Putting an end to homegrown terrorism

Long Islanders should be proud that as a result of the Republican victories in November, U.S. Rep. Peter King returned as chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee.

We should also sleep a little better at night.

Since President Obama took office, security officials have been reluctant to label attacks by Muslim extremists in our nation as acts of terrorism. Many believe that the president is handling these matters too delicately, and for the last two years his administration has mismanaged and belittled what I believe has become the largest threat to national security — homegrown terrorism.

I understand the president believes that being politically correct may help him gain support from moderate Muslims around the world. However, we must not allow political correctness to interfere with national security.

Islamic terrorist factions such as Al Qaeda have amplified their recruiting processes right here on American soil. In recent years, the U.S. has witnessed a drastic increase in terrorist activity involving extremists who are American citizens. Between Sept. 11, 2001, and the end of December 2009, we averaged six attempted acts of Islamic terrorism by radicalized U.S. citizens per year.

Last year was no different. First, a member of the Army attacked the Fort Hood Army base, killing 13 innocent soldiers and injuring an additional 30. Then, in early May, a Connecticut man attempted to detonate a car bomb in New York City, but thankfully it was unsuccessful.

Since regaining his chairmanship, King has announced that in an effort to combat homegrown terrorism, he plans to hold hearings to investigate Islamic radicalization and recruitment in the U.S. Now that he’s back, the so-called wall of political correctness led by The New York Times is coming crashing down. Their attacks are politically motivated and are the epitome of what’s wrong with political correctness.