Why isnt violent gang membership categorized.....?

Question

as affiliation in a terrorist organization? I think in some states it is (like California if I'm not mistaken)...But in the eyes of the law gang members obviously are not treated like members of a terrorist sect. Why dont we treat them like we would someone who was caught helping and participating with Al Qaida?

Answer 1

The difference is whether it is politically motivated.

Groups labeled "ecoterrorists" for targeting corporations have been prosecuted and jailed for terrorist conspiracies. These corporations in having similar commercial and political interests as government officials are given sympathy and favor in their cause. While groups working to expose commercial corruption of both corporate and government powers are a threat to both.

Groups that only fight other such groups are not considered a political threat to the powers that be that actually benefit and have built a whole police and prison system based on public fear of crime.