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The newly released classified documents in question reveal shockingly how dissent was dealt with during the Covid-19 pandemic by the Biden administration. Investigative journalist Michael Shellenberger wrote: “In December of 2021, opponents to Covid mandates were deemed ‘Domestic Violent Extremists’ by the FBI and Department of Homeland Security (DHS).” This has led to public outrage and has many wondering why the government would trouble ordinary citizens who simply disagreed with the pandemic policies.
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A link in Shellenberger’s post leads to documents wherein federal agencies express concern over those resisting mask mandates, vaccine requirements, and Covid restrictions. While it sounds like a conspiracy theory, the official documents surely attest to its actuality. The classification brought in more scrutiny and monitoring of these individuals, an issue that has caused great distress to civil libertarian groups.
Responding was a rapid, intense flurry of reaction. One sarcastic user commented, having never received their “Domestic Violent Extremist membership card,” highlighting the absurdity of the whole issue. Another pointed out the glaring double standards: peaceful anti-mandate protests are considered threats, while violent ones by the likes of Antifa are allowed to fare free.
This sharp rail continued with one person commenting, “This is why the left hates X—real journalism that exposes their ideology.” This discontent is growing against government actions on the pandemic, especially where many felt their rights infringed.
Some reacted against Shellenberger’s interpretation of events. Another argued that these documents in fact protected nonviolent dissent, thus perhaps calling into question the accuracy of Shellenberger’s report. The overwhelming reaction was one of outrage and betrayal by most, with many positing that the Biden administration had taken its labeling of everyday Americans as enemies of the state one step too far.
The debate also drifted towards a broader denunciation of the administration: Biden was using federal agencies to target political opponents, some argued, whilst others brought up problems with border security and election integrity. This thread had become a vent for long-standing simmering frustrations since the peak of the pandemic.
What frightens people is that it confirms their long-held suspicions of overreach. For several months, skeptics of Covid jurisdiction stated that they were targets singly because of their stand- now they have documented proof. Whether or not this actually grips anything accountable remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: this saga will never end.
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Amid ongoing discussions, what still stands out is the erosion of trust between the citizenry and their governing body. If opposing public health measures was enough to get someone labeled a potential terrorist, what else could possibly be grounds for such extreme scrutiny? Answering that should concern anybody who believes in free speech and civil liberties.