Editor's Note 1/13/22

Few take the threat of domestic terrorism as seriously as U.S. Sen Richard Durbin of Springfield, who first held a hearing on the subject in 2012. This week, following the anniversary of the Jan. 6 Capitol insurrection, Durbin delivered the opening statement to the Senate Judiciary Committee, which he chairs, as it considered his bill to combat terrorism by providing state and local law enforcement more information and resources. "The insurrection should be a wake-up call," he said. "A reminder that America is still confronted with the age-old menace that has taken on new life in the 21st century: terror from white supremacists, militia members and other extremists who use violence to further their twisted agendas. Whether the boosters of the 'Big Lie' know it or not, they are playing with fire." By rationalizing the assault on the Capitol, "they are normalizing the use of violence to achieve political goals." Now local elections officials are threatened, there are violent outbursts on airplanes and at school board meetings, and increasing violence toward police. "No more cowering before any mob," Durbin said. "Our democracy is in the crosshairs of domestic terrorism. It's time to take a stand." –Fletcher Farrar, editor