Punishing Thought Crime: Would New Bill Make YOU a Terrorist?

By Scott Thill, AlterNet. Posted January 17, 2008.

Meet the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act.

According to Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif., House Resolution 1955, otherwise known as the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007, is a much-needed piece of national security legislation subject to unnecessary paranoia and fear. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, the resolution, which Harman sponsored, is one step too close to an Orwellian nightmare, especially for the Democrats who concocted it.

The truth, as always, lies somewhere in between. But first, let's back up and check the facts.