Views on Terrorism
This is merely a re-post of an article I wrote weeks ago, but I think it's important to reiterate my view on the subject.
It has been recently brought to my attention (by people who actually concentrate on my comments or posts rather than my profile) that some of my statements come across as sympathetic to what is colloquially defined as "terror."
I am not, nor ever have been, supportive of terror, terrorism, or any other related actions; I feel that they fly in the face of basic morality.
As far as the question of "do the ends justify the means" (as in, if a positive goal is achieved does that justify the negative way it was brought about), I believe that they most certainly do not.
Call me a dreamer, but I believe that human beings have within their nature the capability to accomplish their goals without sacrificing basic human morality.
Regarding morality, I agree with conclusions reached by Plato and Aristotle that not only is morality the most effective means to achieve one's objectives, it is also it's own reward.
That having been said, there is an important aspect of this dialogue that is not being covered. It is important to contemplate the difference (?) between a "freedom fighter" and a "terrorist," especially as it relates to one's self image.
If I may, I would like to leave you with a question. Or a few, perhaps. Of the following, whom would you consider to be a "freedom fighter" and whom a "terrorist." Or are they neither? Or both? (What exactly constitutes "terrorism" these days anyway?) Furthermore, does their view of themself hold true to your characterisation, and does the historical record agree with your point of view, or theirs? Does that historical record change with the times? So what are they, really, then?
Nelson Mandela? Gerry Adams? Osama Bin Ladin? Yassir Arafat? Shimon Peres? Emmanuel Constant? Bobby Sands? James Connolly? George Washington? Robert E. Lee? William Wallace? Che Guevera? Fidel Castro? Ronald Reagan? George Bush? Abu Abbas? George Shultz? Leon Klinghoffer? Kemal Zugheyer? Bill Clinton? Margaret Thatcher? Bobby Seale? Ali Akbar Mohtashemi? Wolfe Tone? Txabi Etxebarrieta?
And, perhaps most importantly, why?
Tags:
Israel,
Recommended,
Terrorism
3 comments:
Excellent distinction. It does rather depend on where you sare standing to justify the positive in any of them.
As an American, Leon Klinghoffer could have been viewed as a terrorist by the palestinians (the same as half of the detainees at guantanamo, who never took up arms against america, are held because of a supposed "support" for "terrorist" organisations) strictly based on his nationality. The U.S. government gives a rediculous amount of military assistance to Israel, which often uses it while killing civilians... the U.S. government is supposed to be representative of the american people. As such, from their (the hijackers) perspective (based on the current "war on terror" doctrine), he could have been a terrorist for his indirect support of the murderous incursions, which are by definition terrorism. (this all ONLY from the perspective of the palestinian hijackers, who probably thought they were somehow doing the right thing from the "ends justify the means" standpoint, with the "ends" being freedom for palestine, etc).
Terrorism, as defined by Merriam Webster Online Dictionary:
the systematic use of violence (as bombing) committed by groups in order to intimidate a population or government into granting their demands [/especially as a means of coercion]
(Am I the only one who doesn't like the idea that nowadays the official government usage of "terrorism" is so broad that it could include an executed hostage?)
hey.
We're a group of Student's doing project work on terrorism from Temasek Junior College in Singapore.
May we know if you're working in an area regarding security? we would love to interview you if you are. alternatively, we would love to consult your expertise on this matter seeing that you seem to have an interet in that topic.
please contact us at a_r_c_h_e_d@hotmail.com or adrain_tan89@hotmail.com or letter_madness@hotmail.com. Alternatively you can call our group leader, adrian. at 92717971. thank you. =) we appreciate your time
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