Did you know that the Richard McGarrah Helms CIA made an operational

[bobthedrummer]

description change from "political dissidents" to "international terrorists" on 12-5-72 when MH CHAOS (headed by Richard Ober) became the International Terrorism Group (also headed by Richard Ober)?

Helms and his Deputy Director Karramessines began the illegal domestic program after an article was published in Ramparts magazine (about CIA involvement on US college campuses) August 3, 1967.

Source: NYT article by Seymour Hersh published 12-22-74.

Obviously, there is a big difference between a political dissident and a real international terrorist-but some in the national security community have operated without that distinction for many decades.

I know many American citizens were affected by the MH CHAOS domestic program(s).

Anyone have any experience with this illegal program, or know of someone that did?

Btw, these types of programs grew much worse during the administration of Richard M. Nixon under the Huston Plan which covertly authorized the use of all the resources of the government to be used to neutralize and divide political opposition.

I think there are ripples from this being used in this "war on terror" launched by the administration of George W. Bush aka The War President-especially in "labeling" anyone or anything as a terrorist or terrorist supporter.

[bryant69]

1. The Difference between Bush and Nixon

Is that Nixon did not have a huge conservative media (Rush Limbaugh, Michael Savage, Bill O'Reilly, Sean Hannity, The Wall Street Journal Editorial Page, the Washington Times, and so on and so forth) to make these claims.

I'm pretty sure if you look at administration voices, you won't find very many who say that liberals are the equivielent of terrorists. They don't need to. They know that the claims will be made by their allies.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[bobthedrummer]

2. Yes, we had a much more balanced media then.

This labeling thing can really mess up a democracy, like during the McCarthy era.

What we've been experiencing since the current administration took office is much worse though-way too much secrecy to cover-up criminals and crimes imo.

I am sad to have to use the world media instead of our own to attempt to stay abreast of current events.

But I'm sure that will change after we vote President Kerry in, there is a lot of work to be done for a better future for US, starting with simple facts to counter the complexities of lies broadcast here.

[bobthedrummer]

3. Maybe one way to begin to fix the intelligence failure would be the repeal

of the 1947 National Security Act.

And let's not forget the Homeland Security thing either, political dissidents are certainly not "terrorists", but patriotic Americans of the opposition imo.

[bemildred]

4. That would be a start.

It seems blatantly unconstitutional anyway, but
the government has long since been treating the
Constitution as a set of "recommendations" when
it comes to police and security matters.

[bobthedrummer]

5. Don't forget some of the foundational ingredients of national security

1. Real Nazis, their families and friends
2. Organized crime
3. Cultists

Hello? Ring any bells?