by Guy Page
On Feb. 7, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security led by Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas issued a startling Feb. 7 bulletin declaring a crackdown on online speech in an apparent effort to prevent domestic terrorism.
The bulletin characterizes some American online speech about Covid-19, election fraud, and 5G technology as mis- dis- and mal-information or “MDM.” These online communications by “domestic threat actors” threaten US critical infrastructure and undermine public trust in government institutions, the bulletin said.
The bulletin elicited criticism from Marcia Blackburn, U.S. senator from Tennessee: “The Department of Homeland Security appears to endorse particular narratives regarding controversial issues that are at the center of our national political conversation. By identifying dissenting beliefs as ‘key factors contributing to the current heightened threat environment,’ the Department comes dangerously close to suggesting that publicly disagreeing with the current administration is akin to domestic terrorism.”
The bulletin invites state and local governments to participate in the crackdown with the help of federally-funded grants. On Friday Feb. 10 and again on the Friday Feb. 17, Vermont Daily Chronicle asked Vermont legislators if they would accept this proffered DHS funding.
Vermont officialdom’s response has been, to say the least, muted. Gov. Phil Scott professed ignorance of the bulletin when asked about it at a press conference a week later, despite having met just days prior with Homeland Security officials. Only two responses have been received from legislators, both Republicans in the Northeast Kingdom.
“I was against the creation of Homeland Security to begin with, as I considered it an overreaction to the fear of the moment and an unnecessary expansion of government given we already had the FBI and CIA. So of course I’m nervous about any expansion of its powers,” Sen. Joe Benning (R-Caledonia) said. “I hesitate to commit for or against any unknown proposals with respect to your question about state involvement, but my track record is pretty clear that I am opposed to blurring the lines between state and federal jurisdiction. This is especially true when it comes to police expansion and/or financial incentives that invite mischief around those lines of demarcation.”
Rep. Vicki Strong (R-Albany) took a more direct stance in opposition.
“I was recently alarmed and felt disbelief when I read that our own US Department of Homeland Security stated that certain beliefs and opinions held by American citizens are considered “domestic threats” to our country. What has happened to open and honest dialogue and to our Constitutional right of freedom of speech? Even when we don’t agree with the opinions and beliefs of others, don’t they have the right to express them?
“More and more I have witnessed the suppression of differing beliefs in every sector of our society. If we allow this suppression and oppression of freedom to continue we will see this precious gift erode and be extinguished. Our right to this fundamental freedom is paramount to freedom itself, and to the flow of all information, discussion, and debate in our country. It is what has always made us stronger and more compassionate in our search for answers and solutions in the problems we face in our country.
“If we stay silent, those who have fought to give us this freedom would have done so in vain. Let’s each have courage from their example to stand up to face anything that seeks to diminish our most basic right of free speech. This is a right that needs to be exercised sometimes during great pressure and stress, or we will risk the fate of losing it.”
While zealously targeting free speech of U.S. citizens, Mayorkas is being criticized for slack protection of U.S. citizens from the consequences of a porous southern border. A Feb. 22 letter from 14 state attorneys’ general ( but not Vermont’s TJ Donovan) demands he resign. Authored by Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody, the letter alleges that Mayorkas has allowed:
- Smuggling of enough fentanyl to kill every American six times over;
- Illegal entry of 213% more arrested sex offenders;
- Deportations to fall 70%.
Vermont Daily Chronicle will gladly publish any response from a Vermont legislator, regardless of gender or party, on the DHS bulletin.
Categories: Legislation
I’m 100% behind you on this – we should be encouraging Flag Waves, FrUN, and parent opposition to mask & vax mandates and CRT. There are those who say parents who speak up at School Board meetings in opposition to these concerns should be viewed as domestic terrorists. NO, NO, NO – we the people have a right under our Constitution to speak out. Today is Jean’s Day – the Constitution is in our state and nation’s genes .
