We Don't Negotiate With Terrorists

Per the American Heritage:
Terrorism: The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence to intimidate or coerce societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.

The news this morning that the Obama administration is finally considering seriously the process of budget reconciliation to pass health care reform couldn't have come at a better time, following as it does closely on the heels of the fellow at Obama's appearance in Phoenix who showed up with an AR-15.

Note the phrase "threatened use of force" in the above definition of terrorism, and then ask yourself what the guy with the assault weapon was doing, given the events of the past year or so.

Wow. You know, when you set up all the stories right in a row like I did with those half-dozen links, it's almost as if that report that the Department of Homeland Security put out about the dangers of right-wing extremists might have had a little more credibility than conservative leaders gave it.

Back when liberals were being painted as traitors for speaking out against the Iraq War, folks like Karl Rove and Tom "Soon to Be an Embarrassment on National Television" DeLay scoffed that liberals wanted to give therapy and comfort to our enemies. And, obviously, we can't give comfort, we can't even negotiate, with those who want to kill us.

When people bring assault weapons to presidential visits, when right-wing violence occurs again and again and conservative leaders' only response is mock indignation, when an attempt at health-care reform has been warped into a fascist takeover, the time for negotiations has passed. No retreat, no surrender.

Comments

[legaleagle 45]

Dan Sweeney wrote: "Note the phrase "threatened use of force" in the above definition of terrorism, and then ask yourself what the guy with the assault weapon was doing, given the events of the past year or so."

What this guy was doing was a radio publicity stunt. In connection with said stunt, the authorities were advised of his intent to show up and provided him with security so that there would be no problems with with publicity stunt. So if you consider this terrorism, then the authorities were co-conspirators in this terrorist act.

BTW, there are several definitions for terrorism, but the one that counts is the one found in 18 U.S.C.§ 2332b. Under that definition, the acts complained of our not terrorism.

[Thirdpower]

Can you define for me what an 'assault weapon' is and how it's different from any other firearm?

[Dan Sweeney - Huffpost Blogger]

Third power --

Sure. It includes semiautomatic rifles based on the assault-rifle design (such as the AR-15 used in this case), as well as some shotguns, particularly tactical shotguns like those used by SWAT teams.

Basically, I'm using the definition established in the Federal Assault Weapons ban (Which, by name, included the AR-15, Tec-9 and AK-47 in the ban):
Semi-automatic rifles able to accept detachable magazines and two or more of the following:
* Folding or telescoping stock
* Pistol grip
* Bayonet mount
* Flash suppressor, or threaded barrel designed to accommodate one
* Grenade launcher (more precisely, a muzzle device which enables the launching or firing of rifle grenades)
Semi-automatic pistols with detachable magazines and two or more of the following:
* Magazine that attaches outside the pistol grip
* Threaded barrel to attach barrel extender, flash suppressor, handgrip, or suppressor
* Barrel shroud that can be used as a hand-hold
* Unloaded weight of 50 oz (1.4 kg) or more
* A semi-automatic version of an automatic firearm
Semi-automatic shotguns with two or more of the following:
* Folding or telescoping stock
* Pistol grip
* Fixed capacity of more than 5 rounds
* Detachable magazine

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Federal_Assault_Weapons_Ban

For the record, I'm a gun owner, and proudly pro-Second Amendment.
Regards,
Dan

[Thirdpower]

That's one definition. Note that it has nothing to do w/ the actual function of the firearm but only cosmetic features. We have California that banned non-existant guns because they went through a catalog and picked out the ones that looked scary, typos and all, New Jersey that banned .22's like the Marlin model 60, and a proposed bill in Illinois (sponsored by Obama) that was so broad it included single shot and dbl barrel shotguns.

Did you read the reports of 'right wing extremism'? They included serving military and police who vow to uphold the constitution, non-traditional journalists who disagree with the mainstream, and lots of other vague assertions. A stark contrast to the 'left-wing extremism' report where specific organizations and groups were named.

Then there's the fact that there were countless anti-Bush rallies where people called for him to be blatantly killed. Where was the outrage from the 'left' then?

http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=621

The 'right' cries 'Communist' and 'socialist'. The 'left' cries 'fascist' and 'racist'.

All of it's nonsense.

[Thirdpower]

And my response got 'moderated'. Shock.

Your's is one definition. Look at how certain individuals like "Shoulder thing that goes up" McCarthy want to expand it. It covers not the function of the firearm, but the cosmetics. We also have California that banned non-existant firearms because they went through a catalog and picked out the scary looking ones. Typos and all. New Jersey bans Marlin Model 60 .22's as 'assault weapons'. A bill proposed in Illinois (and co-sponsored by Obama) was so broad it included single shot and dbl barrel shotguns.

Where was the outrage when 'left wing' protestors were carrying signs calling for Bush to be hung and shot?

http://www.zombietime.com/zomblog/?p=621

There's also a considerable difference in the 'left-wing' and 'right-wing' reports. The 'left-wing' report notes specific organizations and activities. The 'right-wing' report includes service members, non-traditional media, and people who fly flags. All in a nice broad brush to cover whoever they feel like.

The 'left' cries 'racism' and 'fascism'. The 'right' cries 'socialism' and 'communism'. It's all nonsense.

[kaveman4]

"Unloaded weight of 50 oz (1.4 kg) or more"

That's kinda funny when you consider that a bill was introduced to ban all handguns which weighed LESS than 50 oz as a "saturday night special."

[dreadylocks]

My money's on that Tom DeLay is going to pull a Susan Boyle on us all.

[Dan Sweeney - Huffpost Blogger]

Dreadylocks --

If Tom DeLay pulls that off, I will start the slow-clap scene myself.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhTiJEYqqY8

Cheers,
Dan

[psyamesekat]

Sweet!

[missinginminnesota]

Yes...this is is what I've been saying...does no one else see how wrong this is....allowing rightwing nuts to carry guns to Obama events and town halls?????

[missinginminnesota]

Yes, Yes. and a resounding Yes!!!!

[SewaneeLeftist]

Good points, Dan.

[Daniel Leyva]

Finally the press is calling the right wing trouble makers what they really are: Domestic terrorists. They are looking for ways to intimidate anyone who try to clarify the lies they are putting out there. Only when we educate our friends and neighbors about the dangers of indulging these domestic terrorist, then we will be safe.

[dynwit]

According to the righties, the definition of a leftist is someone who:

--obstructs the legal process
--engages in radical demonstrations against the government
--violently threatens anyone who disagrees with them
--wants America to fail

Sound familiar???

[GreatNews27]

Obama is no Democrat, he's a moderate Republican. He should switch sides if he is willing to sacrifice the health of an entire nation to the Republican party's need for control. There will be no public option, only mandates to buy expensive and inadequate insurance from the corporate giants. Remember, this is America, no money, no doctor.

[WindyW]

Right on, Dan!