Michigan State Representative Sarah Anthony, who represents part of Lansing where protests at the state’s capital are commonplace, is worried about the uptick of “incidents involving domestic terrorism over the last few years” and cites the January 6, 2021 protest at the US Capitol building as evidence.

As a way to get out ahead of any future incidents like the time American citizens entered the Capitol building on January 6—some by force and some who entered while police officers stood by and watched, Anthony is proposing legislation that specifically targets US veterans.

The Democrat state representative isn’t targeting violent Black Lives Matter or Antifa activists who break into federal buildings and light them on fire. She’s not targeting the criminal BLM/Antifa activists who burned and looted several businesses in the city she represents on May 31, 2020, at the height of the Wuhan virus pandemic.

MI Rep. Anthony (D) is instead, fighting to make sure Michigan’s US veterans who’ve served our nation don’t even think about taking part in a protest that might turn violent or consider joining a militia or group that might be perceived as anti-government. According to the Dem Rep., there is plenty of reason to believe veterans are being targeted to participate in organizations the Left has defined as  “domestic terrorists.” If Rep. Anthony has her way, veterans will not only be charged and prosecuted like everyday civilians, but as an added bonus, they’ll also be stripped of state-administered benefits they earned when they honorably served our nation.

In her memo to MI House colleagues today, Anthony wrote:

This week, I will have a blueback available at my desk (seat #71) to preclude veterans from receiving state administered benefits if they are convicted of a domestic terrorism offense.

We have seen a significant uptick in incidents involving domestic terrorism over the last few years, including several threats and planned attacks against state-level elected officials in Michigan. Last month, FBI Director Wray reported that the bureau’s domestic terrorism caseload has roughly doubled in the last year alone.

Fortunately, Michigan has been a leader in counterterrorism efforts, with clear laws regulating and prosecuting acts of terrorism against the state. The Michigan Anti-Terrorism Act defines an act of terrorism as a willful and deliberate act that is intended to pose a danger to human life, intimidate or coerce a group or affect government action. Violations of this act would be considered a felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison. My bill would add language to the definition of veteran to clearly exclude those who violate the “Michigan anti-terrorism act” from receiving state-administered veteran benefits.

Counterterrorism and homeland security experts have said the most significant domestic terrorism threat facing our nation right now comes from racially or ethnically motivated violent extremists and self-styled militias, groups that often target veterans in recruitment. In the violent insurrection at the U.S. Capitol on January 6th, 21 of the 150 people arrested for federal offenses were active military personnel and veterans, with recent reports showing more than 30 veterans charged for their role in the event. In light of these numbers, high ranking defense officials and policymakers have expressed a commitment to further engaging with active-duty military members and improving supports for veterans as they transition to civilian life; these efforts are aimed at ensuring military members and veterans are not targeted for radicalization or recruited by extremist groups.

The recent statistics are not only alarming from a public safety and homeland security standpoint, but also devastating to the reputation of our troops. I am grateful to have worked in tandem with the Michigan Military and Veterans Affairs Agency to develop this legislation. We will continue to work together to pass sound public policy that holds domestic terrorists accountable and ensures the unpatriotic and deplorable actions of a few bad actors do not tarnish the contributions of the thousands of Michiganders who honorably protect and serve our country.

There is a clear double standard in our nation, with Democrats and the Deep State stop codifying violent Black Lives Matter and Antifa rioters while blatantly placing a target on the backs of our veterans and law enforcement officers. How much longer will spineless Republicans in state and federal legislatures allow this trend to continue?

 

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