S. 1959 would establish the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism.
Detailed Summary
Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to add a new section concerning the prevention of violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism.
Establishes within the legislative branch the National Commission on the Prevention of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism to: (1) examine and report on facts and causes of violent radicalization, homegrown terrorism, and ideologically based violence in the United States; (2) survey methodologies implemented by foreign nations to prevent such radicalization and terrorism; and (3) build upon, bring together, and avoid unnecessary duplication of related work done by other entities toward such goal.
Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish or designate a university-based Center of Excellence for the Study of Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism in the United States to assist federal, state, local, and tribal government homeland security officials in preventing violent radicalization and homegrown terrorism in the United States. Requires the Secretary to ensure that activities to prevent ideologically based violence and homegrown terrorism do not violate the constitutional rights, civil rights, and civil liberties of U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 8/2/2007: Referred to Senate committee. Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
James B
Thoughts become criminal in a society that seeks to control the truth about a governments desire to oppress its own people and force them into supporting what common sense tells man is wrong. Dark clouds loom on the horizon and soon all men will groan when they realize what has been done to them.
matt
sounds like something out of orwell's 1984
Regan
This is the most anti american anti Freedom anti Liberty intrusion on American's rights that I have ever seen. It is an absolute disgrace that this bill was even introduced in a Country that is suppose to be free. Our elected representatives will be held accountable on how they vote on this, shame on the Senate I'm ashamed at every single person who voted yes on this amazingly anti-Liberty bill. This bill should have been named appropriately "HR:1984"
Scott
Thought crimes bill! Call your Senator and tell them so!
Justus
We are running out of time people. Stand up and speak out in mass while we still can. DON'T WAIT!! GET ANGRY!! Take our country back!
Zachary Stowasser
This takes the fight on terrorism to our own soil, against our own people. This could be used to quell dissent against the rising fascist police state. Labeled as terrorists and sent to secret fema camps to never be seen again.
for those who haven't read about Naomi Wolf, Please do. I have info about it on my blog.
http://infopatriots.blogspot.com/2007/11/10-steps-to-fascism-naomi-wolf... /> http://infopatriots.blogspot.com/2007/11/naomi-wolf-presentation.html
John
This is garbage. Clearly 9/11 could have been prevented without trampling on our civil liberties. One 9/11 victim family member remarked that if Zacharias Moussoui was guilty for having information that could have stopped 9/11 and withholding it then the government was guilty too. Stop the madness. Vote Ron Paul.
Suz
This is so unconstitutional. Read NewsTarget.com for the Naomi Wolff information.
Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich are the only candidates who won't take our liberties away from us. Paul is doing better in the polls right now. To vote for Paul in the primaries you must be registered as a Republican.
robert
If this passes and Ron Paul do not become president, I'm moving to Switzerland. I can't believe that this even passed congress. Isn't this America? Home of the free land of the brave. Government needs to be reformed, and by reformed I mean wiped clean. The state of the government is sad considering we had the wisdom of the founding fathers to guide us. But really it's time to stand up to big government and perform our patriotic duty, reminding government that they are to answer to us... not the other way around. Ron Paul 2008, the last hope for reinstituting the Constitution and returning this country to the greatness that it once was.
Shelley
This bill scares me to death. If this bill is passed, and becomes law, your words and actions could be considered terrorism. S 1959 EVISCERATES FREE SPEECH, and empowers the govt. to declare ANYTHING they deem an "extremist belief system." Americans can be deemed a terrorist, stripped of US citizenship, tortured and/or execution with no habeas corpus rights and no ability to challenge even in the US Supreme Court.
This bill must be defeated AT ALL COSTS!
Mike
I want to be left alone.
www.ronpaul2008.com / www.teaparty07.com
Rob
The fist will be clenching soon. The Patriots above are correct - do everything you can for Ron Paul's campaign. Persuade as many people as you can. In every way.
Paul Davis
From a former Marine and Gulf war veteran:
This is insane legislation. We know what you're up to, fascist-elite, and it's not going to happen!
Megan
Leave me alone!
This bill is nothing but illegal legislation trying to passed by going under the radar. It's not going to be off the radar anymore. I want my country back.
LEO
I AM SICK OVER THIS. CONGRESS: 404 YEA, 6 NAY, 23 OBSTAINED. LORD ARE WE IN TROUBLE. IT WORRIES ME THAT SO MANY WERE FOR AND SO FEW AGAINST. THIS MATH SAYS WE DON'T HAVE A SENATE, WE HAVE A BUNCH OF BOUGHT AND PAID FOR LACKEY MINIONS DOING THE BIDDING OF WHOEVER OR WHATEVER WANTS THIS COUNTRY COMPLETELY DESTROYED. THESE ARE VERY BIG STRINGS BEING PULLED HERE AND I TRUELY WISH I KNEW WHO WAS DOING THE PULLING. THE HOME TEAM PATRIOTS ARE DOWN 404 TO 6 AND IT LOOKS TO BE VERY CLOSE TO GAME OVER. I WOULD NEVER HAVE DREAMED IT WOULD COME TO THIS.
NickofNH
Welcome to America. You ... you claim to be a citizen? You claim to be "innocent"? SHOW ME YOUR PAPERS! WHAT NO PAPERS? WE WILL SEE WHAT YOU SAY AFTER AN INTERRIGATION!!! (I like my life, I like myself, I am doing what my government tells me, I must be good) (Kick, punch) HA HA HA
Sam
This law is very disturbing. I pray that the Senate dose not allow this abomination to pass. Because if it does....Welcome to fascist America.
Dennis
“I believe there are more instances of the abridgement of freedom of the people by gradual and silent encroachments by those in power than by violent and sudden usurpations. ... The means of defense against foreign danger historically have become the instruments of tyranny at home.”
-James Madison
Get on the phones or email to protest to your Senators.
Deb
The patriot act is just as bad. They will destroy our freedoms, but I see something else, what are they getting ready for? That we cant speak out or petition? The N. American Union?