…I Have Questions

Not everything I write is observation – some of it might be considered fiction, some of it might be fact… and most of it is rushed in the rare moments of non-drowsy quiet I cherish…

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21Jan2025…

Very few people saw it coming, but it was as obvious as it was inevitable.

Those who did see the “Domestic Terrorism Prevention Act of 2022” as worrisome back in its early days saw it for what it was: another emotion-compelled variant of the “Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism (USA PATRIOT ACT) Act of 2001.”

It didn’t matter much, though – most of the electorate had memory spans outlasted by a gallon of milk neglected in the midsummer heat of an idle car. 2001, and the attacks which catapulted the Nation into conflict after conflict for the next quarter century… well, that seemed as ancient as the idea of a life before social media and on-demand everything.

Social activism groups were the first to be designated “domestic terrorists.” ANTIFA and BLM were the low-hanging fruit; their actions had progressively increased in both frequency and brazenness in the preceding decade and the novelty and causes had become tired slogans and frustratingly hypocritical violence. By May 2024, the pattern had become hard for even the most left-leaning news outlets to deny, yet the nucleus of ideology continued to maintain popularity and momentum during even the tightest economic times.

“As the support of the People has entrusted me with this position, my commitment to those very People shall not waiver or renege. Therefore, as my very first Executive Order, I am now designating the following organizations and those who have offered financial support to these organizations as ‘domestic terrorism organizations.’ We will once again find order out of chaos. And we will identify and hold accountable all those who have conspired against this nation… And for those who have attempted to instill fear into hearts of every American over the last decade: we will stand in unity against your divisive and hateful tactics…”

Those who watched the unprecedented Inauguration speech on the steps of the Capitol were unsurprised – this was the foundation of the campaign since the summer of 2022. However, the words which followed next were stunning to everyone – the designation of a handful of news networks, several named corporate leaders, Senators, Representatives, Governors, and Mayors as suspected accomplices in domestic terrorism.

“…Again, all individuals and organizations named are on notice for subsequent investigations…”

The words of the President had barely ceased echoing as every bit of the legal system which had become tools of Executive whim during the last Administration began to be used against those very same people who had forged the law into convenient political weapons. Subpoenas and warrants, all pre-drafted quietly in the days and hours leading up to Inauguration were immediately issued and served.

The grist mill of retribution continued as it always had…

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The above was fiction, obviously… A reaction from reading H. R. 350 and wondering if I am the only one who is worried that the laws drafted for one purpose – or against one political opponent – could (or will) shift from “advantage” to “liability.”

Take a look at the bill…

Follow the various USC breadcrumb trail and consider the ease in which definitions can be shaped to fit an “exigency.”

I am uncomfortable with where we are and bills like this… not for any other reason beyond one simple fact we seem to have forgotten: we should remember how this has worked in the past and be skeptical of legislation passed with emotion rather than logic. After all, “you are either with us, or against us” always blurs the lines dividing who becomes the “enemy” du jour – those who act or conspire… or those who simply state “I have questions…”

I do not like the idea that retribution is becoming more and more then social and political norm these days not because of how I feel at the moment, but the message is sending to the next generation and what they are learning as “acceptable political recourse.” What in the hell do these people think is going to happen in 10 or 20 years?

Think back to 2012 or 2002 – could you even envision us being where we are today? How did we get here?

…And where will we be in 2032 or 2042?

Some words from the past bring solace:

This is a time of shame and sorrow. It is not a day for politics. I have saved this one opportunity to speak briefly to you about this mindless menace of violence in America which again stains our land and every one of our lives.

No wrongs have ever been righted by riots and civil disorders. A sniper is only a coward, not a hero; and an uncontrolled, uncontrollable mob is only the voice of madness, not the voice of the people.”

Some looks for scapegoats, others look for conspiracies, but this much is clear; violence breeds violence, repression brings retaliation, and only a cleaning of our whole society can remove this sickness from our soul.

Robert F. Kennedy, Cleveland City Club 5April1968 (Source)

Pay attention… and always have questions…