I smell a rat.

Just in time for Christmas, something creepy this way comes. I haven't seen anything about it in the media, but look what the House of Representatives passed 404-6. Named the Violent Radicalization and Homegrown Terrorism Prevention Act of 2007, it's a proposal for a commission, hearings, reports etc. with the purpose of finding out if people are planning or thinking dangerous thoughts. It's dressed up as a way to prevent attacks like those in 2001 and those experienced in Europe and Israel, and is essentially to be an arm of the Department of Homeland Security. It's sponsors felt the need to insert lip service to civil liberties and constitutional rights. But, they didn't specify exactly what could and could not be done to subjects of inquiries or to those subpoenaed to testify before the commission. To his credit, my congressman, Jerry Costello, of Illinois, voted 'no'.