Teens Discuss Terrorism
In the weeks and months immediately following 9-11-01

Personal Reflections

“Before September 11, life was very different; …we didn’t even bother [to think about] terrorism. We went through each day with our various freedoms, taking them for granted, no one even regarding the danger that could be imposed on our lives.  No one ever [considered] that we could be attacked.  Everyone just assumed we were too valiant and dominant, and no one had enough nerve to [attempt] such an act. …

       [Since I was] born in a small town and [in a] particular time frame, terrorism has never been an issue in my life. Since September 11, not a whole lot has been modified in my life either.  I live in Medicine Lodge, Kansas; the only alteration we see here is the occasional fluctuation of gas prices.  I still go out with my friends and frequently journey to Wichita to go shopping.  No one is being dismissed from his or her jobs, and all our businesses are still in operation.  We even had a new shop open up!  Everything is the same in Medicine Lodge.  I know of the Anthrax threat but also find it difficult to believe that it would ever reach us in the middle of the United States.

       I’m also smarter than that.  I know that there is great devastation going on in cities like New York. The Stock Market is failing because no one wants to spend money.  Many corporations are going out of business. People are withdrawing…their money from banks, which will, in time, cause [problems].  No one wants to use the airlines, so many workers are being laid off.  The price of tickets have [been] drastically reduced and the government has to [subsidize] the airlines to keep them going.  Bin Laden did not just want to blow up two buildings; he was smarter than that.  He knew exactly where he needed to hit to hurt America the most.  If successful with the Anthrax, it may slowly but surely, make its way to our small community. Anthrax is not the only hazard.  Many threats of biological warfare have been made. They may just drop a whole disease on the United States and there would be very little we could do about it.

       So, how should someone like me, [who was not directly affected] respond in this situation, someone similar to me who was not directly affected?  I believe we should respond the same way that the young adults of New York are responding. After all, it will affect our lives as well as theirs. What can the teenagers of America do to ensure the future of America?  Education will be essential in the future.  We will be the adults to rebuild the economy and the country. Yet, our future education may be one of the components we will be lacking.

       My dreams of what I wanted to do with my life are the same now as they were on September 10^th.  We have to do what we can as a country to ensure that our dreams will not perish.  Going to a four-year university, then to a medical school to become a doctor has always been my dream.  How easy will this be to attain now?  Our education, the key element to our future, may be one of the hardest goals to accomplish now.  With the economy failing, how easy will it be to afford to go to college, let alone Medical School?  This is just in my case. What about the education of the young adults in New York?  It may be even more difficult to get an education for them.  Their families are the one’s losing their jobs.

       I am convinced we should try to make a difference. …We all, as a whole, must try much harder to further our education in order to maintain our country’s future.

       This…is my personal explanation of how terrorism affects me.  After going through the word in my mind over and over, I truly believe that we all have to come up with our own definition of terrorism …in order to indisputably understand the effects of terrorism.” 
Mary Johnson, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Many students expressed disbelief:
“The morning of September 11^th, I arose from my bed like I had every other morning.  I entered the family room and heard news on the television of an attack on the World Trade Towers in New York City.  I was astonished that someone would want to do such a horrible act to such a wonderful country. I went to school with a desire for the answers to my many questions.”
Carrie Anderson, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“Glancing away is now impossible.  The sounds and the pictures on the television screen take control of my mind. Trying to make sense of it all, I reluctantly look towards my teacher for consolation. The tears in her eyes grab at my emotions, pulling at them as if a puddle of quicksand were enveloping my heart.  Can this …be true? America under attack—it seems so unreal to me.  It is impossible to think that someone actually acted in such a barbaric and irrational way, sacrificing so many lives, and that someone is celebrating, happy at seeing such a despicable occurrence.  Within a 24-hour-period—September 10th to September 11th—the world as Americans know it dramatically changed.”
Stephanie Schock, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas 

