What I Thought Was Well-Understood

Law enforcement agencies at all levels are known for what should be called entrapment.  At the federal level, for example, agents get wind of some group that sounds like it might be plotting violence and respond by getting operatives to infiltrate the group.  Online, police officers pose as underage girls and get into conversations with perverts who are arrested when they try to make contact with the victim.  While I think any male over sixteen who is trying to seduce a thirteen-year-old girl needs to have his parts run through an old-fashioned wringer washer, entrapment is still a questionable tactic.   Essentially what the LEOs are doing is baiting someone to act, because, so far, prosecution for a thought-crime can be difficult. 

There is no reason to think that federal operatives are NOT posing as anti-government groups and individuals online.  It is a virtual certainty, and, frankly, I would be disappointed in the FBI if they weren't doing it. 

As far as I am concerned, a person can say what they like about any public figure and certainly about any politician or political party, government agency or program.  We have the First Amendment to protect -- specifically -- political and religious speech by individuals.  It doesn't mean we get to slander somebody with impunity, but it does mean the leftists won't be arrested for calling Bush Hitler and right-wing radicals won't go to jail for comparing Michelle Obama to Chewbacca --  although that does come close to slandering the Wookie. 

Right now, there are posters on prepper/patriot/pro-gun/pro-Constitution blogs and websites who are talking about open, armed rebellion.  The federal government would love for a bunch of right-wing, Christian militia-types to start something.  The agents and operatives that are out there will do their best to spark that type of response and add fuel to the fire if it ignites.  They will set up those people -- just like they did the Hutaree militia up in Michigan -- then vilify them in the media. 

Do not engage with such people.  If a revolution or second civil war breaks out, you won't have to worry about missing it.  It won't start over some "tribe" of twenty people in camo who have circled their trailers out in the woods somewhere.  Use your head.  As long as vocal and political opposition is accepted, that is the route we will take.  Unless Obama orders the arrest of Ted Cruz for crimes against the State, Barack the Magnificent, and Dr. Seuss, I'd hold off on planting landmines in the driveway.