By George, that makes perfect sense. I need to get out of my mind that anact of terror has to inflict mass casualties. Intimidation alone is enough to call itterrorism.From DHS, their definition of terrorism
Terrorism is the use of force or violence against persons or property in violation of the criminal laws of the United States for purposes of intimidation, coercion, or ransom.Terrorists often use threats to:Create fear among the public. Try to convince citizens that their government is powerless to prevent terrorism. Get immediate publicity for their causes.
I think that DHS quote is good to help shape the definition of terrorism but isn't the actual definition itself. For example, a gun-toting thug on the street could use intimidation toward a shop owner that refuses to sell his buddies some drinks. I think that scale has something to do with it as well. It said ELF or ALF had set some 1200 fires, which is a large scale effort. Notice how street gangs (e.g. Bloods and Crips) also use organization, intimidation, and illegal acts in the course of their activities. The missing element? Motive & intent.
Notice how street gangs (e.g. Bloods and Crips) also use organization, intimidation, and illegal acts in the course of their activities. The missing element? Motive & intent.
You dont think organized street gangs have motive and intent?
You dont think organized street gangs have motive and intent?
Yes, they do have motive and intent, but it differs from motive and intent of WTC bombers or Timothy McVeigh types. As far as I know street gangs are not engaged in crime to make political or ideological statements or to make the government change its policies in one way or another. Perhaps I should have said "the distinguishing element" rather than "the missing element".
and why would street gangs not be considered terrorists?
I don't think they would be terrorists because of what I said above - their motive and intent. It's not beneficial to label all organized crime "terrorism", but it's also not beneficial to label true terrorists as ordinary criminals.