“Unless the assignment for the day includes watching an educational program, teachers usually do not turn on the classroom televisions.  Thankfully, things were different that September day.  The gossip around school was that something had happened in New York and the Pentagon had been bombed.  As I sat watching the television during class, I was unable to comprehend what I saw.  As I witnessed the first World Trade Tower fall and the second one continue to burn, anger, frustration, and confusion filled my head. Who would do this horrible thing and why would anyone want to kill thousands of innocent people?  … Until now, I never realized that one day or even a few hours could change the way I look at the world.  On September 10, 2001, life was just another day.  I unconsciously went throughout my day, only to realize that it would be my last “normal” day for a long time.  September 11 brought many fears; after the initial shock of the tragedy, fears at home included gas prices rocketing to almost five dollars a gallon.  On my way home from my flute lesson, I was stunned to see the amount of cars lined up to take advantage of what we thought to be the last day of usual gas prices. 

       Another fear arose shortly after: anthrax, something I knew absolutely nothing about.  I quickly became glued to the news, learning every detail about this mysterious monster.  It seemed like everyday there were more cases of anthrax discovered and reported.  After I learned what it was, I feared anthrax the most because both my mom and step-dad work for the United States Postal Service.  I assumed anthrax would come to my home next. Now, terrorism was lurking at my doorstep.”
Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“Before September 11^th did anyone guess this could happen?   Days would pass…and Americans would wake up [to] the same routine…. I would never guess before the attack, that a third world war could be a possibility. This is [the twenty-first century], we are not supposed to have wars now; wars were in the past.  We learned about wars in history.  We are not supposed to be in a war.  I cannot believe that we are actually going to be in a war.  I feel that the young generation does not know enough about acting in a war.  We [use to] fall asleep assured that we would wake up the next morning.  Now, when we fall asleep, acts of terrorism make us wonder if we are going to make it through the night.  We don’t know if we will be bombed or not.  We could have anthrax come through our mail. …Life today has a whole new aspect.  Days go by now and we wonder when the day will come that something happens [where] we live. “
Megan Culver, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“Actually seeing the world turn from September 10, 2001 to September 11, 2001, I know that anything is possible.  I do not know what is going to happen in the future and since the attacks, that kind of scares me.” 
Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Then came the thinking and speculations:
“[The required] reading…really opened my mind [to] ideas that I never had thought about. …I think that terrorist attacks really wake a country…up because there are countries out there that think that they are invincible like we (the U.S.) thought we were. …Just knowing what could have been in those warehouses that the U.N. tried to inspect and couldn’t, kind of gets me…antsy. 
       Atomic bombs and nuclear warfare would be a [huge] problem for the whole world.  I live exactly 18 miles in a straight line from Ft. Leonard Wood.  If we got into a biological war with another country I would be greatly terrified because I know that Ft. Leonard Wood would be [a] target.  If one of the nuclear bombs were dropped there, then my house and places around it would be totally destroyed.  I really don’t like to think about it though.  I just know that there are people out there dumb enough to pull an event like this that could ruin many lives.”
Chris Case, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Throughout life people change and mature as they change.  Going off to college was an unfeasible idea to me. Leaving my friends and family for a new and strange place, I just couldn't comprehend how different it would be. Before September 11, I never thought that my life could change so dramatically, so quickly. … On Monday morning parents argued with their kids about picking up their room, but on Tuesday morning the same parents could not return home fast enough to hug their precious babies. It is sadly ironic how it takes horrific events to place life into perspective…. I hope the importance of peace has been seared in our minds. The lessons learned, the obsessions we have taken for granted, and the little moments that have been forgotten or overlooked, hopefully, will never be forgotten again.”
Stephanie Schock, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“The terrorist attacks of September the 11^th have come to symbolize all of the hate and evil that exists in our world. For many, it is a reminder of just how fragile and precious life can be. No one had a clue that terrorists could cause so much damage, emotional and physical, in just one moment. I know I will never will forget the pain and fear I felt as I saw the south tower of the World Trade Center crumble to the ground.”
Derek Cappaert, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“Terrorism has affected us all. We might have had a family member in the Twin Towers or in the Pentagon, one of the servicemen carries the family name...”
Chad Hall, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

