Should we adopt terrorist ideology by accepting their label of terrorists" or undermine the ideology by calling them "Criminals"?

2015-04-30T09:25:01-04:00

Yes, this is slightly similar to a previous topic, but this one is a survey and is not about "M" "terrorists; about ALL such insurgents/criminals.
Yes, we should care what we call them. To adopt terrorist ideology implies we accept their premise. And the word also implies fear.

Response by LTC Yinon Weiss made Apr 30 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-04-30T09:27:59-04:00

We are not adapting to their ideology, we are just labeling things what they are.

If somebody calls themselves an enemy of the United States, and we call them an enemy of the United States, we are not "adopting" to their ideology.

We also didn't adapt ourselves in WWII when we called Nazis... Nazis. Let's not start trying to skew reality by not calling things what they are. That's the height of PC.

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:27 AM

2015-04-30T09:27:56-04:00

to call them anything less would be to lessen the impact of the definition of what they do. Is what they intend to do meant for personal gain in some manner, or is it intended to cause fear & second guessing in those they strike?

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:29 AM

2015-04-30T09:29:57-04:00

Anyone who kills people they do not know in other than a war deserve to be called the worst term you can come up with.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 9:46 AM

2015-04-30T09:46:12-04:00

Call them targets of opportunity

Response by SPC David Shaffer made Apr 30 at 2015 11:00 AM

2015-04-30T11:00:08-04:00

They must be called what they are. It is what it is, and I don't see any point in trying to overthink this, or try to turn it into something it's not. That is my opinion.

David Shaffer

Response by SFC Stephen King made Apr 30 at 2015 11:14 AM

2015-04-30T11:14:02-04:00

My thoughts are we as American's need to not cater or accept any other ideology showing weakness to anyone. Terrorists are just that.

Response by SCPO David Lockwood made Apr 30 at 2015 11:20 AM

2015-04-30T11:20:22-04:00

They are what they are. A bunch of gutless cowards who prey on innocent people who can't defend themselves. But when it comes to dealing with a fighting force they are like a bunch of cockroaches who run and hide amongst the general population hoping we attack and kill innocent people while trying to get them. CRIMINALS!

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 30 at 2015 12:05 PM

2015-04-30T12:05:35-04:00

I think the premise is flawed, as others have pointed out.

Response by CPT Jack Durish made Apr 30 at 2015 1:30 PM

2015-04-30T13:30:58-04:00

Words have meaning and consequences. To label a terrorist as a criminal is to shift responsibility for dealing with them from the military to civilian law enforcement. It provides terrorists with protections that they don't deserve.

If anyone wants to reclassify them, how about "pirates": "Non-state actors engaging in war-like activities". Anyone caught in the act should then be summarily executed. Under American law, the Supreme Court has nisi prius (original) jurisdiction in all cases of piracy. No appeal necessary.