When Do Demonstrators Become--Terrorists?



by, Ross Regnart



The U.S. Anti--Terrorist Act of 1996 appears aimed at public dissent: The ACT contains language which can charge law--abiding citizens of being agents or affording support to terrorist organizations: Broadly written--intent to commit terrorist acts is defined: (Appeared To Be Intended Toward Violence or Activities Which Could Intimidate or Coerce a Civilian Population; or To Influence the Policy of a Government). (18USC Sec. 2331): Any picket line or demonstration, alleged by police to have blocked or obstructed public access, could qualify as "Terrorist Activities" to intimidate or coerce a civilian population: Terrorist charges make it possible for police to forfeit attending demonstrators

Even ten years ago, our rights were being taken away without most people even noticing thru crime bills being passed by congress. It's illegal to donate $ to groups the government considers to be "terrorist organizations." Their list of "terrorist organizations" includes groups like the ANC. After Mandela was freed and came to the US to speak to stadiums filled with people, most of those people didn't realize that the US had the ANC on their terrorist list, and anyone who paid to see Mandela was aiding a "terrorist organization." When people donated clothing or money to organizations which gave things to poor communities in Nicaragua while Ortega was president, were considered to be aiding a "terrorist organization." People who made trips to Nicaragua to help build schools and health centers in poor rural areas were considered to be doing "terrorist" work.

The only way you can look good to the US government is to be a silent nonopinionated apathetic fool who goes along with anything they say without question and doesn't take time to care about others.