Domestic Terrorism Final - Essay Example

In addition, ethnic refugees such as Cuban and Puerto Rican, support local movements that support independence or regime change. One of the main attractions for foreign terrorists in the US is the ability to raise money. While this somewhat distorts the technical definition of 'domestic terrorist', it does indicate the level of cooperation, even when the goals are self-serving. According to Ehrenfeld and Lappen (2007), "A major funding source for terrorist and criminals is the trade in illegal drugs".

It has been well publicized that "Islamic extremist organizations, primarily Hizballah, and, to a lesser extent, the Sunni extremist" groups have been cooperating with international terrorists in South America, such as FARC, to raise funds through the drug trade (Hudson, 2003, p.14). These drugs are then marketed through US groups, and according to John Sullivan of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, "organized crime groups in Los Angeles County are supporting international terrorists" (qtd.

in Ehrenfeld and Lappen, 2007). 2.) The Internet has become a powerful tool because of its capability to communicate around the globe instantaneously. As with all other technology, it is not the technology that creates the problem. It is the user. Freedom of speech and the right to privacy hold conflicting roles when we examine private communication that incites violence. The public display of speech or information that incites or advocates violence or illegal activity is already illegal in the US (Finkleman, 2006, p.178). A web site that calls for the destruction of property or lives should be taken down by law enforcement and the perpetrators pursued.

However, private communication should be considered as a separate issue. E-mails and private messages that travel across the Internet should be treated no differently than printed material. The US has a long tradition of constitutional guaranteed freedoms that included freedom of speech. Most intelligent people also understand that with this freedom comes a responsibility. We are not free to say anything, anywhere. However, private conversations are given extreme consideration, and electronic correspondence should be considered private conversation.

I would object to the government intrusion. Though I have nothing to hide, there is the potential for government officials to use their authority to pursue or oppress their political opponents. There is the fear that the label 'terrorist' could be applied to well intentioned social movements, or people who plan to engage in the time honored protest of civil disobedience. Removing freedom of speech from private conversations is a step down a slippery slope that should not be taken. 3.) By definition, 'domestic terrorism' must involve a criminal act.

According to the US criminal code Title 18, Part I, Chapter 113B, 2331 (5A), the activity must "involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State" (US Code Collection, n.d.). However, there is a significant difference between disturbing the peace by blocking the entrance to an abortion clinic and the burning of a business, such as the vandalism that did over $1 million damage to the U.S. Forestry Science Laboratory in Rhinelander, Wisconsin that was blamed on the Environmental Liberation Front (ELF) (Terrorism 2000/2001, 2004).

The difference is