Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Free speech, terrorism, vigilance


The failed Times Square terrorist car bombing and an unrelated ruling in distant Detroit by a federal judge illustrate the challenge—dilemma, actually—involved in protecting Americans from terrorism.

In Detroit, U.S. District Judge Victoria Roberts approved bail for nine Hutaree militia members who'd been charged with plotting to ambush and kill police, ruling the armed plotters merely had engaged in "hate-filled, venomous speech" protected by the First Amendment.

So, sophisticated anti-terrorist law enforcement infiltration of terrorist or anti-government groups is faced with distinguishing between "hate-filled, venomous speech" and genuine plots to inflict destruction and death.

Meanwhile, the stealth terrorist who concocted the attempted Times Square car bombing was tripped up only because his homemade explosive device fizzled and alert vendors in the area tipped off police to smoke curling from the parked vehicle.

Even if Judge Roberts' "free speech" ruling stands and even if the case against the Hutaree collapses, law enforcement must not be deterred or discouraged from using every legal means for penetrating the rapidly growing number of U.S. hate groups that express profound hostility toward government. Ignoring talk of violence-to-come would be irresponsible and could lead to incomprehensible mayhem, as did 9/11 when FBI field agent alerts were dismissed.

Law enforcement is only one defense. The other is citizens' vigilance and a willingness to report genuinely suspicious activities. Unhappily, today's violent world requires what amounts to a wartime mentality.




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