Government Terrorism Accusations Are Tools of Political Repression, Then and Now
Source: Steve Fraser. "My Life as a “Terrorist”." February 22, 2026. jacobin.com
The Gist
The government falsely accused the author of terrorism in 1969 to shut down his anti-war activism, and today they're doing the same thing to even more people. These accusations aren't about real terrorism - they're about silencing anyone who challenges those in power.
Conclusion
The government's use of terrorism accusations serves as a tool of political repression to suppress dissent, with the scope of such accusations expanding dramatically from the 1960s to today
Premises
- In 1969, the author and fellow SDS members were falsely accused of plotting to blow up the Liberty Bell, with explosives planted by authorities
- The timing of the accusations coincided with effective anti-establishment organizing, particularly against the University City Science Center project
- The case involved collaboration between local police, FBI, and media to create a public spectacle that discredited the movement
- Today's political climate shows an even broader application of terrorism accusations against ordinary protesters and elected officials
- The constitutional protections that once helped defend against false accusations are now weaker and less reliable
- Both historical and contemporary terrorism accusations target those challenging established power structures rather than actual terrorists
Assumptions
- Government authorities will fabricate evidence to suppress political movements they view as threatening
- Media outlets will cooperate with law enforcement to amplify false narratives
- The definition of 'terrorism' is politically malleable and used strategically rather than based on actual criminal behavior
- Constitutional protections have deteriorated since the 1960s
- Political movements that challenge capitalism and war policies are particularly targeted for repression