Thread by @tekathomas

THREAD- Domestic Terrorism has always been a big threat, and it’s a good thing that the media is finally using this language. Dealing with it will take all levels of government of civil society. /1 #domesticterrorism #domesticterrorist #domesticterrorismlaw

Terrorism is social and political activism using violence or credibly threatening it. It is designed to create mass fear, and often has massive financial and logistical support. /2 #terrorism #domesticterrorism

Due to the potential for damage and mass casualties, the tremendous resources terrorists often have, and the exorbitant costs to society, Terrorism is in fact different than crime. Municipalities can predict murders over the course of a fiscal year, they can't afford bombs. /3

Thought, ideology, and even allegorical calls to violence are protected by the First Amendment. Violence itself it clear. What is unclear is a credible threat, and conspiring with others. /4 #FirstAmendment #viewpoint #protectedspeech

11 years ago I wrote an article on a constitutional way to incorporate local police in terrorism intelligence gathering. Much applies to this domestic threat. /5 #domesticintelligence #domesticintelligenceagency #mi5
docs.google.com/file/d/0B7-49q…

Civil liberties concerns should jump out. Congress, by the 14th Amendment, can set privacy rules, even those governing lower levels of government. E.g. School records? Sealed juvenile records? /6 #civilliberties #14thAmendment

Existing fusion centers can be used to have local authorities who are close to the community and get tips, pass on cases to the federal who have the resources to investigate. /7 #fusioncenter #police
#localpolice #intelligencegathering

A point on guns...Semi-automatic guns are indeed different than bombs or poison gas in that they can be controlled. That is why they do not apply under the “WMD” statute. Regulating firepower and access is a separate matter. #gunsense #gunsafety /8

SUM- we need to define: violent groups, violence, credible incitement & threats. Further, we need the legal architecture to allow information flows and start legal investigations. /END
#domesticterrorism