Missouri mislabels terrorists

By William R. Toler

A report given to Missouri law enforcement officials, has drawn quite a bit of controversy.

First reported by radio host Alex Jones’ team, the report titled “The Modern Militia Movement” lists supporters of former presidential candidates Ron Paul and Bob Barr along with “conspiracy theorists” and those who posess “subversive” literature as possible domestic terrorists.

According to the Associated Press, Missouri officials say the report is being “misinterperted.”

“All this is an educational thing,”Lt. John Hotz of the Missouri State Highway Patrol said of the report. “Troopers have been shot by members of groups, so it’s our job to let law enforcement officers know what the trends are in the modern militia movement.”

The report, released by the Missouri Information Analysis Center contains publicly available, trend data on militias, according to Hotz. “It’s giving the makeup of militia members and their political beliefs,” Hotz said adding that using the stated factors isn’t profiling and people who have such bumper stickers shouldn’t be harassed by police.

Campaign For Liberty has jumped out in opposition to the lableing in the militia report. John Tate, the group’s president sent a letter to all members saying, “It is important that we respond in the right way when faced with such a government labeling, and the proper way is to go straight to the top in Missouri.”

In addition to Paul and Barr, supporters of Constitution Party nominee Chuck Baldwin are mentioned in the report. Appearing on the Alex Jones show this week, Baldwin said he has collaborated with the other two leaders on a letter to be sent to Missouri officials protesting the report. He added that if the letter does not result in “a repudiation of the MIAC report and its absurd allegations,” the three will consier legal action.

He also wrote, “Both Ron Paul and Campaign for Liberty champion principles of freedom, peace, and prosperity. We believe that the Founder’s vision for America can be reclaimed through education and peaceful activism.” Tate encouraged all members to sign an online petition urging Gov. Jay Nixon to issue an apology to Campaign for Liberty and Ron Paul.