Porter Goss

[pecunium]

I've railed against the tendency of the adminstration to decide that those who are "Christian" aren't terrorists, even if what they were doing meets all other definitions of the term.

So I thought I'd point out how the man Bush wants to make the head of the CIA feels about such things.

"The trouble is, 'terrorism' is a very broad word, and it lends itself to a lot of mischief for people who would abuse common sense," Goss said. He then cited bombings of abortion clinics. "To me, that's not the kind of terrorism I'm talking about."

"That's criminal law enforcement," Goss said. "But it would fit most broad definitions of terrorism because the purpose [of those attacks] is to scare people."

Just so you know how he feels.

Comments

[sinboy.livejournal.com]

I've got a link to confirm that quote here (http://ktla.trb.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-100101legal,0,7440172.story).

I'm hoping he's still being considered, and that this quote can help lawmakers come to a decision against him.

[antiquated-tory.livejournal.com]

So...the bombing of state property by an organization of religious fanatics with the purpose of terrorizing the American people into changing their behavior and possibly American government(s) into changing policy is not terrorism in this case.

Hmmmm.

Question by a British friend: Is Irish Republican terrorism now finally terrorism? Or do American citizens still have the right to donate money freely 'to the Cause' without inciting the wrath of Homeland Security?

helps if I read before I post...

[antiquated-tory.livejournal.com]

The article answered my question, at least in part.

Americans, Goss said, would be surprised to learn how many of their neighbors engage in "terrorist activity" if that phrase is defined to include contributions to organizations with links to terrorism.

The "incidental, perhaps unknowing or unwitting, support for organizations that are laundering money for terrorist cells is widespread," he said. "All over this country are people who are sympathizers for causes in their forebears' countries. The continent of Africa and even the troubles in Ireland come to mind."