by robertdreed » Sat Oct 28, 2006 2:14 am
I wouldn't be surprised in the slightest to find the Secret Service looking into some of the posters on DU- or lots of other places on the Internet, for that matter.<br><br>I don't know how many of the people reading this message know this, but when the subject turns to threats of bodily harm against government officials, the Secret Service takes that matter very seriously. That's one topic- perhaps THE one topic, outside of disclosures of classified top secret information- where no one can count on First Amendment protections. <br><br>Write a threatening letter to the president of the USA, and your name and address WILL be flagged in a government file. You may even get a personal visit from the Secret Service and/or FBI. When the president or vice president visits, you may possibly be told to stay away from where he is appearing, and possibly surveilled, perhaps intensively. And you will probably remain on that list for the rest of your life. <br><br>This policy arose some time ago, due to the unfortunate historical record of American presidents being felled by assassination. And for every successful assassination, I can think of at least one unsuccessful attempt. <br><br>Considering the large membership at the Democratic Underground site, it seems statistically likely that there are a few wingnuts in the bunch. I wouldn't be surprised if the Secret Service were looking at Free Republic or Little Green Footballs as well.<br><br>It's ridiculous to be cowed into "self-censorship" because of that. By all means, bring up any taboo topic that you think needs airing. For that matter, talk all the shit about politicians and political leaders that you feel like. <br><br>But it's never been a good idea to threaten bodily harm to a high government official in this country, even idly. "Idly" is like sarcasm on the Internet- your tone might be perfectly obvious to you, but don't count on everyone else getting the joke. <br><br>And the more specific and plausible you get with your remarks, the more probable it is that you will receive scrutiny from law enforcement. <br><br> <p></p><i></i>