There’s pay-to-play, referring to the money-driven nature of our political system, and now there’s pay-to-overthrow, thanks to a new law on the books in South Carolina. Whether it’s al-Qaeda, Hamas, or even an American fascist group, all terrorists operating in South Carolina now must register with the Secretary of State’s and pay a $5 fee. If they don’t and are caught plotting the destruction of the United States, terrorists could be subject to $25,000 fine and up to 10 years in prison.
The
Subversive Activities Registration Act applies to “every member of a subversive organization, or an organization subject to foreign control, every foreign agent and every person who advocates, teaches, advises or practices the duty, necessity or propriety of controlling, conducting, seizing or overthrowing the government of the United States ....”
Islamic terrorists may have been first and foremost on the minds of lawmakers who passed the law. But the statute would also apply to domestic organizations who call for the downfall of the American political system.
-Noel Brinkerhoff