They remembered where they were on September 11, 2001:
“The Tuesday morning on September 11, I was at the Kansas State Fair wandering around, riding all the rides.  Crowds of people were gathered around the news stations’ booths.  We overheard someone saying that the World Trade Center was bombed, and that they evacuated the White House. I went about my business as usual, thinking that it was so far away from here, and it would not affect me personally. 

       But, it did affect me.  It affected the people around me, and…people I do not even know.  This disaster touched our country as a whole, and I will never forget what happened that day.  The terrorism forced on the United States was horrifying, and our country is doing what we can to keep something this evil from happening again.” 
Stephanie Ricke, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“The next team in today’s performance will be Nick Ricke and Keith Vogel, I hear the announcer bellowing over the loud speaker. My heart begins to pound.  In my head I keep thinking of everything that could possibly happen during our run.  Little did I know that in New York City, terrorists had hijacked two planes and flown them into the World Trade Center. As my heart was pounding before the start of my run, the hearts of hundreds of firemen and rescue personnel were also racing. I have complete confidence in what Keith and I can do together. The rescue personnel, on the other hand, were not so fortunate. They were faced with [many] of the unknowns. Would they be able to save the lives of thousands of people or was it too late? …As we wait for what feels like eternity for our time, my stomach is in knots. I know we are fast, but I don’t know if we are fast enough. It must have been a pretty good run, because the crowd is in an uproar.  Over the roar of the crowd I hear, ‘The time for Nick and Keith is 6.5, the fastest run of the day.’ Keith and I have done what we set out to do; we have won the rodeo. All of the hard work and dedication we put into the sport of team roping has paid off on this beautiful day.  As we exit the arena, we both have a look of pride in our eyes. We have beat out thirty other teams to win this rodeo.  There is not a better feeling than knowing that, on this day, we were the best team. [But for rescue personnel in New York City] September 11, 2001, [would not have] such a pleasant ending.  Despite all of the rescue personnel’s hard work and dedication, they were not able to stop the World Trade Center from collapsing and killing thousands of innocent people. Some of the personnel even lost their lives trying to save the lives of the multitude. Such an act like this is a horrific display of human nature.  I find it hard to believe that people in the world could be so cruel.
Nick Ricke, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas 

Some continued to relieve the emotions long after 9-11-02: 
“Stranded at the very top, I carefully peek over the railing at my friends many feet below me.  Their tiny arms wave vigorously…. Bravely, I motion back to them that I am alright, being extremely careful not to rock my seat. Finally, after minutes which seem like hours, the aged Ferris wheel finally jerks forward.  The small movement [ignites] a terrible feeling in my stomach-- a feeling of terror and insecurity.  As my feet dangle in the open sky, I am reminded that [absolute] safety [is an illusion].  All too familiar was this feeling on September 11, 2001.

      Each person’s life in the United States was forever changed on that second Tuesday in September. … Along with the destruction of many buildings and thousands of innocent lives came the end of our sense of safety.  No longer were Americans able to sit back and assume that tragedies cannot happen on our land…. Terrorism is a great threat in today’s world and is on…everyone’s mind.  It is as though we are [all] on a constant Ferris wheel and…can’t get off.

