In his speech this week to his anti-extremism conclave in Washington, President Obama declared that “former extremists have the opportunity to speak out, speak the truth about terrorist groups, and oftentimes they can be powerful messengers in debunking these terrorist ideologies.” But what about former victims of government extremism speaking out? Maher Arar is a […]
Tag Archives | Surveillance
USA Today: Eric Holder’s Lawless Legacy
USA Today, February 3, 2015 Eric Holder’s lawless legacy by James Bovard As Holder retires, Obama’s attorney general bulldog should be vilified, not praised Eric Holder is reaping applause as his six-year reign as Attorney General comes to a close. But Holder’s record is profoundly disappointing to anyone who expected the Obama administration to renounce […]
FFF: Freedom Lost in Obama’s Secrecy-Censorship Crossfire
FUTURE OF FREEDOM FOUNDATION, September 2014 issue of Freedom Daily Freedom Lost in Obama’s Secrecy-Censorship Crossfire by James Bovard On June 2 the Supreme Court provided invaluable aid to the Obama administration’s campaign to protect Americans from evidence of federal abuses. The Court acceded to the administration’s appeal and refused to hear a free-speech case […]
Counterpunch: Obama’s Hypocritcal Crusade Against Extremism
Counterpunch, October 28, 2014 Obama’s Hypocritical Crusade Against Extremism by JAMES BOVARD In his speech last month to the United Nations, President Obama summoned foreign leaders to join his “campaign against extremism.” Obama has repeatedly invoked the “extremist” threat to justify attacking abroad and seizing more power at home since taking office in 2009. But […]
Wash. Times: Obama Fighting Extremism with Extremism
Washington Times, October 14, 2014 Obama Fighting extremism with extremism By James Bovard Obama points to war on terrorism to justify oppressive practices at home and abroad In his speech last month to the United Nations, President Obama summoned foreign leaders to join his “campaign against extremism.” While his clarion call was spurred by beheadings […]
Wash. Times: End TSA’s Extortion and Airport Buffoonery
Washington Times, August 15, 2014 A cure for the common queue at the airport Travelers pay up to avoid the line where embarrassing TSA groping occurs By James Bovard The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is legendary for not giving a hoot about the convenience or dignity of travelers who must pass through its airport gantlets. […]
Wash. Times: Americans’ Fading Love of Freedom
Washington Times July 21, 2014 Sweet land of growing indifference An angry passion for freedom begins to fade by James Bovard Tea Party protesters and some Republicans are portraying the federal government as a vast engine of oppression. Are anti-Obama activists mistaken in presuming that most Americans still care about freedom, though? A Gallup poll […]