How do you describe a terrorist? Do they have to be violent? Is their primary cause to spread fear?

There are no right or wrong answers of course.

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Is our children learning? -George W. Bush

"I think—tide turning—see, as I remember—I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of—it's easy to see a tide turn—did I say those words?"—Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006

"[T]he illiteracy level of our children are appalling."—Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2004

I would first define "acts of terror":

"Acts of terror" are acts of violence that target civilians for the purpose of terrifying a population of civilians, for extortion, or for political leverage.

A Terrorist would therefore be:
- One who is a perpetrator in an act of terror
- One who is caught planning, directing, recruiting for, or conducting an act of terror
- One who endorses or threatens to carry out an act of terror.

Being a terrorist is a crime and should be prosecuted as such. There should be varying levels of punishment commensurate with the crime including capital punishment.

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Congratulations President-Elect Obama

Yes, there are right and wrong answers. If there is no clear definition, then anyone can be one. I would suggest you start with a dictionary. You will find them useful when determining the meaning of words.

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In case you were wondering, yes, there really ARE more idiots these days....technology has made natural selection obsolete.

There are at least 100 definitions floating around. Which ones are wrong? Can you cite them? Which ones are right and why? Maybe you should rest for a while. Your participation in the "Texas Hero" thread seems to have angered up your blood.

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Is our children learning? -George W. Bush

"I think—tide turning—see, as I remember—I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of—it's easy to see a tide turn—did I say those words?"—Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006

"[T]he illiteracy level of our children are appalling."—Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2004

No it hasn't. I just don't tolerate the mentality that there are no right or wrong answers.

If there is nothing right or wrong, then there can be no right or wrong, legal or illegal, justified or unjustified, good or bad, etc.

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In case you were wondering, yes, there really ARE more idiots these days....technology has made natural selection obsolete.

Was this thread started to spur serious discussion or just a troll to stir up gun fanatics?

I think terrorism can be clearly defined. In political terms, I think the Bush Admin has done a poor job creating a definition for it. Obviously, it uses the term too broadly and loosely. The whole war on terrorism needs a redefinition and a reassessment of it's goals and it's approach to combat terrorism.

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Congratulations President-Elect Obama

I'm not trying to troll. I noticed that many definitions allow for governments to be considered terrorists agents. Many definitions mention violence and many don't.

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Is our children learning? -George W. Bush

"I think—tide turning—see, as I remember—I was raised in the desert, but tides kind of—it's easy to see a tide turn—did I say those words?"—Washington, D.C., June 14, 2006

"[T]he illiteracy level of our children are appalling."—Washington, D.C., Jan. 23, 2004

Maybe you can post some that don't include mention of violence. I'd consider those to be suspect as I've never heard of a non-violent terrorist.

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Congratulations President-Elect Obama

hey ask the UN dude..but first ask them to tell you what their definition of one is...

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No individual can plan his own existence in their view.

So the state planners must arrogate to themselves the right to manipulate any sector of the economic system if the good of “society” or the “general welfare” is paramount.

Ipso- if the rights of the individual get in the way, the rights of the individual must be sublimated.

The Road to Serfdom
FA Hayek (interpretation)


Mortgage Backed Security survivor

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