Napolitano Defends Report On Right Wing Extremism Risk

WASHINGTON — Civil liberties officials at the Homeland Security Department did not agree with some of the language in a controversial report on right-wing extremists, but the agency issued the report anyway.

The intelligence assessment issued to law enforcement last week said some military veterans could be susceptible to extremist recruiters or commit lone acts of violence. That prompted angry reactions from some lawmakers and veterans' groups.

Homeland Security spokeswoman Amy Kudwa said the report was issued before officials resolved problems raised by the agency's civil rights division. Kudwa would not specify what language raised the concerns.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano defended the report Thursday, but she said the definition of right-wing extremism that was included in a footnote should be changed.

In the report, right-wing extremism was defined as hate-motivated groups and movements, such as hatred of certain religions, racial or ethnic groups. "It may include groups and individuals that are dedicated to a single issue, such as opposition to abortion or immigration," the report said.

"If there's one part of that report I would rewrite, in the word-smithing, Washington-ese that goes on after the fact, it would be that footnote," Napolitano said Thursday on Fox News.

The same definition was included in the agency's March 26 report on domestic extremism. Both reports were marked "For Official Use Only."

The report on right-wing extremists cites the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing by military veteran Timothy McVeigh as one instance of a veteran becoming a domestic terrorist.

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Several lawmakers, the American Legion and Vets for Freedom took offense to the intelligence review. The Veterans of Foreign Wars defended it as an assessment, not an accusation.

Napolitano said, "We do not mean to suggest that veterans as a whole are at risk of becoming violent extremists."

She also said: "I apologize for that offense. It was certainly not intended."

The top Republican on the House intelligence committee, Michigan's Pete Hoekstra, has asked the director of national intelligence's ombudsman to investigate the Homeland Security report for "unsubstantiated conclusions and political bias."

The senior Democrat of the House committee with oversight of the department said the report raises privacy and civil liberty issues. "This report appears to have blurred the line between violent belief, which is constitutionally protected, and violent action, which is not," Rep. Bennie Thompson, D-Miss., wrote in a letter to Napolitano.

The department's definition of left-wing extremism in the March 26 report includes a reference to violence, stating these groups that embrace anticapitalist, communist or socialist beliefs seek "to bring about change through violent revolution rather than through established political processes."

These reports are part of the department's routine analysis of intelligence information to give to law enforcement agencies guidance on possible security threats.

In February, the department issued a similar warning about possible cyber attacks from left wing extremists. In September, the agency reported that right-wing extremists over the past five years had used the immigration debate as a recruiting tool.

Since September, the agency issued several reports on individual foreign and domestic extremist groups such as al-Qaida and Hammerskin Nation, a skinhead organization. The Hammerskin assessment said many of the group's members received military training and fought in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The latest report has turned into a "political football," said Rep. Jane Harman, D-Calif. Harman, who chairs a House subcommittee on intelligence and information sharing, said the report could have been written more artfully, but added that "it was a well-intended effort to describe to law enforcement what things to look for."

"If the result is to dumb down intelligence products that could prevent the next attack to the homeland, we will all lose," she said.

(This version CORRECTS to show that DHS would not specify which language raised concerns.)

Comments

[mtdem4ever]

None of this is a blanket demonization of our military. Not at all. If anything, this report and the comments below serve as a blanket condemnation of the tactics these groups employ in their recruitment of those they deem easily manipulated. If anyone is labeling, look to your local militia that would love to use and abuse some soldiers to meet their own ends.

[american2008]

Question, Aren't the righties who are complaining about govt. spying on them, the same ones who said back in 2004-2008 with Bush, "If you have nothing to hide, then whats the problem with the Justice Dept. listening in"?

[lmnop13]

Yep.
That would be the same ones.

[planetfotheApes]

Even if this was correct, why is it an issue? If we look at history, societies begin closing when the government starts spying on its citizens. You should spend your time defending freedom and privacy, rather than speculating on what the Bushbot used to believe.

[notreallyabadguy]

YES. Republican = Hypocrite.

They whine about budget reconsiliation, after they used it to pass tax cuts for the rich. They fillibuster absolutly everything, but when Dems tried to raise legitimate concerns they threatened the "nuclear option". That list would run forever so I'll shut up now....

