I sent this letter to my senators:

Dear Senator Lautenberg,

I am writing to you as a concerned citizen of the United States. It has come to my attention that House Resolution 1955, titled the ‘Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007′, has passed the House of Representatives and is moving on to the Senate.

Unlike previous anti-terror legislation, this bill specifically targets the civilian population of the United States and uses vague language to define homegrown terrorism.

This vague language allows for too wide of an interpretation of the law, encompassing thought crimes into the picture. Thought crimes? Claiming that a citzen is able to be convicted of a crime is quite literally the stuff of science fiction and should not play a roll in the workings of our government.

Further, any materials produced in print and on the internet would be subject to further scrutiny by Homeland Security and individuals could, in theory, be charged with fostering terrorism by the simple words they write. That, Senator Lautenberg, is a blatant disregard for our First Amendment rights. Free speech is one of the hallmarks of the American way of life. To censor any citizen’s remarks, no matter how much we may find them dissentful or radical, is to stifle the American spirit and quelch the true voice of the people. For if dissention is to be outlawed, then woe to this country.

Furthermore, I ask you to consider the far-reaching ramifications of this bill. Terrorism is no longer considered something that happens in another country, far from here. The Patriot Act has caused many of us to look closer to home. The vague language being employed in this piece of legislature could easily be reimagined to encompass groups working to protect our natural resources, animal welfare, and even our civil liberties.

Passing this bill is yet another frightening step down the already scary path we have trod since the passing of the Patriot Act. I urge you to squelch this bill before it is able to silence the voice of freedom.

Thank you for your time.

you can read more here: US House Resolution 1955