Recently the White House issued National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 (NSPM-7), a directive aimed at combating “domestic terrorism and organized political violence.” While this sounds reasonable on the surface, NSPM-7 poses real dangers to everyday Americans who are simply trying to exercise their constitutional rights.

This order gives federal agencies sweeping powers to track money, monitor groups, and investigate citizens. Banks are directed to report “suspicious” donations, but what counts as suspicious is left wide open. That means anyone giving to a local charity, church, advocacy group, or political organization could suddenly find themselves under investigation.

This isn’t just about extremists – every one of us could be at risk. NSPM-7 orders investigation of organizations, groups, and individuals espousing what it calls “indicators of violence” including: anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism, anti-Christianity; support for the overthrow of the United States Government; extremism on migration, race, and gender; or hostility towards those who hold traditional American views on family, religion, and morality.

Imagine attending a peaceful protest, volunteering for a civic group, or writing a check to a charity you support. Under NSPM-7, these perfectly legal actions could be misinterpreted and put you under investigation. And once your name is in a government database, getting out is never easy.

The potential effect is chilling. Free speech, free assembly, and the right to give or volunteer without fear are cornerstones of American life. When we hesitate to speak out or support our beliefs, democracy and fairness suffer. Our voices are muted not by disagreement, but by fear of being watched and prosecuted.

National Security Presidential Memorandum-7 hands too much unchecked power to the government, and risks turning good, law-abiding citizens into suspects. For the sake of fairness and freedom, our elected leaders must place firm limits and oversight on this order before it erodes the rights we all hold dear.

DAVID B. KYLE

New Columbia

Submitted by email