Are Terrorists Encouraged?

[Arbo]

By essentially shutting down Boston during the manhunt for the two bombers, have terrorist groups learned how easy it is to get into Americans' heads? After all, isn't that what their goal is?

 

[mactx]

Yep. They now know folks fear them and will give up liberty if the price is right.

 

[Arbo]

I believe that we are one step closer to London-type surveillance after last week's event.

It's sad that this generation seems to be so eager to trade away principle for percieved security.

 

[InTheLight]

I believe that we are one step closer to London-type surveillance after last week's event.

What is "London-type" surveillance? I know they have a lot of cameras in public spaces. A lot. But it is in public spaces after all.

 

[InTheLight]

By essentially shutting down Boston during the manhunt for the two bombers, have terrorist groups learned how easy it is to get into Americans' heads?

I think they already knew how to push our buttons. There is a difference between a manhunt and a random act of violence insofar as shutting down an area is concerned.

After all, isn't that what their goal is?

No, their goal is to advance a political or other agenda through terror. Otherwise they would be anarchists, not terrorists.

 

[Arbo]

What is "London-type" surveillance? I know they have a lot of cameras in public spaces. A lot. But it is in public spaces after all.

This is what I meant.

 

[Arbo]

I think they already knew how to push our buttons. There is a difference between a manhunt and a random act of violence insofar as shutting down an area is concerned.

But if the outcome is the same, what is the difference?

No, their goal is to advance a political or other agenda through terror. Otherwise they would be anarchists, not terrorists.

Agree. You stated it better than I did.

 

[InTheLight]

But if the outcome is the same, what is the difference?

I don't think that shutting down Boston was the goal of the terrorists. It wasn't their desired outcome (so far as I know.) Certainly their goal was not to get killed/caught!

 

[Arbo]

I don't think that shutting down Boston was the goal of the terrorists. It wasn't their desired outcome (so far as I know.) Certainly their goal was not to get killed/caught!

It may not have been their goal, because it was unprecedented, but I'd bet they weren't disappointed by it. They spooked Americans, which to them appears to be a battle won.

 

[Revmitchell]

By essentially shutting down Boston during the manhunt for the two bombers, have terrorist groups learned how easy it is to get into Americans' heads? After all, isn't that what their goal is?

What do you propose to do in that situation?

 

[Don]

Any terrorist act is meant to create public awareness. The more, the better. It brings awareness of the terrorists' overall goals, agendas, and views.

Things like Boston shutting down were unintended goals; they had the same effect (media attention) without being planned for.