adopting or promoting an extremist belief system for the purpose of facilitating ideologically-based violence to advance political, religious, or social change.
- IDEOLOGICALLY-BASED VIOLENCE – The term "ideologically-based violence" means the use, planned use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the group or individual’s political, religious, or social beliefs.
By these standards, The Founding Fathers, and anyone currently serving in the United States Federal Government has already violated what this bill was designed to prevent.
- "facilitating ideologically-based violence to advance political, religious, or social change."
Certainly, the Iraq war falls under this category. Part of the "mission" was to bring Democracy to Iraq. Certainly the idea of personal freedom can be seen as extremist to some. It certainly is when it is forced with a gun.
- "planned use, or threatened use of force or violence by a group or individual to promote the group or individual’s political, religious, or social beliefs."
Again, Iraq certainly falls under this category, as does the Attitude towards Iran. They have yet to provoke us in any way, or show that they are a threat to the United States infrastructure. Yet, we have not taken a pre-emptive nuclear attack off the table.
Now, even as bad as this is for the government, it is even worse for those members in my age group. Our strong vocal messages of changing politics in America will certainly be construed as "extremist" by our current government standards. But the most worrying part of this legislation is that it can be issued by either party to further the agenda of the Welfare/Warfare state.
- Don't believe in attacking Iran? Well you're giving comfort to the enemy. Off to the gulags!
- Skeptical about global warming? How dare you! Off to prison
- For school Choice? What are you some kind of extremist?!
With this piece of legislation in progress, it makes it increasingly difficult to ensure a transparent government. Any question of authority can be seen as promoting an extremist ideological view that seeks to undermine the state.
One of the most useful tools for political campaigns today is the use of the internet. Certainly we can see how this has been used over the last few months as Congressmen Paul, as well as other candidates, has used the internet to spread their messages and appeal to new voters, but don't worry, HR 1955 has taken care of this:
- The Internet has aided in facilitating ideologically-based violence and the homegrown terrorism process in the United States by providing access to broad and constant streams of terrorist-related propaganda to United States citizens.
With this piece of legislation in congress, my generation will no longer be able to use the internet in a peaceful manner. All activity will certainly be logged, and every letter typed will be scrutinized by the state.
My generation has, without their knowing, been forced into a society in which we cannot choose, where we cannot think, where we cannot be free. This legislation is another step towards an Orwellian society that will create misery and despair for generations to come. We will be forced into more wars, more taxation, and more Statist welfare, and there is nothing we will be able to do to stop those in power.
That is, unless we elect Congressman Paul. Ron Paul is the only person in our government advocating for personal liberty, and for privacy rights of the Citizens of this country. Sure, Barack Obama may appeal to the youth vote. But, he has made it clear that he is just another member of the Welfare/Warfare state. He has already told us that he cannot promise our troops will be home by the end of his first term. Style and Substance are two completely different things.
With a Ron Paul presidency, we can be certain that he will fight for a smaller government, fight to restore our economic and civil liberties, and defend and uphold the oath to the constitution that he takes on Inauguration day.
It may not be easy, and it may not be overnight, but the flame of liberty can never be snuffed.
The Ron Paul revolution has taught us that my generation is paying attention, and that he will be an ally in providing for those who come after us.
November 8, 2007
