If you're a North Texas antiwar activist or Muslim...

Sometimes activists go out and do their actions and come home feeling that nobody ever notices what they do,  so it can be nice to learn that their work is noticed; then again, their work can be noticed in ways that aren't so nice to hear about. On September 29, the Dallas Progressive Examiner reported that a BORDC grading of Obama on privacy and civil liberties mentioned "fusion centers" including one in North Texas.

The website of the North Central Texas Fusion System says that the system was founded in 2006 to focus  "on the prevention and early warning of natural, accidental and intentional disasters in the region." It helps different agencies to share information. Since then its mission has evolved to the point where last February it could send out a bulletin saying that it was "imperative" that law enforcement get information on Muslim groups, lobbying groups and antiwar organizations. Caroline Frederickson of the ACLU thinks this bulletin calls for discrimination against Muslims. “The idea that the tolerance advocated by the groups being targeted would be treated as a menace to American security demonstrates a disregard for civil liberties and a disdain for democracy itself. The kind of indiscriminate and unlawful investigations this bulletin calls for always results in a chilling effect on free speech and association.” 

Rebecca Bernhardt of ACLU TX said "It should be obvious with the constant news of increased violence in Mexico that Texas needs law enforcement to focus on real criminal threats instead of targeting religious minorities and groups with unpopular political opinions.The North Central Texas Fusion Center should be reviewed to determine whether it can contribute to the serious public safety mission of Texas or not."

Michael German, a former FBI agent now with the ACLU said “It demonstrates the lack of professionalism that exists at fusion centers and the severe lack of oversight at the state, local and federal levels. According to its website, North Central Texas Fusion System bulletins are disseminated to thousands of people in over a hundred different agencies, and this report directs law enforcement officers to ‘report' on the political activities of advocacy groups. The web of connections it weaves – drawing parallels between Muslim civil liberties groups, lobbying organizations, peace activists, hip hop bands, a former congresswoman and even the U.S. Treasury Department – would be comical if not for the real consequences that these organizations and individuals might face.”