      As I come closer to the ground, a small portion of my security is regained. The operator of the ride unlatches the tiny bar that traps me in the teetering seat, and releases me to the comfort of my friends. … Just like taking a ride on a Ferris wheel, the terrorist attacks [took] many Americans on an emotional ride…Although for brief moments we sat vulnerable and crushed. We found hope and courage, which led us through the darkness.”
Rachel Brungardt, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Terrifying emotions were rekindled in others:
“Four hijacked planes...the World Trade Center...the Pentagon...a lonely field eighty miles south of Pittsburgh...all of these things bring back vivid memories of September 11, 2001, when America was confronted with the worst terrorist attack in its history.”
Brian Krup, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Brian expresses sympathy and describes the magnitude of the tragedy:
“I want to express my deepest sympathy to all of the families who lost loved ones in the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.  The whole country came to a halt trying to realize the horror the country had just experienced.  The professional sports world postponed games for the following week, the first time games had been postponed since D-Day, June 6, 1944. The economy, which had already been experiencing a downfall, suffered even more.  The New York Stock Exchange suspended trading the day of the attack and closed the next three trading days for the first time since August 16 and 17, 1945, in order to honor VJ Day during World War II.”
Brian Krup, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Kyle and Jason wonder how this attack could have occurred:
“The number of lives lost in the buildings and on the ground was horrifying. But you also have to add in the lives of the people on the planes. These terrorists used American citizens and American planes as bombs to kill [Americans]. So we can see this attack was carefully planned…from the beginning. It makes you wonder how…the U.S. intelligence [could be unaware] it was going to happen. You also wonder how…these people got into the United States.”
Kyle Hampton, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“It’s a very scary and strange feeling knowing that the terrorists came to our country got flying lessons from an American citizen, and flew our planes with hundreds of U.S. citizens on them into one of the biggest and most important buildings in the U.S.” 
Jason Bass, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Julia sounds like she lived fifty years ago: 
“Life used to be quiet, peaceful, and friendly. People used to leave their houses wide open, even when they were gone for long periods of time. Now we have home security systems that can call the police of their own accord if someone tries to break into the house. Most people's doors are locked twenty-four hours a day. Apartment doors are even equipped with peepholes so that a person can see who is at the door before he opens it.”
Julia Garcia, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Unfortunately, long before September 11, 2001, most Americans were conscious of their security.
“One of the changes I have experienced from 1998 to 2001 has to do with the safe feeling that students used to possess in their educational environment.  Never before did I perceive the threat of other students.  After the Columbine school shootings and the attacks on America on September 11, I find myself watching my back more closely than I did before.  The lack of respect certain individuals have for other human lives is devastating.”
Robin Long, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“On September 10, [our country] was [not] united; [it was a] place where people could care less about what happened [on] the opposite coast. It was a place where people thought about themselves instead of others.”
Josh Bugbee, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

But Josh and other students affirm that some things change for the better:
“A day later, the world was shocked.   We became united once again. The people of the United States donated millions of dollars and offered their services in the time of need.”
Josh Bugbee, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“Americans have rallied with a sense of patriotism, faith, and support in our government where it has been recently lacking.  People have been turning to books and other information sources….”
Sarah Onken, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“People are reaching out in love to those around them like never before. It amazes me to see how positive occurrences can originate from such devastating events. Although I know our country will never be the same, I do believe in the hope of peace to come as we unite under the values on which we were founded.”
Chelsi Winborne, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“I also feel that the terrorist attacks that are supposed to make America weaker have only made us stronger…”
Amber Watkins, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“I do not claim to know what was occurring in the minds of firemen in New York that fateful day of September.  But, I do know that those brave men became a part of me and every American forever.” 
Chad Mease, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“The September 11^th attack…opened our eyes to the evil and hatred that is accumulating around the world.  But, as always, something good has come from this that bin Laden did not expect.  This is the worst attack that has ever occurred on American soil.  Our country is now more united than it possibly has ever been.  Americans are starting to remember how privileged we are to be a part of this country.  We will fight for our freedom, with or without a definition.  Terrorism will continue, but good will continue to fight evil.”  
Katie Moran, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“Taking a look back on what has transpired in the last two months, I wonder how we could have made it through.  Then I remember how strong of a foundation we have built and how hard we have worked to keep it strong.  Never again will I look at this country’s citizens as weak or incapable.  As I watched thousands of people help with the rescuing and millions more giving blood and donating goods, I realized that it is true that we are now as strong and as focused as ever.  American flags hang everywhere and patriotism, which was once minimal, is now at a high. … As long we continue to live life to it’s fullest, America will always be the home of the free.”
Kiel Hauck, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

