That’s Debatable

The L.A. Times reported Dec. 7 that, amid a rash of arrests and alleged Islamic terrorism cases in America, the Obama administration and U.S. Homeland Security officials “have concluded that the country confronts a rising threat from homegrown extremism.” The Times cited anti-terrorism experts pointing out that when it comes to homegrown threats, 2009 has been the most dangerous year since 2001. “Homegrown terrorism is here. And, like violent extremism abroad, it will be part of the threat picture that we must now confront,” Homeland Security Chief Janet Napolitano told The Times. Do you agree that the threat of Islamic terrorism at home has increased this year to a level not seen since the 9/11 attacks?

Unfortunately, there is no question that the activity of American citizens involved in terrorist attacks and plots has increased as of late. The attack at Ft. Hood was, in essence, an act of radical Islamic terrorism perpetrated by a U.S. citizen and military officer. We also just recently learned that the hotel attack in Mumbai, which led to the deaths of at least 174 people, including several Americans, was aided by an American from Chicago. We can learn much from the experience in Great Britain, where they have suffered greatly from home-grown Islamic militants that are trained and organized in Mosques within that country.

There are radicals around the world, who want to kill us and eliminate those like us, ultimately destroying our way of life. Since 9/11, they have found it increasingly difficult to attack us from overseas. They have now adapted and are recruiting and training inside the United States. This is an increasing threat to which we must respond. In Britain, many have died because their government has been unwilling to take the necessary security protocols and break through the cover of the radical mosques, and effectively utilize their immigration professionals to prevent radicals from entering and staying inside their borders. We must not let political correctness stand in the way of effective counter-measures against home-grown terrorism.

U.S. Rep. John Campbell

(R-Newport Beach)

We shouldn’t let the political correctness straight-jacket prevent us from focusing on individuals who exhibit threatening behavior. Instead of just looking at their malevolent ideas, we should pay close attention to their behavior and possible connections and alliances with radical Islamic terrorist organizations overseas.

U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher

(R-Huntington Beach)