Why aren't all mass shooters considered terrorists even if not "politically" motivated? There is no common definition of terrorism. On the other hand, Common definitions of terrorism refer to violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror); are perpetrated for a religious, political, or ideological goal; and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians).
Other than a crazy person has no identifiable religious, political, or ideological goal, they do have the other two parts of the definition: the use of violent acts which target or disregard the safety of civilians. We can debate whether actual religiously, politically, or ideologically motivated terrorists are crazy as well.
The real issue here is the use of violence for some "goal", whether real, or something which is completely insane. In fact, some people would say that anyone who feel the need to resort to violence is not completely with it.
The funny thing is that the pro-gun side appears to be pro-terrorist for some weird reason judging by the comments they made to MSNBC. Additionally, the Constitution is pretty clear that the use of terror is unconstitutional (see Article I, Section 8, clause 15; Article III, Section iii, and Article IV, Section 4). I would add that the Second Amendment does not explicitly contradict these clauses (but that is another post).
As Dennis v. United States, 341 U.S. 494 (1951) pointed out:
Whatever theoretical merit there may be to the argument that there is a “right” to rebellion against dictatorial governments is without force where the existing structure of the government provides for peaceful and orderly change.The problem is that some people who claim to believe in the Constitution have absolutely no idea what it says or intends. After all, why would a document that states as one of its purposes that it is to "ensure domestic tranquility" would allow for anarchy?
I would also add that if the people advocating overthrowing the government were left wing, they would be arrested in a heart beat.
On the other hand, I would be very wary of anyone who was openly advocating the overthrow of the United States and wasn't being regularly visited by the police.
Does the term agent provacateur mean anything to you?
