Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano responded today to widespread criticism of a leaked domestic intelligence report that warns local law enforcement agencies to be on guard for right-wing extremist groups seeking new recruits amid the nation’s economic troubles.
“Let me be very clear: we monitor the risks of violent extremism taking root here in the United States,” Napolitano said in a written statement issued by DHS. “We don’t have the luxury of focusing our efforts on one group; we must protect the country from terrorism whether foreign or homegrown, and regardless of the ideology that motivates its violence.”
The department’s Office of Intelligence and Analysis distributed the report to state and local law enforcement on April 7. It regularly publishes intelligence analyses on domestic and international threats to the nation’s borders and infrastructure.
The report earned the furor of Republican lawmakers, conservatives and veterans groups because while it does not cite any specific threats, it states among other things that: “The possible passage of new restrictions on firearms and the return of military veterans facing significant challenges reintegrating into their communities could lead to the potential emergence of terrorist groups or lone wolf extremists capable of carrying out violent attacks.”
Wow. What is far more frightening are the comments on this on the Washington Post website. Given that times are tough and this will lead to some of us “acting out” in their fear and uncertainty, but the joker who proudly brags on Texas leaving the union, oh boy. I haven’t heard that sort of rhetoric since the schoolyard. Our government is right to keep an eye on all fringe groups, and frankly that includes both major political parties. Political parties are private organizations with their own agendas. They are not part of the US Government in any way shape or form and are not given any Constitutional rights. We used to have several parties, but time and the gamesmanship of the electoral process has whittled them down to two. After the polarization that has been building since the ’80’s, Homeland Security should be wary of any opposition party’s actions. After hearing some of the speeches at the “Tea Parties” this past weekend, it’s pretty clear that many of these folks are deranged.