The stench of dictatorship here, now
The raids carried out by the FBI against antiwar activists last week are an ominous warning to the entire working class. The police-state tactics show the extent to which basic democratic rights—including the right to free speech and political association—have been dismantled in the US.
The Obama administration ordered the invasion of the homes of several individuals—primarily members of the Freedom Road Socialist Organization—and the seizure of documents, computers, cell phones, cameras and other personal and political material. Those targeted have been summoned to appear before a grand jury on October 12 and may face criminal prosecution for “material support” for terrorism.
What is the rationale for these actions? There are vague and unsubstantiated allegations of visits to groups that the US government officially designates as “terrorist.” These designations are entirely guided by the prerogatives of US foreign policy—that is, organizations are deemed to be “terrorist” depending on whether they are supporting or opposing US interests in the Middle East, Latin America or other sections of the globe.
Under attack is not simply one organization. The government and its array of military-police agencies aim to vastly expand the criminalization of dissent in the United States.
posted by Tom Nadeau at 5:36 AM
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