A bit of history:
“History doesn’t say when the first attack occurred, who was the first terrorist, or who was the first victim. As President John F. Kennedy once said, ‘Terror is not a new weapon.  Throughout history, it has been used by those who could not prevail either by persuasion or example.’”  
Lynzie Massey, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“Terrorism didn’t start on September 11, 2001.  Terrorist acts date back to at least the first century.  This leaves many examples of terrorism throughout the years that involve either religious or political issues, and in some cases both.
        Since the first century, when the Zealots, a Jewish religious sect, fought against Roman control of present-day Israel, through the eighteenth century, terrorist motives where generally related to religious issues.  In more recent years, radical Jewish groups such as the Stern Gang and the Irgun made several terrorists attacks in the late 1940’s in attempts to end British rule over Palestine and reclaim it for the Jewish people. The best-known attack was the bombing at King David’s Hotel on British government offices that killed over a hundred people.  America has also had a religious group, or cult, called the Ku Klux Klan, that at one time used violence and intimidation in an effort to keep African Americans segregated, and to advocate for white supremacy.”
Mark Gibson, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“In the twelfth century in Iran, the Assassins, a group of Ismailis (Shiite Muslims), performed terrorists acts against religious and political leaders of Sunni Islam.”
Brittney Scott, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“One of the first known acts of terrorism appeared between 1789-1799, a time which was more commonly known as the French Revolution.  The sovereignty during that time became known as the Reign of Terror because the revolutionaries used violence to gain power in France.”
 Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“One of the famous acts of terrorism was when Guerilla Princip assassinated Francis Ferdinand.  Francis Ferdinand was the archduke of the Austria-Hungary empire.  He was meeting politicians in Sarajevo, Bosnia to discuss joining Bosnia and Serbia.  There was a terrorist group called the Blackhand who was against all of this.  They decided to shoot the archduke while riding in his topless car going down one of the main streets in Sarajevo.  When the archduke and his wife got within shooting range Princip shot and killed both of them.  This was a major act of terrorism that caused the outbreak of World War I.”
Chris Case, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“History is full of various terrorist schemes.  Some of the more common would include Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin [and] the Ku Klux Klan…

       The most evil man in the history of terrorists, Adolf Hitler, dictator of Germany, commanded all Jews and people opposed to him to be cleared [from] the countries he ruled.  Using concentration death camps, Hitler first tortured and then murdered six million Jews and millions of other victims. 

       With the fear of those who helped him gain power possibly turning on him, Joseph Stalin, dictator of U. S. S.R., executed or imprisoned those who opposed his decisions.

       African Americans and those who sympathized with them were terrorized and became victims to the Ku Klux Klan.

       Another terrorist scheme occurred at the 1972 Olympic Summer Games in Munich, Germany where eight Palestinian terrorists took nine Israeli athletes hostage, killed two and demanded over 200 Arab prisoners to be released.  All the hostages, five terrorists, and one policeman died when a battle with West German sharpshooters broke out.” 
Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“In 1984 a cult inoculated items on several restaurant salad bars with Salmonella typhimurium.  This act was implicated in causing illness in 751 individuals in and around The Dalles, Oregon. If terrorists can easily attack our food, they can very well attack the sources of  our food.”
Andy Segman, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“Political motives in terrorism are not tracked as far back in time as religious ones are, but in recent years there [have been] hundreds. A terrorist organization in Italy known as the Red Brigades, attacked politicians, police, journalists, and business executives.  Their terrorism reached its peak when they kidnapped and murdered the Italian Prime Minister, Aldo Moro, in 1978.  They did all of this to show they didn’t like the way the current government was being run. 

