FBI Release on Gold ‘Liberty Dollars’ Conviction
This links to the FBI public statement on the recent conviction of fraudster/wingnut/goldbug Bernard von Nothaus (a Mel Brooks-quality name). It’s easy to cheer the action entirely, but there is a very interesting paragraph in the rationale:
“Attempts to undermine the legitimate currency of this country are simply a unique form of domestic terrorism,” U.S. Attorney Tompkins said in announcing the verdict. “While these forms of anti-government activities do not involve violence, they are every bit as insidious and represent a clear and present danger to the economic stability of this country,” she added. “We are determined to meet these threats through infiltration, disruption, and dismantling of organizations which seek to challenge the legitimacy of our democratic form of government.”
This is a shining example of the problems the GWOT caused for our legal sensibilities and our language. Complete text: