FBI Abuse? Seriously? Been There - Done That!

Amid a torrent of self-serving hype President Trump declassified and Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA) chairman of the United States House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence (a former member of President Trump's transition team) released the Memo that was supposed to expose FBI and Justice Department corruption and abuse that represents according to Trump cable advisor Sean Hannity the “the biggest political scandal in American history.” Not.

It is now generally agreed that the memo revealed little and proved nothing. That it did serve to tell the world, particularly America's allies, that once again the Trump Administration and now the United States Congress can not be trusted with sensitive classified information is apparent. The global affect of this public leak is yet to be seen. That the media stunt was intended to smooth the way for the firing of Rod Rosenstein and ultimate shut down of the Mueller investigation seems evident - whether it actually comes to pass or not.

Be that as it may my concern as always is how should we, African Americans, view this internecine political warfare. We begin by identifying what this is really about.

No matter what their actual motive Trump and Nunes' underlying contention is that the FBI is corrupt - that it has acted for political purposes and abused its authority. Specifically the base allegation is that agencies of the United States Government have violated the law by launching investigations for political gain that represented a dangerous abuse of power. And that the objective of these departments was a "witch hunt" called the Mueller investigation. Yes I know they say that this is about the improper issuance of a FISA (United States Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act) warrant that authorized surveillance of Carter Page. But don't be fooled. FISA warrants are issued by judges. Can you say judicial branch?

The Real Question

Is it far fetched to believe that the Federal Bureau of Investigation is corrupt and engaged in a political attempt to undermine the so-called rule of law? Should we be shocked if it proves to be true? Seriously? As always the answer depends on who you ask. For African Americans, myself included, it is or should be a no-brainer. Can you say Cointelpro?

Cointelpro

The COunter INTELligence PROgram of the Federal Bureau of Investigation was initiated by its then Director the late J. Edgar Hoover. The intent of the mostly illegal program was to surveil, infiltrate, discredit and disrupt domestic political organizations. Its main focus however, was the civil rights movement.

For the sake of comparison please understand that Cointepro was exposed at roughly the same time as Watergate. But it was far more insidious than the burglary at the Democratic National Committee offices. Unlike Watergate which was a botched third rate burglary Cointelpro was a clandestine, government program intended to undermine the legal, and constitutionally protected activities of American citizens.

In the course of their illegal activities the FBI (an arm of the Justice Department) infiltrated civil rights organizations, manufactured and disseminated false information about them and their activities. The stated intention of the program was to destroy any person or organization that would dare try to encourage our people to stand up and fight for their rights. Perhaps more importantly its purpose was to prevent the rise of a black messiah.

Although it is not mentioned in the Cointelpro Memorandum of August 25, 1967 it does not take a rocket scientist to figure out that what they really meant was to prevent another Marcus Mosiah Garvey.

In 1919 nearly half a century before Cointelpro Hoover and his FBI targeted Garvey for neutralization despite the fact that he had admiitedly done nothing illegal. His only crime was in Hoover's words " ... he has also been particularly active among the radical elements in New York City in agitating the negro movement. Unfortunately, however, he has not as yet violated any federal law ...." Unfortunately?

I do not say the Republicans are right. But when you tell me that the Republicans say that the FBI and the Department of Justice have abused their authority I only ask what else is new? As an African American I know it is possible because it has happened to us in the past and appears to be happening now. In 1976 the Final Report of the Select Committee To Study Governmental Operations With Respect To intelligence Activities United States Senate concluded on the matter of Cointelpro (at p.77) that:

"... COINTELPRO was wrong. Official repudiation of the programs is long overdue. The American people need to be assured that never again will an agency of the government be permitted to conduct a secret war against those citizens it considers threats to the established order. Only a combination of legislative prohibition and Departmental control can guarantee that COINTELPRO will not happen again." Hmm - A secret war. Can it happen again?

Are you now or

have you ever been a

Black Identity Extremist?

Although J. Edgar Hoover is long dead and the Counter Intelligence Program is said to have been dismantled in 1971 the FBI has now discovered Black Identity Extremists.

An FBI Intelligence Assessment released in August 2017 entitled Black Identity Extremists Likely Motivated To Target Law Enforcement in which the Bureau indicates it has "high confidence" black identity extremists are defined as:

"... individuals who seek, wholly or in part, through unlawful acts of force or violence, in response to perceived racism and injustice in American society and some do so in furtherance of establishing a separate black homeland or autonomous black social institutions, communities, or governing organizations within the United States. This desire for physical or psychological separation is typically based on either a religious or political belief system, which is sometimes formed around or includes a belief in racial superiority or supremacy."

The assessment also notes, however, that "The mere advocacy of political or social positions, political activism, use of strong rhetoric, or generalized philosophic embrace of violent tactics may not constitute extremism, and may be constitutionally protected." (emphasis added). Please read that again.

As to whether or not the Federal Bureau of Investigation and/or the United States Justice Department is capable of abusing its power for political gain - the answer from the African American experience is a resounding yes! FBI Abuse? Seriously? Been there - done that!

"The chickens always come home to roost."

Malcolm X

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Johnnie Cordero holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science and a Doctorate in Jurisprudence. He is the author of Total Black Empowerment: A Guide to Critical Thinking in the Age of Trump. His new book Theodicy and The Power of the African Will is now available on Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and other on line book sellers. Visit my website at www.totalblackempowerment.com.