The
most frightening aspect is that the FBI has not been able to build a
case. Months into targeting the activists, there is no evidence that
any of these activists provided "material support for terrorism," as
the subpoenas suggest they are suspected of doing. The FBI is going
after Americans, wrecking people's lives, intimidating those who
believe in their right to dissent and working to further develop
justification for the investigation as it is carried out. And, the FBI
intends to continue the investigation even if there is no evidence.
She thinks that the way the U.S. government uses fear as a way to get things done and get citizens to support wars is part of why her friends and family have been afraid. However, she adds many friends and family have begun to express how ludicrous it is that a Jewish woman and her two Palestinian American friends are being criminalized for taking a trip.
The outpouring of support for the activists from unions, colleges, religious groups, etc has been encouraging to Smith. She thinks the wide range of support has taken shape because this investigation demonstrates "anybody that has dissented" against "US political policies here or internationally" can be targeted. She never thought it imaginable that something like this could happen, but unfortunately, the U.S. government is giving a security apparatus, revitalized after 9/11, carte blanche to keep Americans safe by trampling over civil liberties.
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