Are Right-to-Lifers on a Terrorist List?

By now, you may have heard about a briefing sent to law enforcement authorities across the country by the Department of Homeland Security, alerting them to the possible rise in right-wing extremism and violence due to economic pressures and the election of a black president.

So, who are these potential right-wing extremists? Among others cited in the briefing, individuals who are dedicated to a single issue like abortion. I guess that means you and me.

Perhaps it is far-reaching to claim all right-to-life advocates are targets of the briefing. Are we being over sensitive? Or do we just smell a political rat?

The Washington Times reported that the federal government “will be working with its state and local partners over the next several months” to gather information on “right wing extremist activity in the United States.” The Times goes on to state that the Obama administration does not have “specific information that domestic right-wing terrorists are currently planning acts of violence.”

Janet Napolitano, head of the Department of Homeland Security, appeared on Fox and Friends this morning, stating she had been briefed on the report and then tried to downplay it. When pressed, Napolitano said the report should not have included the reference to individuals who are interested in single issues like abortion. Groups on the left like animal rights activists could be included in the “assessment.” she said. However, they weren’t. And, there has been no apology from anyone in the Obama administration.

Wisconsin Right to Life was audited twice by the IRS when Clinton was president. So, it raises the question — are we now on an Obama administration political “enemies” list?

Barbara Lyons