Is the Govt' really serious about terrorism?

Anonymous Poster · Sep 30, 2001

Is the Govt\' really serious about terrorism?

I hope I am not racially profiled as a terrorist.

I don't "look" Irish but it's in my blood somewhere. I see the killing has begun again in Ireland between the Irish PROTESTANTS and the Irish CATHOLICS.

Are we going after them as well, or is terrorism OK as long as it doesn't come over here? A large chunk of US dollars supposedly goes to one side or the other of that idiocy. So is the military going after the USA as a supporter of terrorism?

After they're all dead, who's going to rejoice that they "won"?

del

ERNIEB · Oct 1, 2001

Re: Is the Govt\' really serious about terrorism?

del, What you are talking about is Northern Ireland, a region that is a part of Great Britan. Not Ireland the nation.
I was in London in 1976, and had a chance to see first hand some of the handy work of the IRA. Not very pretty.
If we don't go after them, as well as the people here that are helping them, then we are the biggest hypocrites on the planet.

Ernie

Anonymous Poster · Oct 1, 2001

Re: Is the Govt\' really serious about terrorism?

Yes, thanks, I should have stated Northern Ireland and not just Ireland.

del

huckflynn · Oct 1, 2001

Re: Is the Govt\' really serious about terrorism?

The government is only going after terrorist organizations with "a global reach." So that would mean that catholic and protestant terrorists in Northern Ireland would not be sought after.

As an aside, when looking at Northern Ireland it would be a mistake to see the IRA as the only source of terrorism.

ERNIEB · Oct 3, 2001

Re: Is the Govt\' really serious about terrorism?

Huck, Man, I hate looking at that as a Catholic vs Protestant thing, it just seems like a gross over simplification. There are dozens of political parties, groups, and splinter groups. Even the IRA has a spin off splinter group called the Real IRA.
I agree that the IRA is not the only source of terrorism, but I think it's also a mistake to think that every evil act in Northern Ireland is an act of terrorism. Many of the acts are commited out of anger, revenge, or just sheer hatred. Rather then struggle with a definition of terrorist. I'll put it this way. There is a line one crosses to become a terrorist, and there is a line one crosses to be considered "international" or "global" terrorists.
When the IRA placed bombs in shops and pubs in London, killing people that had nothing to do with the problems in Northern Ireland, and when they killed British soldiers who had been sent as peace keepers, they crossed the first line.
When they raised money, even if by proxy, in the U.S., and when they sent members to Libya to train in terrorist camps. They crossed the second.
If there is evidence that other groups have done the same, then I'd include them.
The fact that British citizens also died in the WTC should not detract from the fact that England was the first to stand up and be counted with us. Compare that to some of our other so called friends, who have taken money from us, had their debts forgiven and are now sitting on the fence.
After we have bin Laden and his cronies under lock and key, or 6 feet under, and if England should ask for our help, and we don''t act promptly, well, I may be just a dumb country boy, but IMO it would be nothing short of a disgrace.

Ernie

Anonymous Poster · Oct 3, 2001

Re: Is the Govt\' really serious about terrorism?

ErnieB

You hit it right on the spot.

Thanks.

del

huckflynn · Oct 3, 2001

Re: Is the Govt\' really serious about terrorism?

I'd love to get in to this -- but I'm off to Manhattan for a trade show. I'd just leave you with this: if the British truly viewed the IRA simply as terrorists would they give recognition to their political wing?

I'd recommend a more thorough look into "the troubles." You'll find acts of terror from many corners, including governments. And you may come to believe, as many in the area have, that further violence to bring about a solution would be a mistake.