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Campaign of Fear!
Is Homeland Security political terrorism?
By: BUD JOHNSON
African-American News&Issues
Houston, Texas
“We fear things in proportion to
our ignorance of them,” is a prevailing perspective of the little known
59-BC-AD 17 Rome historian, Titus Livy, who was born in Patavium, Italy (a
rich city, famous for its strict morals, that suffered severely in the Civil
Wars and unsettled conditions of the Roman world after the death of Julius
Caesar in 44 BC), but is quite apropos when the “Land of The Free” has
evolved into a land living in fear since 9/11. And that’s exactly what time
it is in 2004 America.
More succinctly, Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge could well be
considered the grinch that stole Christmas 2003. Just as the good cheer,
engendered by the expectations of a Merry Christmas, had citizens thinking,
“Peace on earth and good will toward all men,” Ridge released the following
statement: “The Department of Homeland Security in consultation with the
Homeland Security Council, has made the decision to raise the national
threat level from an Elevated to High risk of terrorist attack or Level
Orange. The U.S. Intelligence Community believes that Al-Qaida has entered
an operational period worldwide, and this may include attacks in the United
States. In the wake of terrorist bombings in Saudi Arabia and Morocco, Al-Qaida
and those sympathetic to their cause, is still a principal threat.”
“But threats may also emanate from other anti-U.S. terrorist groups,
regional extremist organizations and ad hoc groups or disgruntled
individuals not connected to existing terrorist organizations or state
sponsors of terrorism. While there is not credible, specific information
with respect to targets or method of attack, the use of tactics similar to
those seen in recent terrorist attacks overseas include small arm equipped
assault teams, large vehicle borne explosive devices, and suicide bombers.
These attacks underscore terrorists' desires to attack soft targets. Weapons
of mass destruction, including those containing chemical, biological or
radiological agents or materials, cannot be discounted. This afternoon, I
have spoken to the nation's Governors through their homeland security
advisers and other state and local officials to relay the increased threat.”
“And to ask them to review their own current security measures and deploy
additional measures, particularly going into a holiday weekend where there
will be many large public gatherings. Other state, local and private sector
leaders are also being contacted to engage their support to increase the
nation's security. For all Americans, we recommend that you continue with
your plans for work or leisure. However, your vigilance at large public
events or other locations where crowds gather can help us disrupt
terrorists' plans. If you see anything suspicious, do not hesitate to
contact your local FBI office. A visible increase in security as well as the
vigilance of homeland security professionals at all levels of government and
the private sector and the general public can make a difference and prevent
potential terrorist attacks.”
Insofar as citizens are doing their best to get on with their lives, such
strategically timed warnings smacks of politics. For sure, Pres. George W.
Bush is building his 2004 campaign around “keeping America safe.” Campaign
of fear notwithstanding, African American News & Issues’ (Texas’ widest
circulated and read newspaper with a Black perspective and uncompromised
editorial voice of Black America) would be remiss not to explore that
divisive possibility for the edification our estimated 2 million readers.
Thus, we culled the following excerpt from Dr. S. M. Ragman’s column
(“Culture of Terrorism in USA”), for our readers to peruse: “The moral
imperatives of the super terrorism which USA has encountered not only
necessitates total condemnation by the world community, but also taking
retributive measures against the perpetrators of the colossal crime.”
“Not only individuals involved, but also the net-working of heinous acts is
to be unearthed, so that the menace is nipped in the bud. Terrorism through
an evolutionary process has become the greatest threat to the security of
all nations, irrespective of how loaded a country is with conventional and
non-conventional weapons. If terrorists groups get hold of loose nukes or
miniature versions of weapons of mass destruction, it would spell disaster
beyond calculation. In the Fall 2000 issue of Strategic Review, John Train
contends that there was consensus among counter-terrorist personnel, ‘that
even more likely than a World Trade Centre type of bombing from a foreign
source are further Oklahoma City like bombings launched by Americans from
inside our own country.”
“These would not constitute a strategic threat to the nation, of course:
just a very big headache. The prediction was a wishful understatement. The
11 September massacre impact has taken the whole nation in a state stupor
and intense shock with concomitant feelings of insecurity and paranoid like
apprehensions.” And what better man to play on that fear than Pres. Bush’s
Attorney General John Ashcroft, who was tabbed as “The Minister of Fear,” by
CBSNEWS, com’s Dick Mayer? A governmental watchdog web site (www.rotten.com)
says of Ashcroft: “When the conservative with a messiah complex took office,
a lot of people were understandably concerned, based on his track record,
that these would be dark years. in such areas as abortion rights, gay
rights, civil rights, affirmative action, anti-trust, environmental and
corporate crime, and so on.”
“Amazingly, Ashcroft managed to give us bigger problems to worry about.
After 9/11, Ashcroft flew like a bat out of heaven to ‘repurpose’ the
Justice Department for what he perceived as a new and excitingly apocalyptic
reality. Ashcroft's enthusiasm couldn't be contained. He was so eager to
start his crusade that he didn't even bother to consult with his boss before
making the announcement. "Defending our nation and defending the citizens of
America against terrorist attacks is now our first and overriding priority,"
Ashcroft said in early November 2001, as he laid out his plan to reorganize
the department for the voracious Washington press corps. The new Justice
Department would no longer bother with such trivial tasks as enforcing and
interpreting federal law, ensuring the rights of citizens, protecting
consumers and keeping rein over big business.”
“Terrorism was now Job One, and Jobs Two through Eleven as well.” More
succinctly, it is becoming obvious that the 2004 presidential campaign will
be built around fear of terrorism, thus, making “Bring ‘em on Bush,” a clear
choice for frighten voters. However, there’s another school of thought among
those (viewing terrorism from a Black perspective), that considers the
recent acts of providence, i.e., earthquakes, mudslides, fires, tornados,
hurricanes etc., throughout the nation--that can’t be orchestrated, or
manipulated politically-- as a divine warning. Translation: God is trying to
tell America something.
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