American Terror Plots Foiled

On Wednesday, April 25th police stopped a terrorist bombing attempt, potentially saving many lives. The alleged terrorist had planted an explosive device with enough power and destructive design to wreak havoc in Austin, Texas.

"The device we examined was in fact an explosive device. It was also configured in such a way as to cause serious bodily injury or death." Austin Assistant Police Chief David Carter said. Not the terror attack you heard about on the news?

Maybe it's this one. The very next day - April 26th, 2007 - agents of the ATF, FBI, and other agencies conducted raids in four Alabama counties and arrested six members of the so-called "Alabama Free Militia" on weapons charges. Agents also seized 130 grenades, a grenade launcher, a machine gun, a short-barreled shotgun, two silencers, various other firearms, components for making explosives, more than 2,500 rounds of ammunition, 70 IEDs, and over 100 marijuana plants. Apparently, the plants were providing funding for the militia group, similar to how the Taliban funds itself through opium sales.

For those unfamiliar with the term, IED stands for "improvised explosive device." Yea, that's right - the same type of weapon that is killing troops in Iraq. Oh, that's not the story you heard about either?

You must be thinking of the six who were arrested today, May 8th, in New Jersey. The six were allegedly planning to attack soldiers at the Fort Dix military installation. They stand accused of planning to attack the base directly, possibly using the guise of pizza delivery persons to gain access. The group was arrested when the tried to buy weapons through an FBI informer. They apparently were infiltrated after a suspicious store clerk contacted authorities after the group brought in a DVD of themselves that they wanted copied. The video showed them practicing their tactics in a forest and drew the interest of the clerk.

Don't get me wrong, the New Jersey conspirators were a very real threat. Law enforcement - and the wary clerk - are to be commended. What I am wondering is why almost everyone has heard about it, but very few know of the other two instances of terrorism being thwarted. Anyone care to guess why?

Why did an explosive device - reportedly filled with nails and made in a very deadly fashion - not get reported? Why have residents of Austin, Texas expressed dismay at the fact that the incident that forced evacuations and a freeway shutdown barely got mentioned nationally? Oh, that's right - the bomb was placed in front of an abortion clinic. If not for good observation by a citizen, who knows what the result might have been.

The biggest mentions were from short wires sent out by the Associated Press and Rueters. There was actually more coverage in overseas publications. As one blogger said 'this is certainly worthy of national news, no? Well, not if its a bomb meant for an abortion clinic, obviously." A response posted says "Grow up. Do you think anyone actually cares that a baby killing abortion mill is blown up?'

On a blog talking about the "militia" group being arrested in Alabama, there were some very colorful comments left. One said "The Alabama Free Militia is very much needed and had every right to use extreme force in protecting themselves and more should take action against the ATF and FBI and any members of any government agency which does not believe in bearing arms to defend yourself should be laid to rest with EXTREME FORCE until all members are freed and their arms returned." Sounds like someone might be getting a visit.

"So now, you just get arrested for doing nothing illegal and just owing a "lot: of guns," another blogger adds. I would think that IEDs goes beyond a "lot" of guns. There are quite a few more interesting opinions on the AFM, which should be taken every bit as serious as some guys running around through the forest yelling "Allahu Akbar!" I don't hear anyone on the national stage saying 'Fight the Bubbas in 'Bama so we don't have to fight them here."

Please, don't misinterpret - I applaud the efforts of good citizens and law enforcement in all three cases. I just find it interesting that the first two caught very little attention, but the last instance has been getting top story coverage all day long. From what I could tell, all the right-wing talking heads made it their lead story, and spent quite some time talking about it. Do we know the reason? Of course we do - they are Muslims, and they are immigrants. This is a legitimate story that also serves to feed the hate machine of the American fundamentalist far right.

So pay attention, America, but don't be manipulated. Be alert, but don't be taken in by the politics of fear, paranoia, and race baiting.