Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act Raises Fears of New Government Crackdown on Dissent A little-noticed anti-terrorism bill quietly making its through Congress is raising fears of a new affront on activism and constitutional rights. The Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act was passed in an overwhelming 400 to six House vote last month. Critics say it could herald a new government crackdown on dissident activity under the guise of fighting terrorism. (

Part 2 Silencing dissenters is nothing new. During the "Red Scare" our authoritarian rulers used the label of "communist sympathizer" to coerce and intimidate the nation to into uniform silence. Like good children, we are to be seen and not heard. The House Un-American Activities Committee and McCarthyism have been pulled back out of the closet to fight a new enemy, "Homegrown Extremists". Are H.R. 1955 and S. 1959 the greatest dangers to the freedom of speech, press, and assembly since the HUAC and Sen. Joseph McCarthy? Let's have a look...

H.R. 1955: Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007. Rep. Jane Harmon legislation. Oct 23, 2007: This bill was passed in the House of Representatives by roll call vote. The vote was held under a suspension of the rules to cut debate short and pass the bill, needing a two-thirds majority. The totals were 404 Ayes, 6 Nays, 22 Present/Not Voting. Terrorism prevention act of 2007 amends the Homeland Sec Act of 2002 to add provisions concerning the prevention of homegrown terrorision by individuals born raised or based and operating primarily in the USA. 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. JMCO = Just My Cynical Opinion If this legislation (which granted still needs to pass the Senate) does not scare the reality of what has happened to our Democracy - than you are hopeless. President John F. Kennedy April 1961 audio bytes to the Press Corps. Video by Voice of Americans 2008 www.voa2008.blogspot.com (less)