Bragi (1000+ posts) Tue Jun-22-10 11:26 AM
Original message
Are you, like me, now an illegal supporter of terrorism?
As of yesterday's Supreme Court ruling, were I an American (I'm actually a Canadian), I could now be charged for giving "material supporter" to terrorism because I have attended demonstrations where Hamas supporters, among others, have called for peace talks between Israel and the elected government of Palestine.
(See http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5iyoQv...
Similarly, if this kind of law had been in place in the 1980's, I could have been charged with giving material support to terrorism because I worked to organize demonstrations supporting the rebels (who would now be called "terrorists") who were then fighting to topple the Reagan-supported fascist government in El Salvador.
I suspect there were many other instances in my life where what I took to be an expression of free political speech would now be illegal under current U.S. anti-terrorism laws.
Which raises the question: Has America actually reached the point where the public is prepared to quietly accept the criminalization of political dissent?
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x8611176Take a look at the signs at those protests you are so proud of. There are usually more than a few calling for the genocide of the Jewish people of Israel.
tekisui (1000+ posts) Tue Jun-22-10 11:30 AM
Response to Original message
2. Jimmy Carter and the Red Cross could now be charged as
terrorist supporters.
Under Skinner's new rules, Jimmy Carter would be banned from DU.

Ikonoklast (1000+ posts) Tue Jun-22-10 11:32 AM
Response to Original message
4. That Roberts Court ruling will destroy Free Speech in this country
for individuals.
Yes, under this ruling, I could be considered a criminal.
I really wonder if it will be upheld for giving support of any kind to our own, home-grown, right-wing militias whose stated intent is to combat and overthrow the Federal Government?
Oh, wait, those people are *white*.
That ruling will only apply to suppporting organizations made up of darker-skinned peoples that live overseas.
Blame it on the court, but just remember, Elena Kagan argued on behalf of Lord Zero in favor of this law.
Bragi (1000+ posts) Tue Jun-22-10 11:38 AM
Response to Reply #6
7. It is now illegal to even advise the elected govt of Palestine
If the elected government of Palestine called you up and asked what you thought they could do to promote peace talks with Israel, it would now be illegal for you to give them your advice.
Does a country with laws such as this sound to you like a country that supports free speech?
That's right, and Lord Zero is now guilty of providing aid to terrorists. He recently approved more money for the the Hama leadership.