What constitutes Domestic Terrorism?

How do we define domestic terrorism?

What comes to mind is often easier to describe: The September 11, 2001 (9/11) attacks; the bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah building in Oklahoma City (April 19, 1995); the Anthrax and Ricin threats.

Back to the definition. Cornell University Law School defines domestic terrorism thus: "The term 'domestic terrorism' means activities that—
(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;
(B) appear to be intended—
(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;
(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or
(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and
(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States (http://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/uscode18/usc_sec_18_00002331----000-.html)."

Not something that a rational person would want to be associated with, right?

There are many issues that rely simply on personal preference: Do you prefer red or blue? Are you a summer or winter kind of person? Spaghetti with white or red sauce?

Then there are the heavy hitting issues that tend to polerize people. Abortion is one of these issues. People tend to consider themselves pro-life or pro-choice.

This morning, Dr. George Tiller was murdered while at church. Why did this horrible act take place? Apparently, someone was not thrilled with Dr. Tillman, especially the fact that he performed abortions.

In a press release, the National Organization for Women (NOW) states, "NOW Identifies Murder of Dr. George Tiller As Domestic Terrorism, Calls for Action from Justice Department and Homeland Security."

I'm sure that there are those who feel that Dr. Tiller "had it coming." But think for a minute. What happened when the U.S. was attacked during the 9/11 attacks? Yes, most of us were shook. But in the weeks and months following this, most of us decided, "I'm not going to let them stop me from doing..." I had taken part in a local 5K race in previous years. I had briefly wondered if I should take part in it after the attacks. But I did. Something along the line of "they won't stop me from doing this!" went through my head.

Chances are there will be doctors doing abortions. Abortion is legal. Murder isn't. And anyone who wants to change the system needs to do so within the confines of the law, not by using domestic terrorism.

Tampa Judge Shuts Down Tax Preparer

"WASHINGTON – A federal judge in Tampa, Fla., has permanently barred a Port Richey, Fla., tax preparer and his firm from preparing federal tax returns, the Justice Department announced today. U.S. District Court Judge Elizabeth A. Kovachevich of the Middle District of Florida entered the permanent injunction against Frank Lighty and his firm, Lighty and Associate. Lighty consented to the permanent injunction."

Disclaimer: This is from the Department of Justice website; for the rest of the article, check: http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2009/May/09-tax-515.html

Guess doctoring returns can be taxing...especially when you're caught!

Former NYC Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik Indicted

Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik was indicted was indicted by a federal grand jury for "making false statements to White House officials during his vetting for the position of Secretary of the United States Department of Homeland Security," according to Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York Lev L. Dassin yesterday.

(Info taken from the DOJ press release on the FBI website)

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To read more, go to the DOJ press release on the FBI website at: http://newyork.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/nyfo052609.htm

Lawyer Charged in 40 Count Indictment

A Columbus, Georgia attorney was indicted by a federal grand jury of 40 charges stemming from actions between 2005 and 2008, according to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

To read more, go to http://atlanta.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel09/at052109a.htm.

Obama to Nominate Sonia Sotomayer

Breaking News

President Barak Obama is expected to name his nominee to replace Supreme Court Justice David Souter at 10:15 this morning. He intends to nominate Sonia Sotomayer, a federal appeals court judge.

The daughter of Puerto Rican immigrants, Sotomayer was nominated to the U.S. District Court by George H.W. Bush in 1991. She recieved her law degree from Yale University.

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To read more, go to: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/30938978/.

Missing Children

According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, besides being Memorial Day, today is also Missing Children's Day.

Most of us will never know the horror of dealing with a missing child. I'm sure not a day goes by that John and Reve Walsh wish that they didn't know that horror. Thank God they were able to use their pain to help thousands of others going through the same pain.

Here is where you can help. Check: http://www.fbi.gov/page2/may09/missingkids_052509.html. The site has photos of missing children, as well as links to help parents of missing children.

If you know of the whereabouts of any missing child, please contact your local police department and/or the FBI.

Memorial Day

Most of us have known someone who has served in the Armed Forces. Maybe you served.

Today is Memorial Day, a day when we are to honor those who have died in service to our country. According to Wikipedia, "Formerly known as Decoration Day, it commemorates U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. First enacted to honor Union soldiers of the American Civil War (it is celebrated near the day of reunification after the Civil War), it was expanded after World War I to include American casualties of any war or military action."

If you enjoy the freedoms afforded to our citizens, please give thanks...and remember those in the Armed Forces.

Thanks, Dad, Paul, Kevin, BJ, Eric, Mara and her husband, and everyone else in service to this country.