At first blush, it seems rather simple to define the word “terrorist.” However, a deeper analysis demonstrates how, in fact, this is a troubling exercise that greatly impacts on our own individual rights. With recent events such as the Boston bombing, it seems more and more pertinent that we have discussions about “what is a terrorist.” We never want to think about terrorism hitting so close to home, but it seems to be a realism that we must give consideration to in this day and age.
Why is it important to even define this word? It all goes back to what we, as Americans, believe about arbitrary government. The fight against arbitrary authority and government was at the very heart of our American Revolution. I know we all learned in civics class that the American Revolution was about “no taxation without representation.” However, the real fight in the revolution is boiled down to the fight against arbitrary government. Think about it. What can be more arbitrary than a government taxing, at will, its citizens for any and all sorts of reasons. Read the Bill of Rights and you will also get a flavor for the arbitrary governmental actions our founders faced—quartering troops in times of peace in citizens’ houses; unreasonable searches and seizures; convicting people for crimes without a jury trial; trying people for crimes without the use of a lawyer, etc. Again, review the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration outlines the complaints against the crown in its outline of abuses. One such abuse is written, “For abolishing the free system of English laws in a neighboring province, establishing therein an arbitrary government . . . ” My point is that the fear of arbitrary government was an important concern of the founders.
“Arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness.” George Washington. “Nip the shoots of arbitrary power in the bud, is the only maxim which can preserve the liberties of any people.” John Adams. There are more quotes, but time and space prevent me from outlining those for you. Instead, let it be sufficient to say that the founders were concerned with the abuses that arise from arbitrary government. Fast forward to today. We still need to understand why defining a terrorist is important to this discussion. Let me challenge you to try and find agreement on the meaning of a terrorist among your friends. I would guess that one would find as many different definitions as there were people in the room. This is very telling then when it comes to our government trying to define a terrorist. The very act of trying to define a terrorist is what gives rise to the concern about our government trying to fight terrorists. Look up the definition of terrorist in the dictionary. Now imagine the different forms that it can take. Labor Unions? Abortion foes? Tea Party types? Gun owners? Environmentalists? The point is that how does the government fight a terrorist and against the actions of terrorists when it is so difficult to define a terrorist? This is where we find ourselves going down a slippery slope. This is where we find the arbitrariness of the government. This is where we find the seeds that sow the roots of discord. This is where we find the beginning of the end of liberty.
I challenge all citizens to give serious thought to how we want our nation to proceed in this very unique time. For those who love liberty, they should be especially wary of slope we are trying to climb.
Until Next Time,
David A. Standridge