[Realist1965]

The irony here with with these trends is frightening. For the past 7 years we have been told it is illegal to profile folks of middle eastern descent and appearance who may actually be islam o terrorists. (a segment who just happen to be a viable global unit inflicting murder and fear on societies daily and globally). Yet it is acceptable to label and profile an entire class of people inside of our own country who have fought to defend our way of life? As the most famous dictator said, tell the big lies - they are easier to pass along.

[planetfotheApes]

That was the point of the entire phony war on Terr. To create a massive government spying apparatus to monitor US citizens, in Stazi fashion, to protest the super wealthy and Bankers from a soon to be impoverished and enslaved population.

[washlib]

BINGO, you've hit it on the head.

[Grammy3]

"Yet it is acceptable to label and profile an entire class of people inside of our own country who have fought to defend our way of life? "
-----------------------------------------------------------
Yes, it is acceptable to say that an entire class of people may be particularly attractive as recruits for some of the worst elements in our society. It's also fine to say that children may be targeted by tobacco ads, that women of low self esteem attract abusers, that poor people are targets for unethical sales practices, that lonely men/women are targets for co n-m en. None of that insults children, low esteem women, the poor or the lonely.

[jdlund]

I mean the very idea of veterans becoming radical, violent, extremists or just violent wack jobs is incredibly offensive and ridiculous. I mean I could understand if Timothy McVeigh, Lee Harvey Oswald, that dude who climed the tower at the University of Texas and started shooting at people randomly, or loads of skinheads were ever in the military in any capacity then sure the report would have absolute and unquestionable merit. But come on that didn't happen. It's not like McVeigh learned demolitions or how to kill dispassionately while serving this country as a United States Marine. That's just silly talk. It's not like Oswald (regardless of your JFK theories, the man had at least a part in it) or the Texas dude learned sharpshooting as Marines either. At no time in our history has a veteran ever come home and harmed anyone. They are always peaceful god fearing people who do nothing wrong.

[mtdem4ever]

Don't forget to mention that there is documented evidence that inner-city gangs encourage some members to enlist in the military to receive training. Same for neo-nazi/skinhead groups.

[k6007]

timmy was in the military. A veteran that blew up a building peace god fearing people. (You have to wonder if the 'right' isn't 100% correct to 'FearGod'. They have good reason!)

[gotborked]

So was Lee Harvey Oswald -- a committed leftist.

[GlenRast]

I hate to burst your delusion but they do teach you how to kill dispassionately in the military. How the hell do you think a soldier can function in combat?

I'd be willing to bet you've never served

[Grammy3]

Read it again. It's called "sarcasm."

[Unshriven]

Irony is simply lost on some people.

[washlib]

nice sarcasm!

[mtdem4ever]

It is absolutely ridiculous for these veterans groups to seize onto one portion of this report. First of all, if no one pointed out the obvious, when an attack comes ala Tim McVeigh, everyone will scream that they weren't told. Second, the report does not state that returning vets are joining these organizations, it simply points out that returning vets are the type of people these organizations are attempting to recruit. This is in no way a condemnation of returning vets. On the contrary, it supports the notion that returning vets need to be given counseling if necessary, job placement assistance, housing assistance, psych help, whatever our soldiers need to return to civilian life in America should be afforded them. That is what will keep battered, war weary, potentially disillusioned or disenfranchised men and women from becoming potential recruits for organizations that care nothing about them personally, just the skills they have acquired.

[k6007]

---the report does not state that returning vets are joining these organizations, it simply points out that returning vets are the type of people these organizations are attempting to recruit.-----

Standard GOP operating precedure. 'Take one sentence, twist it around then feed it to the MSM,and their dittohead audiences.'

[mtdem4ever]

So right you are.

[ljc]

What is the difference of a returning vet recruited for employment with Blackwater or other private pay to kill groups and vets possible being targeted to join domestic hate groups. I see no difference.

[solopico]

FlamingLibrul See Profile I'm a Fan of FlamingLibrul I'm a fan of this user permalink
Noone labeled any soldier extremist, except rightwing wingnuts who are itching for controversy. Your outrage is as fake as your GOP budget, and just as relevant to anything happening in the world. Progress and future prosperity under a Democratic President is what you loons are desperate to stop. How un-American.
>>>>>>>>>>>>
FlamingLibrul -

I have no problem with "Progress and future prosperity under a Democratic President" - or any president for that matter. I'm a registered independent, and you know nothing about me, so for you to be so presumptuous speaks volumes about your willingness to be politically cooperative. Don't begin to tell me I'm un-American. How dare you.

