U.S. Rep. Gene Taylor Dismayed at Homeland Security Remarks Concerning America’s Veterans

By: Keith Burton - GCN 4/17/09

Coast residents including Congressman Gene Taylor are expressing enormous offense regarding a report issued by the Department of Homeland Security that concluded that returning veterans could emerge as right-wing terrorists in the U.S.

"I would like to add my voice to express my dismay with the remarks included in the Department of Homeland Security memo concerning rightwing extremism," Taylor said in a news release sent to GCN. "While it is a sad fact that two veterans were involved in the bombing of the Murray Office building in Oklahoma years ago that resulted in the death of 168 people, it is also a fact that millions of American men and women have served honorably and returned to their communities as valued members of those communities."

Taylor went on the say, "Equally important, the skills our veterans gained in the U.S. military and the lessons that they learned in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Bosnia have helped them to become incredibly valuable assets in our nation’s effort to detect and prevent acts of terrorism before they happen. Additionally, the skills these veterans gained while in the service will be valuable resources in recovering from any future disasters—be they acts of nature or acts of man," Taylor said.

Taylor's comments follow the recent unclassified Department of Homeland Security report that warns of dangers associated with "right-wing extremists" – and singles out returning war veterans as particular threats.

Talk radio hosts and tens of thousands of American citizens have also expressed outrage over the report during the recent TEA party events around the country, including at the April 15 event in Gulfport.

Veteran organizations have also commented. According to WorldNetDaily.com, officials with the American Legion issued a letter on the DHS report.

"I think it is important for all of us to remember that Americans are not the enemy. The terrorists are," writes David K. Rehbein, national commander of the American Legion, to DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano, according to WorldNetDaily.com

The DHS report is titled "Right-wing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment," dated April 7. The authors of the report warn against the possibility of violence by unnamed "right-wing extremists" concerned about illegal immigration, increasing federal power, restrictions on firearms, abortion and the loss of U.S. sovereignty.

More Information:

American Legion to the Department of Homeland Security: We are Not Terrorists - WorldNetDaily.com

Chorus of Protests Grow Over Report of Right Wing Radicalism - foxnews.com

Are You a Right Wing Terrorist? - dawsontimes.com