After months of dodging questions, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi finally acknowledged in a House Judiciary Committee hearing that the Department of Justice has been keeping a secret domestic terrorist list under the National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NPSM-7). This admission has sparked outrage and concern among civil rights groups and citizens alike.
The NPSM-7, signed by President George W. Bush in 2003, gives the DOJ the authority to designate individuals and groups as domestic terrorists without any public disclosure or judicial oversight. This means that innocent individuals can be labeled as domestic terrorists without any proof or due process. The list has been shrouded in secrecy, with the DOJ refusing to release any information about its targets or criteria for inclusion.
Bondi’s admission came after months of pressure from civil rights organizations and lawmakers who have been demanding answers about the existence and scope of the list. The House Judiciary Committee had even issued a subpoena to Bondi, forcing her to testify about the list.
During the hearing, Bondi defended the list, claiming that it was necessary for the protection of national security. However, she failed to provide any evidence or justification for the inclusion of individuals or groups on the list. This lack of transparency and accountability is deeply concerning and goes against the principles of a democratic society.
The revelation of the secret domestic terrorist list has raised serious concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and the potential for abuse of power by the DOJ. The lack of transparency and oversight means that innocent individuals could be targeted and labeled as domestic terrorists without any recourse.
Civil rights groups have also expressed concerns about the potential for the list to be used to target marginalized communities and political dissidents. History has shown us that government lists of this nature have been used to suppress and silence those who speak out against injustice and oppression.
The fact that the DOJ has been keeping this list secret for over a decade is a clear violation of the public’s right to know and the principles of transparency and accountability. The American people have a right to know who is being labeled as a domestic terrorist and why.
The lack of oversight and transparency also raises questions about the effectiveness of the list in actually preventing acts of domestic terrorism. Without any public disclosure of the list or its targets, it is impossible to determine if the DOJ is actually targeting legitimate threats or if it is simply using the list as a tool to silence dissent.
In light of Bondi’s admission, it is imperative that the DOJ immediately release the names of individuals and groups on the list and provide a clear and transparent process for adding or removing individuals. The American people deserve to know the truth about this secret list and to have their civil liberties protected.
Furthermore, it is crucial that Congress takes action to provide oversight and accountability for the DOJ’s use of the NPSM-7. This should include hearings, investigations, and potential reforms to ensure that the list is not being used to violate the rights of American citizens.
In conclusion, Pam Bondi’s admission of the secret domestic terrorist list is a wake-up call for all Americans. It is a clear violation of our civil liberties and a threat to our democratic principles. The DOJ must be held accountable for its actions and the American people must demand transparency and oversight to ensure that their rights are protected. Let us not forget the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” It is time for the DOJ to come clean and for our elected officials to take action to protect our rights and our democracy.