If you want to see what happens when we let our freedoms be removed watch Sabina this weekend for free – she grew up under Nazi government (or terrorism) and just because her husband was a pastor he spent years in a Russian prison. In support of all Ukrainians, watch it free this weekend. Check it out https://www.sabinamovie.com/
Does anybody else see the irony of supporting a government that wants to preserve human rights (Ukraine), while pursuing the total opposite (disarming citizens, limiting freedom of speech, unilaterally imposing mandates) “for the good of the collective” at home ? Do you suppose that the Ukrainian Government is, or will expect their citizens to defend their homeland with rifles that have a 10 round magazine limit ? Of course Prez Dumbazz schleps this off by saying that “deer do not wear Kevlar vests”. No, but the 2nd Amendment, and Article 16 are not about hunting. They are, and always has been about protecting our liberties, our state, and our country. Does freedom of speech only apply when your speech supports mine? Of course not. The time we are living in is troublesome on so many different levels, but we can not afford to become complacent in our oversight of our liberties, and allow them to be eroded no matter who this makes “uncomfortable”. Vote, even if the “perfect” candidate is not on the ballot. Vote for the one closest to your ideal. A vote not cast is a protest not heard. People like Mayorkas and the rest of Biden’s clowns need to hear an overwhelming voice of protest to his agenda, and as hollering out the window is not very effective, Vote them out !
Freedom And Liberty Vote them Out !!!!!!! It is vital now.
Sweet Heaven is this state FULL of cowards and sheep.
Absolutely no courage in this state whatsoever. God Bless you Vicki Strong.
Thank you Vicki and Joe. Sec Mayorkas is more concerned about freedom of speech than he is about our borders. He has blood on his hands and should be removed from offIce for dereliction of duty. He has said several times that outspoken conservatives are more dangerous than Isis or the Taliban!
Rep Vicki Strong, and Senator Joe Benning, are by no means alone when raising the alarm about limiting free speech. My main concern is … where are the rest of our lawmakers???? Their job is to protect our rights, not to stand idly by as they are ignored. Thanks Vicky and Joe for standing up.
Vicki I stand with you ! Land of the Free
Received email back from Mr Welch today, his only response was to 1 of my questions, that being that he sponsored a bill to interrupt or “fix”..I’m not sure which, insider trading among those who represent us………or…themselves seems more accurate to me…
questions were in order 1. Homeland Security Bulletin/Free Speech 2. Term Limits and where do you stand on this issue 3. Corruption (insider trading among Congress, Senate, Fed Reserve and so forth)..this is the response, as you can see he avoided answering the other 2 questions…..
nothing from Sanders, or Leahy
I did get a zoom call from one of my Legislative Reps when I made both aware I had received responses from 2 who I consider friends who Do Not Represent me……one of those had no idea what I was talking about, and same with the zoom call local Rep…….
The Statehouse should take this up, it IS within YOUR jurisdiction as a Taxpayer, and US Citizen …
“Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 1579, the Ban Conflicted Trading Act. I am a cosponsor of this important legislation and appreciate your feedback.
“Introduced by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, H.R. 1579 would prohibit Members of Congress and certain congressional staff from purchasing or selling individual stocks and serving as a board member of any for-profit entity. This bill was referred to multiple House committees, including Financial Services and House Administration.”
(note how he takes credit for this, and yet…..avoids the other questions…..)
Sincerely,
PETER WELCH
Member of Congresstiction
“Thank you for contacting me about H.R. 1579, the Ban Conflicted Trading Act. I am a cosponsor of this important legislation and appreciate your feedback.”
“Introduced by Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi, H.R. 1579 would prohibit Members of Congress and certain congressional staff from purchasing or selling individual stocks and serving as a board member of any for-profit entity. This bill was referred to multiple House committees, including Financial Services and House Administration.”
Sincerely,
PETER WELCH
Member of Congress
AND YES INDEED, There should be a Vicki Strong day at the Statehouse……so all can be informed of whats going on…….Thank you Vicki Strong!!!
Here’s some provocative speech for you: Mayorkas and the current DHS policies under the Biden Administration are an existential threat to the Constitution of the US and the freedom and security of it’s citizens. You work for US, pinhead.
As an old radical, and an HONEST HUMAN BEING, I agree with you, richlachapelle.