Esther, I'm not saying whether they should be labeled either way. I'm just pointing out that in my observations, many of the people who are adamant that a hate crime should not be labeled and that a crime is a crime, are the most adamant that acts such as that in Fort Hood should be designated an act of terrorism. The opposite is true in that many of those who want to label hate crimes are reluctant to label these acts as acts of terrorism.
Okay, some times here on AFF I attempt to give another perspective or an objectionable view whenever it appears that everyone is looking at things narrowly. I don't like to use the term "devil's advocate" but sometimes I do see the need to play that role whenever we are discussing very complex issues and I feel that the viewpoints are too simplistic to address them.
I do not have a problem with declaring and designating acts of terrorism as such, but here is an observation that I have made:
It appears to me that those who are most adamant about quickly declaring an act of terrorism as such and not simply a crime, are most adamant about not doing the same with hate crime designation. The argument that I hear is that there are sufficient legal designations for those crimes (for example murder is murder.)
Conversely, those who are most adamant about hate crime designation are most reluctant to designate an act of terrorism.
I do see a correlation between the two inasmuch as the designations take into account the special underlying motive in what would otherwise be an ordinary crime.
I agree that motive behind any act is key to defining which category it falls under.
I think the difference in the two is that a hate crime is targeted or biased toward a person's race, religion, ethnic background or sexual orientation.
Terrorism is when violence is forced on a civilian population or a government in order to further a political, religious or social agenda or objective.
Esther, I'm not saying whether they should be labeled either way. I'm just pointing out that in my observations, many of the people who are adamant that a hate crime should not be labeled and that a crime is a crime, are the most adamant that acts such as that in Fort Hood should be designated an act of terrorism. The opposite is true in that many of those who want to label hate crimes are reluctant to label these acts as acts of terrorism.
Unfortunately, I was out of touch with the media during that situation. I am sorry I missed what happened, although I have gleemed some here and there.
But from what I have read it seems to me that it was an act of terrorism based on his postings he made.
Do you not agree? Or perhaps a better question would be what do you think constitutes an act of terrorism?
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Unfortunately, I was out of touch with the media during that situation. I am sorry I missed what happened, although I have gleemed some here and there.
But from what I have read it seems to me that it was an act of terrorism based on his postings he made.
Do you not agree? Or perhaps a better question would be what do you think constitutes an act of terrorism?
I stated before that I absolutely have no problem labeling this as an act of terrorism. I don't really have a problem addressing intent if it is a special intent above and beyond the crime itself. My observation was just based on conversations I have, blogs I see, and general opinion from both sides of the fence.
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Im not sure Ferd, but does that mean you are in agreement with what I posted?
In some since yes. But I am loath to agree with the notion that there is justification for adding punishment for thought.
Understanding motivation is always needed. saying that one victim deserves greater justice because of what was in the mind of their attacker over another victim with hte same injury seems capricious.
Hasan does not deserve greater punishment for being a terrorist. However the American public deserves to understand what led to his action, so we can avoid a repeat.
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