Fed Lawsuit Filed Against Napolitano Over Extremism Policy

[Patti]

Federal Lawsuit Filed Against Janet Napolitano Over Homeland Security’s Rightwing Extremism PolicyApril 16, 2009

ANN ARBOR, MI – The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, announced today that it has filed a federal lawsuit against Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano. The lawsuit claims that her Department’s “Rightwing Extremism Policy,” as reflected in the recently publicized Intelligence Assessment, “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment,” violates the civil liberties of combat veterans as well as American citizens by targeting them for disfavored treatment on account of the political beliefs. Click here to read the Law Center’s complaint.

The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on behalf of nationally syndicated conservative radio talk show host Michael Savage, Gregg Cunningham (President of the pro-life organization Center for Bio-Ethical Reform, Inc (CBR)), and Iraqi War Marine veteran Kevin Murray. The Law Center claims that Napolitano’s Department (DHS) has violated the First and Fifth Amendment Constitutional rights of these three plaintiffs by attempting to chill their free speech, expressive association, and equal protection rights. The lawsuit further claims that the Department of Homeland Security encourages law enforcement officers throughout the nation to target and report citizens to federal officials as suspicious rightwing extremists and potential terrorists because of their political beliefs.

Richard Thompson, President and Chief Counsel of the Thomas More Law Center stated, “The Obama Administration has declared war on American patriots and our Constitution. The Report even admits that the Department has no specific information on any plans of violence by so-called ‘rightwing extremists.’ Rather, what they do have is the expression of political opinions by certain individuals and organizations that oppose the Obama administration’s policies, and this expression is protected speech under the First Amendment.”

Thompson added, “Janet Napolitano is lying to the American people when she says the Report is not based on ideology or political beliefs. In fact, her report would have the admiration of any current or past dictator in the way it targets political opponents.”

The Report specifically mentions the following political beliefs that law enforcement should use to determine whether someone is a “rightwing extremist”:

Opposes restrictions on firearms
Opposes lax immigration
Opposes the policies of President Obama regarding immigration, citizenship and the expansion of social programs
Opposes continuation of free trade agreements
Opposes same-sex marriage
Has paranoia of foreign regimes
Fear of Communist regimes
Opposes one world government
Bemoans the decline of U.S. stature in the world.
Upset with loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to China and India
. . . and the list goes on

The Law Center is asking the court to declare that the DHS policy violates the First and Fifth Amendments, to permanently enjoin the Policy and its application to the plaintiffs’ speech and other activities, and to award the plaintiffs their reasonable attorney’s fees and costs for having to bring the lawsuit.

Click here to read the Department of Homeland Security’s Report.

The Thomas More Law Center defends and promotes America’s Christian heritage and moral values, including the religious freedom of Christians, time-honored family values, and the sanctity of human life. It supports a strong national defense and an independent and sovereign United States of America. The Law Center accomplishes its mission through litigation, education, and related activities. It does not charge for its services. The Law Center is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations, and is recognized by the IRS as a section 501(c)(3) organization. You may reach the Thomas More Law Center at (734) 827-2001 or visit our website at Thomas More Law Center.

Thomas More Law Center - News

[DefensiveCarry.com]

[mlr1m]

Has anyone actually been harmed?

Michael

[JAT40]

Way to go Savage, Napolitano needs to step down now. This outrageous report designed to intimidate my freedoms is scandalous. We need a full investigation of the origin of this hack piece.

[AllAmerican]

Way to go Savage, Napolitano needs to step down now. This outrageous report designed to intimidate my freedoms is scandalous. We need a full investigation of the origin of this hack piece.

I agree. It basically says, "If you're pro America, pro morals etc...." you're a right wing extremist.

No, Mrs Napolitano, that makes us patriots!

Furthermore, those who support the very things you list as being opposed by "right wing extemism" are in fact anti American or domestic terrorists.

[my2cents]

These guys are SOOO out of control.

[DOGOFWAR01]

They are and having been attacking, it is past time to take stand and fight back in the courts and the media.

[KenInColo]

... In fact, her report would have the admiration of any current or past dictator in the way it targets political opponents.”

The Report specifically mentions the following political beliefs that law enforcement should use to determine whether someone is a “rightwing extremist”:

Opposes restrictions on firearms
Opposes lax immigration
Opposes the policies of President Obama regarding immigration, citizenship and the expansion of social programs
Opposes continuation of free trade agreements
Opposes same-sex marriage
Has paranoia of foreign regimes
Fear of Communist regimes
Opposes one world government
Bemoans the decline of U.S. stature in the world.
Upset with loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to China and India
. . . and the list goes on...

Holy bleep! I fit every one of those descriptions. I must be an extreme right wing extremist.

Boy, talk about drinking Obama's Koolaid. It's no longer to be called terrorism; it's now called man caused disasters.

[matiki]

Has anyone actually been harmed?

Looks like they're after an injunction, not damages.

That was quick... but not too surprising. To me, the easiest way to summarize the report is to say "anyone who doesn't support the President or his policies."

[retsupt99]

These guys are SOOO out of control.

Certainly do NOT want to get political here...but you are SOOO correct.

[MP45Man]

I don't know if anyone has read this yet. A guy I work with gave me a copy yesterday and I've got to say I was pretty disturbed. I'm very glad to see this lawsuit.

[P7fanatic]

Has anyone actually been harmed?

Michael

I guess you're missing the point.
That has nothing to do with it.
Did you even bother to read Patti's full post?

[mlr1m]

I guess you're missing the point.
That has nothing to do with it.
Did you even bother to read Patti's full post?

I did read the full post. The report was contemptible. I only asked the question because I was under the impression that in order to file a suit you must have been harmed. If I am incorrect I hope someone will let me know.

Personally I felt singled out after the Murrah building bombing when the government said all patriot organizations were bad.

Michael

[Raider39a]

I guess once one is labeled a right wing extremist they can now send the full weight of homeland security to target certain groups. this tactic of labeling a certain group as a threat to national security has been used before.

[dukalmighty]

After seeing that I'm not answering any knocks at my door and I'll be watching for black helicopters

[tbrenke]

I've got this funny bullseye feeling.........