It's Called Terrorism For A Reason

I really must stop watching or reading the news, it just raises my blood pressure. I really think that we have reached the "lunatics have taken over the asylum" point that Fun Boy Three sang about in the 80's. I could of course be referring to many different aspects of modern society but let us focus for a moment on terrorism, or rather our pathetic reaction to it. Of course terrorism in any form is an appalling thing and we should resist those that attempt to manipulate by way of violence. However, the knee-jerk reaction from some of those in power is no better than the terrorists themselves.

Bruce Schneier, the security expert and author, recently blogged about this subject, citing several recent instances where authoritarian figures armed with half truths and little common sense have prevented law abiding citizens from going about their business all in the name of terrorism prevention. I can easily add to his list with the story of Brooke Oberwetter, who, last April, was arrested for dancing silently at the Jefferson Memorial in Washington to celebrate Jefferson's birthday. Ironically Jefferson was a passionate anti-authoritarian. An irony that even Americans can understand . Or there is the fact incidents involving amateur photographers being harassed and prevented from taking pictures in public places (not yet a crime thankfully) appears to be on the increase, probably fueled by a recent campaign by the Metropolitan Police Force.

These incidents plus too many more, are in a way understandable. We are afraid, and fear causes irrationality. This irrationality though then causes further fear. It's not called "Terrorism" for nothing though. Even if Al-Qaeda (or however you spell it this week) or any other organisation never sets off another bomb, they are still terrifying us.