Brasscatcher84
Moderator
I recently read a Department of Homeland Security assessment published the 7th of April, 2009, which declared that "rightwing extremist" groups may be successful in utilyzing combat veterans' training and experience to perpetrate acts of domestic terrorism. The report, titled "Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment", states that the condition of the economy, as well as proposed legislation on immigration and gun control, are creating an environment conducive to successful recruitment of returning veterans into violent "anti-government" groups. This report alludes to similar conditions in the mid Nineties, and mentions Waco, Ruby Ridge, and Timothy McVeigh by name.
As a Veteran of OIF, a life member of the NRA, and a person of the general belief that illegal immigration is wrong, I am more than passively offended by this. I love this country, I have sacrificed for this country, and now I have been declared a potential threat to my country.
I do recognize, however, that this report effectively puts the administration on notice that certain issues could drive a wedge(a bigger wedge, that is) between veterans and the administration. I guess I could even stretch my imagination and say that this report is a warning to the president that it may not be prudent to advocate certain positions.
Let me be clear. I am a combat trained and combat experienced veteran and firearm owner. I DO NOT ADVOCATE VIOLENCE IN MY COUNTRY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES.
As a matter of fact, I would have no qualms about endangering myself to protect innocent people in this country, even if those people are my ideological opposites, and even if the people I were protecting them from proclaimed to be idealogically allied with me.
I am intrested to here comments from anyone on this topic, particularly other veterans.
As a Veteran of OIF, a life member of the NRA, and a person of the general belief that illegal immigration is wrong, I am more than passively offended by this. I love this country, I have sacrificed for this country, and now I have been declared a potential threat to my country.
I do recognize, however, that this report effectively puts the administration on notice that certain issues could drive a wedge(a bigger wedge, that is) between veterans and the administration. I guess I could even stretch my imagination and say that this report is a warning to the president that it may not be prudent to advocate certain positions.
Let me be clear. I am a combat trained and combat experienced veteran and firearm owner. I DO NOT ADVOCATE VIOLENCE IN MY COUNTRY FOR POLITICAL PURPOSES.
As a matter of fact, I would have no qualms about endangering myself to protect innocent people in this country, even if those people are my ideological opposites, and even if the people I were protecting them from proclaimed to be idealogically allied with me.
I am intrested to here comments from anyone on this topic, particularly other veterans.