Definition of Terrorism

The most civilized people are as near to barbarism as the most polished steel is to rust. Nations, like metals, have only a superficial brilliancy. -Antoine de Rivarol, epigrammatist (1753-1801)

ter·ror·ism- n. The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence by a person or an organized group against people or property with the intention of intimidating or coercing societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.

terrorism- 1795, in specific sense of "government intimidation during the Reign of Terror in France" (1793-July 1794), from Fr. terrorisme (1798), from L. terror (see terror).

By its definition, the war against "terrorism" will be a war with no end, because anyone can and may use terrorism to intimidate or coerce someone else. Most governments use terrorism at one time or another on their own citizens.

Certainly our government actions towards other foreign governments, sending billions of dollars in aid to a country like Pakistan for instance, a country that harbors enemies of the United States, should be considered terrorism.

The governments define what is lawful and what is unlawful. It is "legal" for the government to aid a country like Pakistan. It is "legal" for the government to confiscate your money, and listen to your phone conversations.

I see the war against terrorism as the same war against; domestic violence, prostitution, murder, and drugs. There will never be a victory in any of those wars, and the government likes that. The war will always give them a purpose.
War is the health of the State. Randolph Bourne.

The word terrorism came into use during the French Revolution. Had it been in use during our "revolution", King George probably would have used it to describe the colonial freedom fighters. Instead the most repugnant word his ministers could use at the time was, "Rebel".

Charles Tolleson, Rebel