Letters to the Editor
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how can it be terrorism if you aren't terrified?
These people are attacking buildings, not people. That makes it arson and/or industrial sabotage, but not terrorism. Those who insist otherwise are like those who persist in calling copyright infringement "theft".
Using a lesser term (but one that actually *fits*) in no way reduces the offense committed. A pirate ring that sells counterfeit DVD's or software isn't stealing anything, but can still be held liable for millions of dollars and may serve some time.
The people who set fire to these buildings are *arsonists*, not terrorists. If caught and convicted they will be held liable for damages and serve time in prison. But they are. not. terrorists.
Otherwise, we should ditch all descriptors for crimes such as murder, arson, vandalism and fraud, and use a nice term like baby-raping-cannibalism for everything. Cheat on your taxes? Baby-raping-cannibalism. Busted for drunk driving? Baby-raping-cannibalism.