Terrorist Groups Not Defined as Terrorists

Before we begin the discussion, I would like to give a definition of terrorism. The Department of Defense states terrorism as "the unlawful use of, or threatened use, of force or violence against individuals and/or property to coerce or intimidate governments or societies, often to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives" ( Howard & Sawyer, 2006, pg.19). For example, the Murrah Federal Building was bombed on April 19, 1995 by Timothy McVeigh, which is logically considered domestic terrorism. The building was located in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma and "168 people died, including 19 children who attended a day care program in the building" (Bullock, Haddow, & Coppola, et al., 2006, pg.13). Once McVeigh was caught he gave his reasoning behind the bombing and a lot of it went back to the Waco incident. McVeigh believed that the U.S. government had become hostile against everyone even its own people (Waco). "I waited two years from Waco for non-violent checks and balances...The legislative, executive and federal branches not only concluded that the government did nothing wrong, they gave awards and bonuses to those involved...." (www.outpost-of-freedom.com/mcveigh/okcwhy.htm). McVeigh did not see his actions as terrorism, not even close to terrorism. But the vary definition of terrorism encompasses his actions.

According to the above definition and many more, terrorism has existed or exists that is not labeled terrorism in America and elsewhere. Abortion clinics have been bombed for decades, and the bombings were never considered acts of terrorism. But according to the Dept. of Defense's definition the abortion clinic bombings should have indeed been labeled terrorism. The individuals behind the bombings are using violence to intimidate and/or coerce citizens, communities, and society as a whole. I believe Eric Rudolph was the first person charged with terrorism for several bombings of clinics as well as the site of the Atlanta Olympic competitions.

The KKK is without a doubt known as a solely domestic terrorist group. So as I was researching the KKK I came across sites for the Black Panther Party. The Black Panthers used to do the same things as the KKK but on a much smaller scale. They coerced and intimidated whites, the government, and society. As well as used violence. However, it was not until the Patriot Act that the Black Panther Party was considered a terrorist group (www.itsabouttimebpp.com/Announcments/Former_Black_Panthers.html) So there is yet another example of terrorism and terrorists attacks that were not labeled as terrorist acts/organizations until many years later.

Many people also see the Civil War as terrorism however; it will never be labeled so. America and our allies (like Britain) will continue to face a great threat of both domestic and foreign terrorism. For example most people are aware of the bus and tube bombings in Britain. During my research I found a very interesting quote I would like to share, "If only the U.S. had not invaded Iraq and dragged Britain along, perhaps Britain might have been spared the bus and tube bombings" (www.washtimes.com/commentary/20050712-091449). Anyhow, many times terrorism is seen only by the opposing group. Others who agree with the acts consider them to be acts of war, freedom fighters fighting oppression, or some other reasoning.

Reference List:

Bullock, J.A., Haddow, G.D., & Coppola, D., et al., 2006. "Introduction to Homeland Security, (2nd ed.)". Burlington, MA: Elsevier Butterworth-Heinemann (pg.13).

Howard, R.D., & Sawyer, R.L., 2006. "Terrorism and Counterterrorism: Understanding the New Security Environment (2nd ed.)". Dubuque, Iowa: McGraw-Hill (pg.19)

Thomas, C., 2005. "Terrorism's Root Causes". Retrieved March 5, 2007 from http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20050712-091449-9219r.htm

Outpost of Freedom Website, 2003. Retrieved March 4, 2007 from http://www.outpost-of-freedom.com/mcveigh/okcwhy.htm

Black Panther Website, 2005. Retrieved March 4, 2007 from http://www.itsabouttimebpp.com/Announcements/Former_Black_Panthers.html