I never thought I would have to write this down, but here goes: terrorism is always evil – Terrorism is never okay. Seems like a simple concept, doesn’t it? And while we in America have suffered far less than many countries from the evil of terrorism, we all know how devastating being on the receiving end of a terrorist attack is. 9/11 changed the entire world, and we were at the center of that change. Because of it, we launched two wars and changed the ways in which everything – that is literal – everything – is done. We have had our share of domestic and international terrorism, for sure, but some countries experience terrorism on a daily basis. We all know what it feels like to live in fear. Even one terrorist act is too much.
In light of this, I am astounded every time I see someone rationalizing terrorism. After the evil attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7th, far too many people said things like, “Well, what else could the Palestinians do?” Maybe not elect Hamas – a known terrorist organization – to govern them? Or consider the January 6th domestic terrorist attack on our nation’s Capitol Building – look at how many people have explained the many heinous acts of violence and destruction as “a day of love” or “an innocent tour” or “a just response”! Think about how those terrorists tried to murder police officers, not to mention the Vice President and members of congress! And these home-grown terrorists were pardoned! I can fully understand the frustration people feel when things don’t go their way, and I would never try to ignore people’s cries for justice, but to be clear – terrorism is always evil! Terrorism is never okay!
We cannot support Hamas with “yes, but….” excuses. We can never approve of terrorists who say they did it because, “they thought the election was stolen!” We cannot allow what-isms to muddy the conversation, because terrorism is always evil! Making excuses for terrorism is the same as approving of terrorism. Injustice is real, and it should be addressed, but making excuses for terrorism in response to it is never okay! Am I repeating myself? Yes, I am. It needs to be said again and again. Stop supporting politicians who support terrorism. Stop using lost elections to support terrorism. Terrorism is always evil – terrorism is never okay. Period.
Prayer – Holy God, You made us to be better than this, but we have to actually be better than this. Amen.
Today’s art is “I Wish I Could” by Deborah Milton.