Batman, Luke Skywalker, and James Bond are sitting in a bar discussing terrorism
““The Oxford dictionary definition of terrorism is;
“the unlawful use of violence and intimidation, especially against civilians, in the pursuit of political aims.”
That makes you both terrorists.”
says James Bond
“Why “unlawful”?
Are violence and intimidation ever lawful?
Planting bombs in people’s devices and blowing them up by remote control is not terrorism?
But planting bombs on yourself and blowing up yourself and other people is terrorism?”
questions Luke Skywalker
“If the state does those things, it is lawful.
A license to kill, don’t you know.”
responds 007 sipping his martini
“But what about Justice – right and wrong.
Invading a country, destroying its infrastructure, and murdering its people is not terrorism according to you.
But planting an improvised bomb by the roadside to blow up the vehicles of the invaders of your land is terrorism?
One can be right, yet still be unlawful.”
says Batman
“So,”
says a confused Luke Skywalker.
“Dropping bombs on poor people from airplanes or directing missiles through a home’s window from warships is not terrorism; however, taking over an airplane and flying it into a building is terrorism?”
“I think you are on shaky ground there kid,”
says the Dark Knight finishing his 3rd glass of Prosecco and raising it in the air for another
“Freedom fighters are not terrorists”
says Mr. Bond
“But I’m a freedom fighter – a leader of a rebellion against an unjust empire”
ventures Luke
“you are part of the rebel alliance and a traitor…”
says Bond with a smirk
“If you are part of a uniformed military unit then perhaps you would not be a terrorist”
he continues
“So if I have money backing my actions I’m ok even my actions could be considered wrong?”
says the farm boy from Tatooine, drinking and leaving himself with a blue milk mustache
“Yes of course, I like beating up poor people who are wrong and instilling in them a sense of fear. Who doesn’t!”
Growls Batman
“Running around inside the Death Star shooting at Stormtroopers is terrorism.
But blowing up the Death Star, using a squadron of X-wing fighters, killing everyone inside is not”
responds Bond
“That makes no sense,”
says the destroyer of the Death Star
“Welcome to the Justice system”
says Batman
“Next you’ll be saying that placing landmines all over the countryside so that they kill and maim farmers for years after a conflict that has otherwise left their land is not terrorism”
states Luke
“It’s not” says James fiddling with the olive in his martini.
“You kill people for a living, I have a code”
Batman says
“And who elected you?”
Retorts Bond
“Just because you are a billionaire does not make the world your playground to do with as you wish.
The laws still apply to you.
If you want to make a difference, get involved – not hide out in a cave.
Be a good example for your peers and those that look up to you.
Work for the people and the society you are so determined needs change but only on your own terms.”
From the other side of the bar comes a voice;
“The solution to terrorism is to stop committing it.”
Noam Chomsky continues
“Or at least admit that terrorism is what we call it when it is done to us. Just not when we do it to others.”
“SHUT UP”
says Batman, Luke Skywalker, and James Bond in unison
The three men’s only point of agreement of the evening
as they continue drinking themselves into oblivion without resolution.
Image by Engin Akyurt from Pixabay
Word Outlet 