From the report:

"Returning veterans possess combat skills and experience that are
attractive to rightwing extremists. DHS/I&A is concerned that rightwing
extremists will attempt to recruit and radicalize returning veterans in order to
boost their violent capabilities."

Go ahead and tell me that's not labeling veterans, but my point is that in an unstable political climate the Obama administration could have chosen its words more carefully. There is already an honest belief and concern that Obama is less concerned about national security than many Americans would like, and speaking about those who directly provide said security in any negative light is not prudent.

[mtdem4ever]

OMG, are your critical thinking skills really that low? Veterans possess skills the militias want. End. This is true. It is in no way a condemnation of veterans.

Extremists will attempt to recruit returning veterans. Again, nothing against veterans, just stating the obvious. Militia groups and the like have always found returning or retired soldiers to be attractive in terms of their skills and training, plus their ability to be leaders. This does not insult or label veterans, it labels the tactics of right-wing extremists.

Knee-jerk much? By the way, not an Obama admin. report. Bush requested it. Sheesh you people are unbelievable.

[solopico]

No, my "critical thinking skills" are just fine - how are yours? And to answer 'grammy3' about my "reading comprehension skills" - why don't you read my post and see that I am well aware there is no statment made directly toward veterans.

Having said that - here's my test for your "critical thinking skills" -

Imagine yourself recently returned from Iraq or Afghanistan, and apply whatever understanding you have of the heightened stress level (and any other emotional disfunction) a vet might have returning home. Now add to that a statement from the new president's administration - keeping in mind some of the questionable things this man has said about our military (air-raiding villages, etc).

To understand why this is such an insult to Veterans, perhaps you need to try to understand more of why the right was so concerned about Obama to begin with. There are consequenses for one's statements and actions, and in this case Obama has made plenty of anti-American comments which will play into the perception of anything his administration says or does.

BTW - makes no difference who requested it, it was produced under Obama's watch.

[Grammy3]

Here, I'll tell you: That's not labeling veterans. It merely states that returning vets have skills and experience that are attractive to rightwing extremists and they will attempt to recruit them.

So if I walk around with cash spilling out of my purse and someone attempts to rob me, am I a thief?

Wow, where were you taught your reading comprehension skills?

[k6007]

It's NOT labeling veterans. Its a list of what makes veterans attractive to extremist.

[ljc]

What is the difference with vets being recruit for employment with Blackwater or other private pay to kill companies ? These companies are no different.

[naturallight]

This will make you feel better. There will not be another "Murrah" Tim McVeigh style bombing b/c the chemicals used in that bomb, fertilizer, are heavily controlled and regulated as result of that incident.

[Avanti2]

Not true. Fertilizer is not heavily controlled and regulated. Heck, a viable bomb of the type used by McVeigh can literally be assembled from multiple trips to Lowe's, Home Depot and a source for fuel oil or kerosene. (You own home tank would be enough fuel oil.)

[hoobit]

Part II of comment:
So, yes, there IS an element of veterans who are, shall we say, "a bit off" and who, wrapping themselves in the Flag, Patriotism, Constitution, and Bible, have decided the US is headed in such a wrong direction (i.e. not "right") that armed revolution is something that needs serious consideration. Those groups DO need to be watched. Closely.

Bigotry combined with rampant ignorance, is a dangerous, dangerous, dangerous thing.

[A few of his sites are: http://www.usawakeup.org/ , http://talon.eaglesup.us/ , and
www.independent-patriots-for-america.com ]

[planetfotheApes]

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, —

That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.

[lmnop13]

Oh for the love of all things holy.
Why now are they so concerned with liberty?
They grew this invasive government, and since they handed their monster to Obama, they want to destroy America so they can get their power monster back, constitution style?
They're about as relevant as the bottom of my shoe.
And, don't even tell me they didn't support George Bush. It would've been just as easy to throw a tea party then to protest big govt. as it is now.
That's just b.s.

