Our Justice System is a Joke, Part II

One has to wonder about the possibility that the recent schoolyard murders in Newark, NJ are related to MS-13. If so, to what extent are they related? If they are and it is found that the suspect is connected, then the next logical question would be is there a relationship between the gang connection and the low bail of the suspect that allowed him to be free to commit the crime in the first place.

We are now debating labeling the Iranian Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organization. What if we looked within our own borders and saw gangs for what they really are, terrorist organizations? What characteristics define a terrorist organization?

The United States has defined terrorism under the Federal Criminal Code. Chapter 113B of Part I of Title 18 of the United States Code defines terrorism and lists the crimes associated with terrorism. In Section 2331 of Chapter 113b, terrorism is defined as:

(5) the term “domestic terrorism” means activities that—

(A) involve acts dangerous to human life that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any State;

(B) appear to be intended—

(i) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population;

(ii) to influence the policy of a government by intimidation or coercion; or

(iii) to affect the conduct of a government by mass destruction, assassination, or kidnapping; and

(C) occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the United State

The U.S. National Counter Terrorism Center describes a terrorist act as one which was: "premeditated; perpetrated by a sub national or clandestine agent; politically motivated, potentially including religious, philosophical, or culturally symbolic motivations; violent; and perpetrated against a noncombatant target."

There is no single definition for terrorism and much of what is called terrorism is defined by those writing the definition. Certainly, no one calls himself a terrorist. They are liberators, freedom fighters, etc. Perhaps they are called "gang members". I must admit to not being an expert on gangs in general or MS-13 in particular. But, from the limited amount of reading that I have done, their methods do not seem much different than those of the more well known terrorist groups that dominate our headlines on a daily basis.

I believe that gangs and the climate of violence and fear that they create are examples of domestic terrorism. They scoff at our laws and exploit our system of law to their advantage while gaining strength and increasing their numbers. Perhaps they should be treated as terrorists and not criminals.

Another random thought: What better place for an organization whose membership includes "undocumented" members than a "Sanctuary City", where immigration status is ignored?

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2007/08/gang_rumors_swirl_around_newar.html