Region May Be A Hotbed For Terrorist Recruiting

by Bill Sizemore - April 26th, 2009 - Virginian Pilot

Excerpts from the 2009 Virginia Terrorism Threat Assessment produced by the Virginia Fusion Center:

A wide variety of terror or extremist groups have links to Division 5 (Hampton Roads). This area not only has a diverse population due to the strong military presence, but it is also the site of several universities. While most of these universities are considered urban, two are designated as a Historically Black Colleges and Universities, while Regent University is a private, evangelical Christian institution. While the majority of individuals associated with educational institutions do not engage in activities of interest to the VFC, it is important to note that University-based students groups are recognized as a radicalization node for almost every type of extremist group. In addition to recent activity by race-based extremist groups, an identified anti-abortion extremist group has maintained an active presence. Although activities by these groups have been non-violent, all are linked to individuals or ideologies that have endorsed violence as a legitimate tactic.

[snip]

The American Civil Liberties Union has gone on the offensive, saying the report makes unwarranted assumptions based on race, religion and other demographic data and could have a chilling effect on Virginians' First Amendment rights.

Another recent federal report singled out conservatives. This federal report singles out liberals and blacks. It appears that our federal employees see hatemongers and terrorists everywhere they look. The problem is there are real terrorists in the world. The Islamo-fascists have not stopped their world wide quest for domination.

If our federal employees in the appropriate agencies do not stop funding reports with political overtones they will be looking the wrong way the next time the Islamo-fascists attack. This is not encouraging news.