[announce] Missouri LP Instrumental in Resolution of Controversial MIAC Report

[Official Missouri Libertarian Party Announcements]

Missouri LP Instrumental in Resolution of Controversial MIAC Report

By Cisse W. Spragins

The Missouri Information Analysis Center (MIAC) issued a “Strategic Report” on
February 20th, 2009, which became known to the public in the second week of
March. MIAC is a “fusion center” wherein federal, state, and local law
enforcement officials work together and share information with the stated
mission to combat terrorism and crime. The Centers began after 9/11 and are
funded in part by the Department of Homeland Security.

The internal document designed for law enforcement education purposes
inaccurately and dangerously implied that among the indicators of possible
involvement in extremist, militant militia activity is support for the
Libertarian Party. This memo and its findings are potentially dangerous to both
the people of Missouri and to our system of free political speech.

The memo claimed that membership in, among other groups, the Libertarian Party
and/or the display of what it calls “political paraphernalia” in support of the
party or its 2008 presidential nominee (former US Congressman Bob Barr) could
be an indicator that someone is involved in a “militant militia”.

The memo purported to outline “trends” in extremist militia activity and
claimed those involved in such activity “…commonly associate with 3rd party
political groups.” It went on to claim that militia members were “usually
supporters of” the 2008 Presidential candidates Bob Barr, Republican Rep. Ron
Paul or another third party candidate. While the report claimed to be a memo
about trends in militia activity, no specific evidence was offered to support
the claim.

The memo further listed some “motivators” of dangerous militia involvement.
That list includes, among others:

  * Opposition to gun control legislation
  * Opposition to President Barack Obama’s “Universal Service Program” that
    was discussed during the presidential campaign
  * Opposition to income taxes
  * Opposition to illegal immigration
  * Opposition to abortion 

The Missouri LP got deeply involved in the debate and issued a series of press
releases, denouncing the report as “political profiling” by law enforcement
officials.

The memo was retracted in late March and Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Director John Britt issued apologies for the report’s reference to specific
Presidential candidates, including Libertarian Bob Barr and Republican Ron
Paul, and for the references to specific political organizations, including the
Libertarian Party and the Campaign for Liberty. Van Godsey, the Director of
MIAC who signed off on the report was reassigned.

By working closely with key lawmakers and continuing to apply pressure, the
Missouri LP along with other freedom groups ultimately succeeded in getting the
Legislature to create a special interim committee to investigate the report.
Hearings are being held around the State. The first hearing was held in
Jefferson City in June and the second in St. Louis in July. Hearings in Kansas
City and Springfield are planned for later in August or September.

Missouri LP Chair Glenn Nielsen testified at the St. Louis hearing. Nielsen
noted for the Committee that the motives for violence and extremist behavior
that were listed in the memo were based on racist, anti-gay, anti-semite,
neo-nazi, white supremacist, anti-immigrant or anti-abortion views. He advised
that these views are antithetical to libertarianism and reprehensible to
Libertarians as a motivator for violence against others. He reminded the
committee that Libertarians are staunch advocates for individual liberties and
celebrate the individual while ignoring group characteristics such as skin
color, race or religion. To view Glenn’s testimony, visit the Missouri LP You
Tube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/user/MissouriLP.

The Missouri LP is pleased to be involved and instrumental in the resolution of
this issue. The public outcry was significant and with good reason. Such
actions by government law enforcement officials can have a chilling effect on
one’s desire to be involved in the political process, effectively curtailing
free speech and political expression. Such freedoms are the very backbone of a
free republic.

Link to original article with videeo and Missouri LP State Chair written
testimony: http://www.showmefreedom.org/2009/July/MIACHearing.shtml