The Trump administration has recently come under fire for its use of NSPM-7, a controversial tool used to compile a list of alleged domestic terror groups. This list, however, is shrouded in secrecy, leaving many Americans wondering if they are on Trump’s list of domestic terrorists.
NSPM-7, or National Security Presidential Memorandum 7, was signed by President Trump in September 2017. The memorandum gives the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security the authority to gather and share information on individuals and groups deemed to be potential threats to national security.
On the surface, this may seem like a necessary measure to protect our country from domestic terrorism. However, the lack of transparency surrounding the compilation of this list has raised concerns about potential abuse of power and violation of civil liberties.
The Trump administration has refused to disclose the names of the groups on the list, claiming that doing so would compromise national security. This lack of transparency is deeply troubling, as it leaves Americans in the dark about who is being targeted and why.
One of the main concerns is that this list could be used to target and suppress political dissent. In the current political climate, where tensions are high and political ideologies are polarized, the potential for abuse is very real. Without any transparency or accountability, this list could be used to silence those who speak out against the administration’s policies.
Furthermore, the criteria for being placed on this list is unclear. There is no public information on how the Department of Justice and Homeland Security determine who is a potential domestic terrorist. This lack of clarity leaves Americans vulnerable to being labeled as a threat without due process.
The use of NSPM-7 also raises concerns about racial and religious profiling. Given the administration’s track record of targeting and demonizing certain communities, there is a real fear that this list could disproportionately target people of color and religious minorities.
The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding NSPM-7 is not only a threat to civil liberties, but it also undermines the very foundation of our democracy. In a country that prides itself on freedom of speech and the right to dissent, it is deeply troubling that the government is compiling a secret list of potential domestic terrorists.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has filed a lawsuit against the Department of Justice and Homeland Security, demanding that the names of the groups on the list be made public. The lawsuit argues that the lack of transparency violates the First and Fifth Amendments of the Constitution.
In a statement, the ACLU said, “The government’s refusal to disclose who is on the list, why they are on the list, and what criteria are being used to label them as domestic terrorists is unconstitutional and undermines the principles of due process and free speech.”
The fact that the government is keeping a list of potential domestic terrorists is not the issue. The issue is the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this list. Americans have the right to know if they are being targeted and why. Without this information, our basic freedoms are at risk.
As citizens of a democratic society, it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable. We cannot allow the Trump administration to hide behind claims of national security to justify their lack of transparency. We must demand that the names of the groups on the list be made public and that the criteria for placement on the list be clearly defined.
In the words of Benjamin Franklin, “Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.” We cannot allow our government to sacrifice our freedoms in the name of national security.
In conclusion, the use of NSPM-7 to compile a list of alleged domestic terror groups is a concerning development that threatens the civil liberties of all Americans. The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this list is a threat to our democracy and must be addressed. We must demand that our government respect our rights and provide transparency in this matter. We cannot allow our country to become a place where citizens are afraid to speak out for fear of being labeled as domestic terrorists.
