The Department of Homeland Security recently released a report titled “Rightwing Extremism: Current Economic and Political Climate Fueling Resurgence in Radicalization and Recruitment.” The primary point of the document was to alert law enforcement officials that returning veterans from the two war fronts may be prime targets of recruiters for rightwing extremist groups. The concern is, of course, that some may be influenced by certain ideologies which will result in violence. To be sure, there are a few bad apples in any barrel, but to insult the fine people in our military by issuing such a “warning” is unconscionable. Why not submit a DHS assessment on all the members of Congress for in the minds of millions of Americans, some in that body represent a far greater threat to our national security.

If my count is correct, the communiqué employs the phrase “rightwing extremism” 38 times with 14 more uses of the word “extremism” in the same context. That’s 52 expressions in an eight page report. It seems a little odd that there is not one mention of “leftwing extremism”---not even a hint. Have not the Lefties, Greenies, PETA, Weathermen, Black Panthers, etc. demonstrated acts of violence? Then there is the President’s buddy, Bill Ayers. Perhaps the theory is that the current administration will keep that group pacified with its present social agenda.

Defusing criticism can often be accomplished by simply shifting it to another bull’s eye. Those who are now left with the finger on the trigger are being more frequently questioned about their patriotism, and so the implemented solution is to move he who leads the dance one step to the left and allow the bullet to hit the true patriot.

Mr. Webster defines a patriot as “one who loves his country and zealously supports its authority and interest.” It seems logical that the passion of this kind of individual would exceed a concern for any special interest group. If interviewed, how many troops would specify that they are in Iraq to protect unions, auto manufacturers, credit card companies, banks, rabid environmentalists, gay groups or California? The preservation of some of these entities may be a result of victory, but we can be double dog guaranteed that’s not the principle thinking of GI Joe. Pat Tilman who had a lucrative NFL future did not leave football and go to Afghanistan to die for the players’ union but for America!

The Bible maintains that the political endeavors of mankind follow full circles and consequently, are destined to be repeated. Every major scenario has already been recorded in its pages which allow us to observe the continual recycling of history. Israel faced a grave enemy in the Philistines who threatened their destruction. Young David stepped up to the plate and hit a grand slam when he slew their champion, the giant Goliath. His efforts were applauded and his military instincts were acknowledged by the populace. His success provided safety for the nation but engendered jealousy on the part of King Saul. The commander-in-chief became so paranoid about protecting his reputation that he forsook his own responsibility of national security to chase the true patriot into the wilderness, endeavoring on several attempts to eliminate David’s memory.

Mr. President, you have said you are unalterably opposed to torture---so please, cease in your torture of us! Your incessant rhetoric blasting the last eight years is driving some of your citizens close to the loony bin. Your speech on May 21st mentioned your disapproval of the last administration no less than 28 times. Quit chasing fleas (David’s words in I Samuel 24:14) and give the American public a clear and precise plan of action for protection against terrorism. Do not allow the DHS to cast dispersions on the very people who are fighting and dying for our safeguarding.

David found himself in conservative exile but, with a small army of 600 men, continued to patrol the borders of Israel and provide safety for the population. The testimony of the working men concerning David’s ground forces was “they were a wall unto us both by night and day; all the while we were with them keeping the sheep.” (I Samuel 25:16) Their employer, a liberal named Nabal, was a direct beneficiary of the presence of these patriots, but all he could offer was disparagement. (I Samuel 25:10) The hard work of the CIA, FBI and our military since 9/11 has delivered us from attack but there are many Nabal’s in Washington and the media. David encountered more than one opportunity to silence the king but refused on the grounds that God was more than capable of doing that without his help. His second-in-command, Abishai, was more aggressive in attitude and perfectly willing to voice his opinion. “Abishai” Cheney will not go away but persists in telling the public that the “wall” cannot be denigrated. He has been loudly vilified for his convictions concerning national security, but at the same time former vice-president Al Gore is given a Nobel prize for his doctrine of global warming. I’m not a scientist, but I wonder how much one suitcase nuke in New York would warm the planet?

Josephus the great historian of antiquity defined an army as “a body of men assembled to rectify the mistakes of the diplomats.” Let’s pray the diplomats don’t wreck the wall.