When Paranoia Becomes Policy
If someone in a bar started shouting the kinds of things we’re now hearing from our federal government, most people would laugh and move down the counter. But when those same outlandish claims come from agencies like ICE, they’re no longer a joke—they’re policy.
Take the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia. According to a recent Chicago Tribune article*, ICE justified deporting him by alleging he was a gang member—based on the fact that he owned a Chicago Bulls cap. Should we now deport Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, too? What about the millions of fans who wear similar hats?
Meanwhile, on April 3rd, Donald Trump abruptly fired General Timothy D. Haugh, the head of the NSA and U.S. Cyber Command, along with his deputy and several National Security Council staffers. Reports suggest the purge came at the urging of right-wing conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer.
And now, as On The Media has highlighted, right-wing media is amplifying conspiracies that frame “the Left” as violent and corrupt—priming the public to accept even more radical actions to the administration’s political opponents..
Connect the dots, and the direction is chillingly clear: we’re creeping toward a time when political dissent could mean imprisonment—or worse. Overseas detention could become a way to bypass legal protections entirely.
So yes, ditch the ball cap if you think that’ll help—but know this: in a world ruled by conspiracy, the emblem on the cap doesn’t matter. If they want to come for you, they’ll find a reason.
* Source: Chicago Tribue article, “A Chicago Bulls hat triggered a man’s deportation — and profiling of such apparel and tattoos could be on the rise”)