The gun control debate continues in the political mainstream, now with many Americans and politicians calling for an end to due process. The idea is that someone who appears on a government watchlist, such as the “no fly” list, should not be able to purchase a firearm. The flaw in this argument is that American citizens who appear on the list will be deprived of constitutional rights based purely on suspicion. These citizens appearing on a watchlist aren’t necessarily convicted of a crime, but merely suspected of possibly committing one by government agents and bureaucrats.
Senator Dianne Feinstein argued that American citizens concerned that they appear on the list without due process should appeal their listing, but otherwise are guilty until proven innocent. This concerning position also would have disarmed prominent historical leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr. But this doesn’t bother House Democrats either, who staged a sit-in in the House of Representatives to treat American citizens like criminals without a conviction.
The implication here is that terrorists need to be stopped and if an American citizen is suspected of terrorist ties they should be deprived, regardless of the Bill of Rights.
The problem with this issue is that most convicted terrorists are actually foreign born. At least 380 of 580 individuals convicted of terrorism specifically were born outside of the country, according to an analysis released Wednesday by the Senate Subcommittee on Immigration and the National Interest.
Why are the constitutional rights of United States citizens being targeted if most of those convicted of terrorist ties aren’t even born here in the United States?
The answer is simple: this isn’t about stopping terrorism and this isn’t about stopping guns. It’s about power and control.
This has been a disturbing trend in American politics and law since the devastating attacks of September 11th, 2001. The United States Constitution is treated like an accomplice to terrorism, with the erosion of freedoms under the Bill of Rights being sold as the only solution to keeping the country safe.
Now the Pulse shooting has led to politicians to exploit fear to push the elimination of due process of Americans, although at least 65% of terrorists convicted since 9/11 are foreign born. It’s a dishonest portrayal of the terrorism situation and a heartless way to exploit tragedy for political gain.
While refugees continue to gain entry into the United States with minimal vetting, American citizens are held at greater scrutiny. This approach has no logical basis given most terrorists are foreign born, with a number of those being refugees as well. Statistically, most convicted terrorists in the last decade and a half are not natural born Americans. If American citizens were allowed due process in regards to the watchlist, many theoretically would be cleared.
When will our politicians admit the true nature of this push is the erosion of due process? Senator Feinstein and Congressman John Lewis both claim this is about guns, while Senator Susan Collins joins them with the support of Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid and Minority Whip Dick Durbin. Facts show us this is not the truth.