[k6007]

You're the subversives, and the whole world knows it. What kind of ConfederateStatesof america do you dream of at night?

[hoobit]

PART I of comment:
COL Harry Riley (US Army, Retired) ---Google him--- is a contributing commentator for many right-wing sites and, to ensure his message gets out to everyone, he e-mails his comments to an extensive list of people around the world.

As the years since his retirement from the military have passed, he has become more and more radical in his views. This last election cycle was almost too much for him - among other things, not only was a Muslim seeking nomination as POTUS, but that Muslim wasn't even a US citizen. (According to him, he had PROOF! - and he shared it with all. Nevermind that his "proof" had been debunked repeatedly, he kept [and keeps] believing -and sharing- it unfazed.)

When that Muslim, non-citizen-by-birth, socialist, devil-incarnate was elected to the office of POTUS, COL Riley went into overdrive! Exhorting *current* and former members of the US Armed Forces to rise up and overthrow an "illegal" government, he kept the bombardments against Obama coming. He (along with like-minded "patriots", the majority of them *also* veterans) began organizing and staging demonstrations/rallies/etc. around military bases to 'educate' our men and women in uniform. He is still at it - it is his full-time job, now that he is a retired veteran..

[k6007]

It takes a REALLY dark heart to take any of those things seriously.

[noleftturns]

yeah, ONE nutcase. if it is true though.

[GlenRast]

You do realize that most of the report was compiled and written during the Bush admin and has an accompanying report on left wing radicals that was already released.

You also realize that the report talks about attempts to recruit vets not that the vets run the organizations.

[hoobit]

What do you mean: “if it is true”? Trust me, it is. Better yet – don’t trust me; Google him and/or check out the links I provided in Part II of my comment, for yourself.

hoobit and hoobit’s significant other spent 20+ years in the military. We *know* the dedication of our military, we *know* their honorable service, we *know* the pride and patriotism of our men and women in uniform. COL Riley, using his rank as a stamp of ‘authority’/ ‘legitimacy’ for his extreme right-wing views, views wrapped in “patriotism” with a healthy dose of Bible-thumping and *selective* citing of the US Constitution (accompanied by mighty flag waving), scare the ever-loving bejeezers out of both hoobit and hoobit’s significant other. He (and his ilk) should scare the ever-loving bejeezers out of ALL citizens.

Secretary Napolitano has NOTHING to apologize for. The right-wing extremists DO need to be watched. Carefully. VERY carefully.

[Mike4Obama]

Are right wing organizers trying to taunt the Obama administration into acting to try and create a narrative Govn't is trying to silence the people through all this aggressive behavior towards the Govn't?

I wouldn't put it past these bozo's.

[escribacat]

You've got to wonder where all the "normal" Republicans are. The ones screaming seem mentally ill and delusional to me -- paranoid, hysterical, 2 + 2 = 3, "yes" is "no." Mr. Creepy Tan included. Are the moderates just hiding or have they all gone mad?

[thaneb]

My parents (in their 80s) are quite dismayed by it all. Mom almost even voted for Obama.

[Grunty1]

[You've got to wonder where all the "normal" Republicans are.]

There is a reason that the Democratic Party has swung to the right over the years, and it isn't the "common wisdom" reason. All of those "normal Republicans' have already left the party of the rich and insane.

[horsey]

Chuck Hagel that's it.

[planetfotheApes]

Only in 1984 could someone call protesting for freedom, financial sanity and an end to the International Banking Cartel's wage slavery of the American worker "delusional".

[StL]

It's a shame you all miss the point. 7000 plus showed up in downtown St L to complain about the taxes we will pay in the future for all the rubbish that is passed today. I guess you all are planning not to pay this tab either.......

[OkieMon]

were you complaining about your future tax burden when bush was running up the tab with his war in iraq (2 trillion dollars and counting), tax cuts for the wealthy (2.5 trillion), and bank bailouts (1.5 trillion)?

[Grunty1]

Of course he wasn't. The only people taking these teabagger parties seriously are Rushpublican sycophant

[horsey]

no he had his thumb up his butt as he sucked on a beer.

[BigJim716]

Many like me protested Bush by voting for Obama. Now Obama wants to triple the debt Bush ran up according to the CBO.

