Thursday, April 16, 2009

Damage Control

I would like to have been a fly on the wall in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) as they frantically moved to undo the damage that the release of their recent "extremism" report inflicted upon the image of Obama's Administration. Perhaps the DHS Director, Janet Napolitano, received one of those late night phone calls politely suggesting she spend the rest of the wee hours coming up with some form of damage control, especially following her statement that she "stands by the report". In defense of it, she stated:

"Let me be clear: we monitor the risks of violent extremism taking root here in the United States. 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."

Did she actually use the word "terrorism"? Shame on her! Napolitano is the one who found it necessary to change terms that were used by the Bush Administration in their fight against terrorism. She re-defined "terrorism" into the benign and silly term, "man-caused disasters". Her reasoning? "[T]o move [the United States] away from the politics of fear". I hate to tell her this, but that's like comparing apples to oranges. Or better put, the Pope to Osama bin Laden. Terrorism is what it is. The events of 9/11 described and defined it and there is no changing the syntax of the definition.

Needless to say, outrage is a mild term to apply to what many Americans felt upon hearing of it. She may have lost more sleep lastnight because today, she released an apology, if you want to call it that, to our brave veterans. She continued to stand in defense of the report by stating she apologizes "to the extent veterans read it as an accusation." As Veterans For Freedom Chairman, Pete Hegseth, said, it is "one of those non-apology apologies". Our government officials seem to have had lots of practice with that lately.

Let us take a brief look at Janet Napolitano. You remember her, right? She is the one that seemingly came out of nowhere and was appointed to one of the most important positions in the White House. Napolitano was the Governor of Arizona from 2003 to 2009. But before becoming Arizona's Governor, I learned that she was the attorney for Anita Hill in the Clarence Thomas sexual harrassment hearings. As far as having national security experience, however, she is mysteriously void of any. And I'm sorry folks, but I want someone in that position who has more than just basic knowledge and a minimal understanding of our enemies!

Following the release of her report, Napolitano was even successful at raising the eyebrows and ire of the Chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, Rep. Bennie Thompson, a Democrat from Mississippi. He fired off a letter to her, expressing that he was "dumbfounded" that such a report would be released. Maybe there's hope for Rep. Thompson. That is, if he decides he wants to be a player or a non-player in this current Administration. Time will tell.

On the Republican side, House Minority Leader John Boehner, Ohio, also spoke out against Napolitano's report, stating it was "offensive and unacceptable". And House Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Rep. Lamar Smith (R), Texas, made this statement:

"Their left-wing assessment identifies actual terrorist organizations, like the Earth Liberation Front and Animal Liberation Front. The right-wing report uses broad generalizations about veterans, pro-life groups, federalists and supporters of gun rights. That's like saying if you love puppies, you might be susceptible to recruitment by the Animal Liberation Front. It is ridiculous and deeply offensive to millions of Americans." (FoxNews.com, April 16, 2009)

My purpose in bringing this out to our readers is not in being judgmental or acting like an alarmist. I know of no one - and I mean NO one - who wants nut cases like the McVeighs and his ilk secretly plotting against innocent Americans and wreaking violence on our nation. That form of thinking goes against everything I have been taught and stand for. I want my government to effectively protect America's borders and her citizens. However, I admire and agree with Rep. Smith that this report goes much farther in its assessments and accusations than Napolitano and the Obama Admininstration are willing to admit.

The "broad generalizations" within the text of the report hint that anyone who stands for life and liberty from an oppressive government will be watched closely. It threatens the very foundation upon which this nation was built. It suggests a growing influence among "right-wing extremists" and slyly places law-abiding citizens, especially Christians who adhere to God's "ideology", within that category. What I am seeing across our nation is not an increase in "extremists"; rather a growing number of concerned citizens who fear that America is under attack from an "extreme left-wing" movement bent on tearing down her time-honored foundations.

I have provided the following link which will direct you to the DHS report in its entirety. Carefully read it for yourself and make your own determination:

http://michellemalkin.cachefly.net/michellemalkin.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/hsa-rightwing-extremism-09-04-07.pdf

Although these things disturb me, they do not frighten me. I know Who is still in charge, Who holds the balance of all things in His hand. I am able to recall my Lord's warnings of the world and what is in it. And I am prepared to face whatever challenges may come.

I will stand on The Rock of ALL ages. And I will not be moved!