That, to me, is the goal of terrorism -- provide a continuing atmosphere of fear and disruption. Perhaps virtual terrorism has triumphed."
Several of my associates have raised just this very perspective.
However, I counter that creating fear and chaos is only the means to the end, that being making a political statement or creating political leverage for their various causes.
Few terrorist actions are undertaken without possessing some political goal, whether it be abortion clinic bombings raising public attention to the anti/pro-abortion argument, or creating a perception of the "strength" of Fundamentalist Islam, or at least the ultimate fate that will result if more moderate Moslems oppose their goals.
Terror for terror's sake is very rare. There is almost always a motive, no matter how vague or irrational.
But I do agree that the media has hyped the story surrounding such terrorists such as Bin Laden. Who cares? He is one man with a lot of money (why he is still permitted to possess, or have access to, that money is a key unresolved question), who seems to enjoy playing the "boogie-man" as much as the media enjoys building their ratings creating a manic fear of the guy.
I continue to take heart in the knowledge that more people are killed from jaywalking accidents every year than are killed in terrorist attacks.
It is just one of the risks of being alive.
Regards,
Ron |