       At the same time this was going on in Italy, the United States was dealing with a terrorist who became known as the Unabomber.  The Unabomber, found to be Theodore Kaczynski, sent homemade bombs to colleges and universities, targeting professors, corporate executives, and computer merchants.  In his efforts he killed three people and injured twenty-three others in his sixteen different attempts.  When the authorities caught him, he admitted having ties with radical environmentalists, and he was strictly against industrialization and technology. 
       American parties were once again under terrorist attacks in 1983, when hostility grew with the United States for helping Israel, and for U.S. military actions taking place in the Middle East.  Attacks made by the Shiite Muslim suicide bombers on the U.S. embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, and on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut killed almost 300 people, most of whom were Americans.” 
Mark Gibson, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“In 1993 six people were killed when a car bomb exploded in the underground garage of the World Trade Center. In 1998 Suicide Bombers killed 224 people, including 12 Americans when they destroyed American embassies in Tanzania and Kenya.”
Derek Cappaert, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“Another devastating terrorist attack was in April 1995, when Timothy McVeigh set off a bomb in a truck parked in front of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.  The bomb killed 168 people and injured another 500.  This was the biggest terrorist attack on America until September 11, 2001.”
Mark Gibson, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“Extreme interest groups can also become terrorists.  Anti-abortionists have bombed abortion clinics, and [others] have performed acts of violence against certain groups of people because of race or religion.”
Sarah Trammell, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs,Arkansas

“The Department of Defense estimates that as many as 26 nations may possess chemical agents and/or weapons and an additional 12 may be seeking to develop them. The Central Intelligence Agency reports that at least ten countries are believed to possess, or be conducting research on biological agents weapons.”
Sarah Hodges, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Students spent a good deal of time considering why the United States was attacked:
“The reason that the United States was attacked needs to be agreed upon so everyone knows what and why we are fighting.  A hunter would not put out mouse bait to catch a deer; he would put out deer bait.  We need to do the same so we are all fighting for the same reason and fighting together.”
Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“In my opinion we were attacked because we feel that we are so much better than other countries and by attacking us they are saying this isn’t a race to see who is better but under what power and [what] reason we have for living. They [may have] attacked us to show that we are not the only ones who can bring harm and destruction to the world.”
Liz Meier, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“In my opinion the United States was attacked very unexpectedly and undeservingly because, Osama bin Laden wished to make his point … He is a radical who seems to hate all those who are different from him and wished to strike out against the world.  The U.S. would seem to be a logical choice because, we embrace differences and we are proud of it.”
Samantha Pyatt, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

