MCJ Class and a Terrorism Question?

Question

I'm taking a Mass Communication & Journalism class in college right now, & one of the subjects that came up was terrorism. When you think of a terrorist (most people, not all) the most common type of person will be someone from the Middle East. But according to the defenition(s), wouldn't the US be considered terrorists?

The US has defined terrorism under the Federal Criminal Code:

activities that involve violent… or life-threatening acts… that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State and… appear to be intended (i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and… (C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States… [or] (C) occur primarily outside the territorial jurisdiction of the US

It was a good topic & I want to know what you think

Answer 1

The terms "terrorism" and "terrorist" (someone who engages in terrorism) carry a strong negative connotation. These terms are often used as political labels to condemn violence or threat of violence by certain actors as immoral, indiscriminate, or unjustified. Those labeled "terrorists" rarely identify themselves as such, and typically use other generic terms or terms specific to their situation, such as: separatist, freedom fighter, liberator, revolutionary, vigilante, militant, paramilitary, guerrilla, rebel, jihadi or mujaheddin, or fedayeen, or any similar-meaning word in other languages.

Answer 2

Ironically your British founding fathers were indeed 'terrorists' and entirely British right up until after they secured independence (home rule by rich white men) for their new tax base. You got where you are by the use of guerrilla warfare orchestrated by insurgents and terrorists so when other countries reject your rule and imposition of puppet government(s) you can see why it doesn't work.