Topic: Homegrown Terror

Paul Rosenfeld of New York is charged with building a "200-pound bomb" (which actually contained eight pounds of black powder in a plywood box) to detonate himself on Election Day in support of "sortition" political theory. FBI Director Christopher Wray testifies that the bureau is investigating 1,000 homegrown terror threats.

French authorities identified Fouad Mohammed Aghad, a 23-year-old from Strasbourg, as the third suspect in the Bataclan music hall attack. The reporting emphasizes that all identified attackers were Belgian or French citizens. This is framed as a media narrative designed to suggest that immigration bans are ineffective because the threats are "homegrown."

Following a brief technical interruption, the hosts continue discussing the "internet trained terrorist" meme promoted by Brian Ross on ABC News. They argue the media is emphasizing "homegrown" threats to justify increased internet surveillance and regulation.

Two brothers in Fort Lauderdale, Raees and Shaheer Quazi, were arrested for allegedly plotting a bomb attack in the US. Unlike previous cases, the FBI claims this was not a sting operation because the suspects were actively "monitoring" previous FBI sting cases online to avoid infiltration. The hosts find it suspicious that the FBI considers researching public news stories about stings to be evidence of a conspiracy.

Senator Joe Lieberman praises the FBI and Department of Homeland Security for their work since 9/11, specifically citing the leadership of Bob Mueller. Lieberman identifies homegrown terrorism, such as the Fort Hood shooting and the Little Rock recruiting station attack, as the most significant current threats to the U.S. homeland. The hosts question the lack of evidence for the assertion that these agencies have made the public significantly safer.

The hosts argue that the threat of homegrown terrorism is exaggerated to justify crackdowns on the public, noting a lack of actual evidence of domestic plots. They compare the current security climate to World War II, where documented German espionage did not result in the same level of civilian restrictions. Reports also claim Al Qaeda has named Australia as a prime target for firebombing.

The hosts mock Fox & Friends for their coverage of Anwar al-Awlaki, specifically the description of him as a "cyber master." They deconstruct the narrative linking al-Awlaki to the 9/11 hijackers of Flight 77 and various "homegrown" terror plots. They argue the media is casting al-Awlaki as a "mastermind" to justify the drone program.

Fox News reporter Catherine Herridge appeared on C-SPAN to promote her book, The Next Wave, which focuses on American recruits for Al-Qaeda. Herridge is identified as the reporter who broke the story of Anwar al-Awlaki attending a luncheon at the Pentagon in 2002. The hosts characterize her reporting as a psychological operation to promote the "homegrown lone wolf" terror threat.

Former 9/11 Commission Chairman Thomas Kean testified before Congress, labeling 2010 as the "year of the homegrown terrorist." Kean emphasized that many of the commission's recommendations remain unfulfilled, leaving the U.S. vulnerable to domestic radicalization and infrastructure attacks.

Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano testified before Congress, claiming the terror threat to the United States is at its highest state since September 11, 2001. The discussion highlights her focus on "homegrown terrorism" and the inclusion of anti-tax and anti-government groups as potential threats. The hosts characterize the testimony as a scripted media event designed to influence the Patriot Act vote.

UK Prime Minister David Cameron delivered a speech at the Munich Security Conference attacking the "doctrine of state multiculturalism" and calling for "muscular liberalism." He announced increased investment in national cyber security and warned of threats from homegrown terrorists and anarchists across Europe. The hosts interpret this as a move toward a total lockdown of free speech and increased surveillance in the EU.

A CBS News "In Focus" report on homegrown terrorism is deconstructed for its use of fear-based memes and "mind control" graphics. The hosts focus on the term "self-radicalization," arguing it is a manufactured concept used to turn American citizens against one another. They highlight an FBI sting in Portland as an example of the government creating plots to "foil" them for media consumption.

An ABC News article by Pierre Thomas and Jack Cloherty is analyzed for its use of "chilling" details and urgent language to predispose the audience to fear. The discussion questions the validity of the "alarming rise" in domestic terrorism and suggests the FBI plays a role in radicalizing the individuals it later arrests.

The Obama administration's 2010 National Security Strategy (NSS) shifts focus toward "homegrown terrorism" and the role of the internet in radicalization. This policy aligns with HR 1955, a bill aimed at preventing violent radicalization within the United States. Critics argue these measures are a pretext for shutting down free speech and increasing government surveillance of American citizens.

The media's immediate labeling of the Austin plane crash as "homegrown terrorism" is analyzed as an attempt to smear the Tea Party movement. The hosts pivot to the heavy media coverage of Tiger Woods's public apology, characterizing it as a massive distraction from substantive news. They critique the quality of the "porn stars" and "skanks" involved in the Woods scandal.

The hosts discuss the emerging "homegrown terrorist" label being applied to Nidal Hasan and the potential for this terminology to be used against domestic groups. Senator Joe Lieberman's call for a Congressional investigation into the shooting is noted. They also speculate on the linguistic spin of the word "homegrown" in the context of future marijuana legalization.

The conversation shifts to the emergence of the "homegrown terrorist" meme in national security rhetoric. The hosts highlight the specific case of John Breck, a security guard arrested in Newark for allegedly making threats against the President. They question why his full name is being used so prominently in headlines, suggesting it may be a psychological operation or a coded signal.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano is criticized for her comments comparing modern terrorism to "Web 2.0" and mentioning tools like BitTorrent. Napolitano is also urging the public, including young children, to participate in a "broader society response" to watch for suspicious activity and homegrown threats.

The House of Representatives passed HR 1955, the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007, with a 404-6 vote. Critics argue the bill's broad definitions of "extremist belief systems" could criminalize political dissent and social activism. The legislation directs the Department of Homeland Security to establish centers of excellence to study and prevent ideologically based violence within the United States.