The groundwork has been laid for a new kind of government where virtually everyone is a suspect

Of course, this has been going on with America's families ever since the CAPTA act of 1974.

Dear Friend,

Five years ago, I alerted Americans to the fact that the groundwork was being laid for a new kind of government where virtually everyone is a suspect and it will no longer matter if you're innocent or guilty, whether you're a threat to the nation or even if you're a citizen. What will matter is what the president—or whoever happens to be occupying the Oval Office at the time—thinks.

At the time, I was voicing concerns about the liberties the Bush administration was taking in its application of the term "enemy combatant." Today, under the Obama administration, the perceived threat is coming from an altogether different direction: "rightwing extremists."

A report issued by the Obama administration’s Department of Homeland Security (DHS) defines an extremist as anyone who subscribes to a particular political viewpoint. Rightwing extremists are broadly defined in the report as individuals and groups "that are mainly antigovernment, rejecting federal authority in favor of state or local authority, or rejecting government authority entirely." For example, you are labeled a rightwing extremist if you voice concerns about a myriad of issues including: policy changes under President Obama; the economic downturn and home foreclosures; the loss of U.S. jobs in manufacturing and construction sectors; and social issues such as abortion, interracial crimes, immigration and same-sex marriage.

Of course, if you buy into the government's definition, then I could very well be considered a terrorist. So too could Thomas Paine, Patrick Henry, Thomas Jefferson and Samuel Adams—all of these men protested and passionately spoke out against government practices with which they disagreed and would be prime targets under this document.

The report also used the words terrorist and extremist interchangeably, in other words conveying that what the government would consider to be extremist viewpoints is tantamount to being a terrorist. The message to the American people is clear: be careful what you say because if you say something the government doesn't like, you'll become a political enemy. And, in fact, we have seen this borne out in recent years.

Clearly, we’re going to have to fight harder than ever on every front to hold onto our precious God-given freedoms, and I need to know that we can count on you to stand with us in the battles that lie ahead—battles that become more critical with every passing week.

Because the cause for which we fight is so dear, I’m asking you to join with us in the spirit of self-sacrifice and service by making a tax-deductible donation in support of The Rutherford Institute’s much-needed legal and educational programs today. Whether you write a check, make a gift online or call in your gift to our Donor Hotline at 1-800-225-1791, whatever the size of your gift, whether it is $5, $50, $500 or more, it will be a tremendous blessing to those who are crying out for justice. To make your gift online today, click here

Please do what you can do to stand with The Rutherford Institute in this desperate struggle to hold onto the America we love.

From the front lines of the fight for freedom, I remain,

Yours faithfully,

John W. Whitehead
President

P.S. As we prepare to end our fiscal year on June 30, we are still almost $500,000 short of balancing the budget. Please take a moment today to help us end this year in the black and continue to fight for justice and the courageous individuals who are willing to take a stand, and often suffer, for our cherished beliefs. We’ve taken our stand and we are continuing to fight, but there is strength in numbers. We need you to stand with us in this fight for our God-given freedoms. Otherwise, everything our nation stands for—the great American Dream—will crumble.

Click below to make a tax-deductible donation to The Rutherford Institute today.


The Rutherford Institute
Post Office Box 7482
Charlottesville, VA 22906-7482
Phone: 434-978-3888
FAX: 434- 978-1789
http://www.rutherford.org

Under the regulations of the United States Internal Revenue Service, The Rutherford Institute is incorporated as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Donations to support The Rutherford Institute's legal and educational work help to safeguard the constitutional rights and religious freedoms of all Americans. Donations are tax-deductible. In compliance with general industry standards of a nonprofit organization, the Institute is audited annually by an independent accounting firm.

Founded in 1982 by constitutional attorney and author John W. Whitehead, The Rutherford Institute is a civil liberties organization that provides free legal services to people whose constitutional and human rights have been threatened or violated.

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