In recent years, the word “terror” has become a powerful tool in the hands of the White House. From boat strikes to killings in the streets of Minnesota to NSPM-7, the Trump administration has used this term to justify its violent actions against its perceived enemies. But does this mean that the President can simply label someone as a terrorist and have them killed without any due process? This is a question that has been raised by many, and the answer is a cause for concern.
The term “terror” has been used to describe a wide range of actions and individuals, from extremist groups to political opponents. It has become a catch-all term that is often used to demonize and justify violence against those who do not align with the current administration’s agenda. This has been evident in the way the White House has responded to protests and dissent, both domestically and internationally.
One of the most alarming examples of this is the use of the term “terror” to justify the killing of Iranian General Qasem Soleimani in January 2020. The Trump administration claimed that Soleimani was a “terrorist” and a threat to national security, despite the lack of evidence to support this claim. This action not only raised questions about the legality of the targeted killing, but it also set a dangerous precedent for future administrations to use the same justification for their own political agendas.
But it’s not just foreign individuals who have been labeled as “terrorists” by the White House. In the wake of the protests against police brutality and systemic racism, President Trump has referred to protesters as “terrorists” and threatened to use military force against them. This rhetoric not only undermines the legitimate grievances of the protesters, but it also raises concerns about the use of excessive force and violence against American citizens.
The Trump administration’s use of the term “terror” to justify violence is not limited to just words. The National Security Presidential Memorandum 7 (NSPM-7), signed by President Trump in 2017, expands the definition of “terrorist” to include anyone who “threatens the stability of the United States government or the safety of its people.” This broad definition gives the government the power to label and target individuals as terrorists without any oversight or due process.
This is a dangerous precedent that goes against the principles of democracy and the rule of law. The government should not have the power to label and target individuals as terrorists without proper evidence and due process. This not only violates the rights of those targeted, but it also undermines the very foundations of our democracy.
The use of the term “terror” to justify violence is not a new tactic. It has been used by authoritarian regimes throughout history to suppress dissent and maintain power. By labeling their opponents as “terrorists,” these regimes have been able to justify the use of violence and repression against them.
But the United States is a country that prides itself on its democracy and respect for human rights. We cannot allow the government to use the term “terror” as a weapon to silence and eliminate those who oppose their policies. We must hold our leaders accountable and demand transparency and accountability in their actions.
In conclusion, the Trump administration’s use of the term “terror” to justify violence is a cause for concern. It not only undermines the principles of democracy and the rule of law, but it also sets a dangerous precedent for future administrations to use the same tactics. We must stand up against this abuse of power and demand that our government respects the rights and freedoms of all individuals, regardless of their political beliefs. Only then can we truly call ourselves a democracy.
