The article analyzes a report detailing the widespread surveillance and illegal activities of US intelligence agencies against American citizens. It highlights instances of wiretapping, break-ins, and harassment targeting individuals and groups deemed 'un-American' based on their beliefs and political affiliations.
The author traces this pattern back through various presidential administrations, showcasing consistent violations of civil liberties under the guise of national security and the pursuit of ideological purity. Examples cited range from the Truman era's Attorney General's List to the Kennedy administration's COINTELPRO program.
The article emphasizes the systematic nature of this surveillance, noting that it wasn't limited to isolated incidents but rather a widespread and coordinated effort across various agencies.
A central theme is the deeply ingrained American belief in the nation as an 'Idea' or 'Ism,' resulting in a constant need to prove one's Americanism. This has historically allowed for the persecution of those deemed insufficiently patriotic, regardless of whether they broke any laws.
The author argues that this history demonstrates a consistent disregard for civil liberties and the systematic creation of a second-class citizenship for ideological dissidents. This, the author concludes, is a consequence of America's founding principle being a proposition that necessitates adherence to the proposition for citizenship, allowing the persecution of those who don't adhere.