Terrorism - A History Of Terrorism, 1961-2001, Domestic Terrorism Before September 11, 2001, The United States As Terrorist Target

No one definition of terrorism has gained universal acceptance. Title 22 of the United States Code, Section 2656f(d) offers one definition: "The premeditated, politically motivated violence perpetrated against noncombatant targets by subnational groups or clandestine agents, usually intended to influence an audience." (Noncombatants are generally defined as civilians and unarmed military personnel.) Certainly, no terrorist attacks have had more profound impact than those conducted on September 11, 2001.

The key words in that definition are "politically motivated" and "audience." In other words, what has been the goal of those who turn to violence? In the opening panel, we'll see that their goals fall across the spectrum. Some have fought for the independence of their country. Some have turned to violence to call attention to the plight of their home land. Some have fought to protest governmental policies on the environment or civil liberties. Any change in government or society will give birth to a group of dissenters. As dire predictions were made about the depletions of natural resources, groups such as Earth First surfaced as protectors of the environment. Patriot groups and militias gained notoriety in the late 1990s out of a combination of factors: changes in gun laws and other legislation, the growth of government, an increasingly global marketplace, and the paranoia produced by the approaching Millennium.

But one person's terrorist is another's "freedom fighter." The line between terrorism and other crimes seems to becoming increasingly murky. Are all bombings terrorist acts? What about vandalism? Where does a "hate crime" — assuming such things exist — fit into the picture?

The rest of the chapter will focus exclusively on September 11, 2001. Several panels will address issues related to fighting terrorism. Billions are now being spent on securing our nation. Where are we making the improvements? Will they be successful? As the government continues its war on terrorism, some wonder if civil liberties will be among the casualties. How much privacy should be sacrificed for the greater good?