Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Live Free or Die...

I clearly like that quote. But I recently read what comes after it:
Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils.
I've been thinking about the similarity in language between our founding fathers and modern day Middle Eastern terrorists. I believe terrorism in and of itself isn't evil, but it is the goal of the terrorist that matter. It's a scary thought, but I think there's something powerful in extremism.

9 comments:

  1. Strongly disagree on this one. Terrorism is always evil. The purpose of terrorism is to cause fear and/or overturn a government or system by force. Whereas our call as Christians is to exhibit love. Isn't causing fear and terror the opposite of love? It's hard to love your enemies when you're terrorizing them

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  2. I see your point Kev and I agree that most terrorism is evil, but the label terrorism is broad. If terrorism is the murder of non-combatants for political purpose than yes, it's hard to justify any. But if terrorism is using fear in general to change policy then I'm not so sure. Were the Founding Fathers terrorists? How about those in the Valkyrie Plot?

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  3. I think the answer to both is yes. You can't build the Kingdom using the devils tools.

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  4. "Were the Founding Fathers terrorists?"

    I'm gonna take a stab at this one - no.

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  5. One man's terrorist is another man's freedom fighter. All depends on perspective man.

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  6. Uh oh, I can feel an epic internet debate coming on. I'm going to follow my better instincts, give you guys the benefit of the doubt, and peace out.

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  7. Why don't you follow my better instincts and agree with me, ha ha, just kidding.

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  8. It wouldn't be interesting if we always agreed, Harrison :-P

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You are the reason why I do not write privately. I would love to hear your thoughts, whether you agree or not.