I would think it would bother you some that you use Bush spending to justify Obamas spending.

I am with you on the wars as well. Obama promised to get out of iraq but that is turning out to be part of a long list of broken Obama campaign promises to include "fiscal responsibility" among others.

[Countdown09]

No they weren't complaining they were busy cashing their Bush refund checks and calling those of us who were speaking out against Bush's trillion dollar invasion of Iraq unpatriotic.

[mtdem4ever]

Grrrr. Sick and tired of this teabagging nonsense. Make up your minds - grassroots or Faux News, taxes, spending, abortion, anti-Obama, anti-Dem, Bush?, healthcare, socialism, fascism, just because he's black. Too many muddled messages coming from the insane wing of the Rep. party. We'll pay our tab and Bush's, too.

[k6007]

They're just awoke from a coma?

[9angels22]

The 7000 in St Louis were Libertarians, regular tax protesters, Ron Paul supporters, and a few republicans organized by the Republican Party (no grass roots here). The republicans sounded more like sour grapes than anything substantial in their message. The taxes they are complaining about are from the Bush era, and have nothing to do with Obama, as he has not put his major tax cuts into effect yet.

And, just to put everything into perspective, Obama pulled in over 100,000 people in St Louis Missouri during his campaign. They came to hear his positive message of what he was going to do for this country, not the negative divisive message that is put out continually by the republican party. And, just for the record, I certainly did not see many people of color in the crowds- looked 99% white to me. Another republican trait that they just don't seem to get- acceptance of people who believe differently, and look differently, than they do.

[Hallucinocynic]

"...for all the rubbish..."

You know, there are parts of the package that need to be closely examined, but outright dismissal of the package is absurd.

The arguments for and against the package have been made, ad nauseum. The fact that you are incapable of recognizing the value of MOST of the expenditures demonstrates an intractable political dogma that is out of step.

The right are not righteous, nor particularly insightful. Take a look at the administrations that YOU champion: Reagan and Bush, whose collective fiscal policies have done more damage to this country than Obama can possibly do in eight years! But, can you divine the difference?

I doubt it.

[LeonardColvin]

The Secretary did not lie. There are a lot of right wing extremists in the military and out of the military and they are very dangerous. Why do you think that law enforcement agencies like the Secret Service and local police units screen ex-military people so strigently. About eight years ago a story ran in a number of newspapers indicating that a lot of unsolved murders of Black men aroundthe teh country were committed by white men who had specialized military training in stealth operations who were out of the service and should be watched closely as possible suspects in these murders. We all should hold members of our military in high regard, but there are some people in their midst with some very racist and extreme views. Anyone who wants to criicize the secretay for her comments is totally clueless or in denial!!

[noleftturns]

lenny,

where'd you get the facts on "There are a lot of right wing extremists..."

"screen ex-military people so strigently": if they hire anyone they will be armed and ALL are screened stringently.

where is that '8 year old story'?

[mtdem4ever]

As former law enforcement and one responsible for hiring, I can tell you that military records are looked into very carefully. While all candidates are screened and subjected to a battery of physical and psychological tests, military records are vital. In addition, many returning vets could not pass the psych tests because they had been subjected to so much trauma. It is very important that vets receive assistance in all areas or reintegration when they return. Housing, jobs, psych, etc. They sacrifice more than many people understand and it is our duty to protect them upon their return. That also means protecting them from right-wing fringe groups that would love to exploit them.

[Stretchluv]

Boehner has selective outrage as usual. In Iraq and Kuwait, many port-a-johns or latrine stalls are filled with Chuck Norris joke and White racist material. You should read some of the stuff on the stall walls but it would probably discuss you thoroughly. I am used to it now but it does make me wonder who am I serving next to everyday. Scary!

[Avanti2]

Looks to me like Profiling needs to be used to a greater extent on BOTH the Right and Left wing extremists whether political or religious with the following hardline restriction. The process of identification and data collection must be overseen by an independent Federal Court, not just the Administrations Justice Department.

[GravitonX]

Militia groups are like Al-Quaeda training camps, terrorists waiting for their big day.

[k6007]

exactly.

[AbyssinianLion]

Exactly! They are training American domestic Terr0.rist but we have only focused on watching Mus.lims.Hmmmmm?