Stack, Bedell, and Hasan

[unixronin]

STRATFOR discusses whether Joe Stack and John Patrick Bedell were terrorists.

Personally, I don't think it is productive to label every lone nut a terrorist.  One should not confuse the intent to create terror as a political tactic with the intent to strike a blow at a government that one has come to hate or fear.  Judging by the evidence available, Bedell was mentally unstable; Stack had simply reached the end of his rope.  But terrorism is, ultimately, a considered, rational act.  Maj. Nidal Malik Hasan's actions and motivation meet a reasonable definition of terrorism.  Stack's and Bedell's do not, and broadening the definition of terrorism to encompass every new berserker is not only misleading, it cannot but end up doing harm to our civil liberties.

Comments

[lebo-superman.livejournal.com]

I've been thinking about this all day, and frankly, I think your last 11 words sum up the whole reason for this trend (broadening the definition of "terrorist"). For years, the government has been steadfast in moving to restrict civil liberty in all forms.