It’s official: I, Scott Burns, am a terrorist.Don’t take my word for it. Just ask the Missouri Department of Public Safety.In a report issued in February, Missouri authorities determined virtually any civilian who displays a rational defiance to governmental power abuse could potentially be a domestic terrorist, according to the Missouri Information and Analysis Center (MIAC).The report intended to identify possible leaders of the underground “militia movement.””Militia members most commonly associate with third party political groups. It is not uncommon for militia members to display Constitutional Party, Campaign for Liberty, or Libertarian material. These members are usually supporters of former presidential candidates: Ron Paul, Chuck Baldwin, and Bob Barr,” according to the opening of the MIAC report.All these groups have chapters at the University.Moreover, I’ve been involved with each group to some degree, making me the terrorist trifecta — a perfect storm of mutiny, dissatisfaction and insurrection.But don’t expect me to get rid of my Ron Paul bumper sticker anytime soon.The report began receiving media attention after rumors leaked on the Alex Jones Show on March 11.The Associated Press later confirmed the document’s existence, which explicitly placed third party followers at the same threat level as domestic terrorists.What’s alarming about the report is how it targets ordinary citizens with virtually no substantial evidence.The report continues: “Members of the militia movement often subscribe to the ideology of other right-wing extremist movements such as Christian identity and                        sovereign citizens.””Right wing extremists and militia leaders continuously exploit current world events in order to increase participation in their movements. Due to the current economic and political situation, a lush environment for militia activity has been created.”In a section entitled, “You are the enemy,” the report says the “militia” has a tendency to worry about the organization of a National World Order, which would consolidate all the affluent world empires into one totalitarian authority.Conspirators also fear the possible formation of a North American Union, which would combine Mexico, Canada and America under a common rule of law, potentially erase border controls and create a uniform currency known as the AMERO.The report also warns about the potential threat waged by those who oppose the Federal Reserve System, encouraging officers to watch for any anti-nationalist tendencies.Despite pressure, Missouri Gov. Jeremiah Nixon initially refused to renounce the report, claiming authorities should be able to designate potential threats without interference to keep ordinary citizens safe.Protecting civilians is respectable, but security shouldn’t come at the expense of free speech. Authorities must ensure their reports are driven by truth, not speculation.Citizens can’t trust a government that ignores individual freedom.Nixon’s administration eventually reversed its position following massive public outcry. On March 24, John Britt, director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, wrote a letter to Paul, Baldwin and Barr formally apologizing for the “regrettable information” included in the report.If Nixon wants to keep his state safe from potential threats, he should start by admonishing those responsible for filing such an inaccurate report.Freedom of speech is a staple of our republic. Missouri security advisers have the right to keep their citizens safe, but they shouldn’t use that power to distort truth and suppress dissenting views.Government is intended to give citizens a voice, not take it away.Scott Burns is a 19-year-old political science and business sophomore from Baton Rouge.–Contact Scott Burns at [email protected]