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Originally posted by GradyPhilpott
Originally posted by PrepareForTheWorst
So the bully stealing lunch money from the nerdy kid between 1st and second period is a terrorist? I bet it is pretty scary for the kid getting jacked. Not only that but what kind of political objective could this kid possibly have? More turkey on the subs? Come on...
You're not being rational and you're creating one straw man argument after another.
A kid who steals lunch money would in most cases not come to the attention of police, but if he did petty larceny and maybe assault would be the worst he could be charged with.
However, if that kid brought a haversack full of loaded guns, enough ammo to hold police at bay, several knives and told his classmates that he would take the class hostage and start killing them if his demands weren't met, then a terrorist charge might be lodged.
What is worse about your straw man arguments is that no on knows if the terrorist charge will stick.
The grand jury might think just as you do and "no bill" the charge. Even if they give it a "true bill," the petit jury at his trial may return a "not guilty."
Hell, before it gets to trial, the DA might drop the charge in return for pleas of guilty to lesser charge.
Sometimes school officials and police go overboard with these cases, but the evidence as presented in this article suggests that this kid intended to cause great bodily harm to the staff and pupils of his school and tough measures needed to be taken.
To use this case as a sign that the republic is becoming a police state is ludicrous.
I too, fear a government with too much power. I do not poo-poo cases of abuse of police power and the diminution of Constitutionally protected rights.
I am a benefactor member of the National Rifle Association. I am a member of the NRA Golden Eagles, the Second Amendment Task Force, and the NRA James Madison Brigade.
I contact my legislators regarding issues that involve the abuse of power and the attacks on our personal liberties.
But, I am an activist who takes rational approaches to help keep America free.
Besides, helping to create hysteria, what do you do?
[edit on 2007/4/4 by GradyPhilpott]