The earliest use of “terrorism,” according to the Oxford English Dictionary, meant “government by intimidation as directed and carried out by the party in power in France during the Revolution of 1789-94.” Given the changes in the meaning of the word, especially since the war against al-Qaeda and now Iraq, terrorism has come a long way, baby.
Oregon Senate Bill 742, introduced by Sen. John Minnis, R-Fairview, would further shape the meaning of “terrorism,” although the effect on civil liberties hearkens back to the word’s original use.
SB 742 would create a new crime of terrorism in Oregon, punishable by a minimum of 25 years in prison. And the act that makes one a terrorist, under this proposed law?
“A person commits the crime of terrorism if the person knowingly plans, participates in or carries out any act that is intended, by at least one of its participants, to disrupt” free assembly, commerce, transportation or the educational or governmental institutions of the state. In other words, no protests, no rallies, no outcry — for any reason, for any cause.
Forget about a rally on the Capitol steps against increasing tuition. Forget about peace marches or vigils. Civil disobedience will no longer be tolerated. This is inspiring terror in us, right now. Of course, we recommend that everyone in Oregon speak out against this bill, while you still can.
Not only would this bill stifle free speech and dissent, it won’t make Oregonians any safer. On the contrary, telling one’s political opponents they don’t have the right to speak out creates a climate of genuine terror and fear. Look at any number of dictatorships around the world.
This bill is government by intimidation, saying to dissenters, “Either you toe the line or…”
What’s that?
Yes, sir, Sen. Minnis. We’ll stop writing this immediately.
Sorry.