What was the motive behind the attacks?
“One man writes in an anonymous essay that it is ‘fundamentally a religious issue,’ but another man, Doug Bandow, says the attack is ‘in response to American involvement in their lands and struggles.’ …[He says] ‘They did so because of opposition to Washington’s intervention in what they saw as their affairs.’  I think the religious issue is an extra incentive, placed on top of their already ill attitudes towards America.”  
Mark Gibson, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“What…is at the root of all their rage?  Fareed Zakaria says, ‘We stand for freedom and they hate it.  We are rich and they envy us.  We are strong and they resent that.’  All of that is true, but there are poor people in the United States.  However, terrorists do not go around blowing themselves up to kill thousands of innocent people just because they might be a little better off.  There’s more to it than just jealousy and poverty.
       The fact that we are of another religion is a factor in terrorists’ anger against us.  One author says, ‘What we are dealing with is fundamentally a religious issue.’  Many people believe that the only difference between Americans and Afghans is the simple fact that we are from a Christian background and they are from a Muslim background.  Many people believe that the whole religion of Islam is against us. That is not true.” 
Rachel Green, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Many students decided that religion was at least one, if not the only motive:
“[Terrorists] view our freedom of religion as ungodly and disobedient.  The United States gives aid generously to outside countries, and radical terrorists jump to the conclusion that we enjoy strutting our wealth and power. … Osama bin Laden is an extremist who believes that Allah has given him two choices: to convert non-believers or kill them.  This suggests that the type of terrorism we are dealing with now is a result of religious fanaticism. The basic decree that anyone who dies in an attempt to kill us is guaranteed a place in heaven motivates the terrorists to unspeakable acts of violence.  In 1998, Osama bin Laden issued a fatwah, an explicit religious order, making it the holy duty of Muslims to kill American civilians.  By doing so, he aims to eliminate all of the people who have declared themselves to be mortal enemies by virtue of their citizenship.  The fact that the terrorists look to their religion and believe that they are given strict orders from…God is frightening.  Ruling by divine right instead of a natural democracy, they firmly believe that there is no room for debate.  These deep spiritual feelings that the terrorists have shine a whole different light on finding a common ground.  No longer can we look to diplomacy for all the answers.”
Carrie Ann Reason, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“If we were poor, destitute and starving, the bin Ladens of the world could point to us and say, ‘See what happens to infidels! See how miserable they are because they don't follow Allah, the one true God!’ Unfortunately for their movement, however, we are the most prosperous nation on earth.”
David Maledy, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Almost all terrorist actions by extremist groups have been claimed in the name of Allah.  Is it possible that one day all Muslims could pursue Jihad in the nature that the extremists do, with violence?  The thought is very frightening: Over one billion Muslims who believe it is their duty to enforce Islam on all people with pen, tongue or even violence. The extremists do not believe that they are committing any crimes or acting [like terrorists]. The extremists believe that Allah has given them permission to force their beliefs onto…others.”
Joshua Schroth, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“I am not sure why these people see the United States as such an evil country, [why they] hate us so much, but, I do believe that the reasons for them attacking us have to do with our money and power, and the fact the we are not a Islamic state.  I believe that it is hard for them to fathom how a country that is not Islamic can have so much wealth, and they have nothing in comparison.” 
Chad Mease, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas 

“I live day today just thinking I am safe, when in fact there are people throughout the world whose main goal is to kill in the name of a God or for political reasons.”
Brian Krup, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Two motives? Political as well as religious?
“Perhaps the terrorist attack on the American World Trade Center was so massive because it had both motives behind it: religious and political.” 
Mark Gibson, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“The United States is heavily involved politically and militarily in Middle East. Muslims see us as the enemy because we have always backed Israel.”
Derek Cappaert, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“I also believe that they are angry with the way that we live.  The fact that we give women rights and the women in our country are immoral, according to their standards, makes them angry.  They think that we are evil, and they are fighting a holy war.”
Chad Mease, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“We live in a country with many luxuries and seem to take all of our freedoms for granted.  These terrorists ‘hate our freedoms--our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other,’ relays President Bush.  Many countries do not have these wonderful freedoms that we are blessed with and, therefore, want to take all of them away from us.”
Sara Jenkins, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Jealousy too?
“The United States is the most successful and powerful country in the World. Many people are jealous that we have accomplished so much in only a couple hundred years. They are angry that their own way of life has failed them. Our country’s culture has spread far and wide to the chagrin of Islamic extremists.”
Derek Cappaert, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“People like Osama bin Laden hate us because we don’t use their type of government or follow their god.  But the thing that really makes them angry is we do this and prosper from it.  They don’t understand how we do it.  So they must destroy us.”
Kyle Hampton, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Terrorism is the product of jealousy and hatred within a group of radicals. If prejudice could be eliminated and equality instilled in every aspect of life in every country, the threat of terrorism would be removed. Another theory to eradicate terrorism is to remove or reduce the injustices of the world, such as poverty and hunger. Terrorists would not be as angered toward America in general, some believe, if the citizens of their country were as prosperous as the so-called ‘nation of infidels’.“
Sarah Trammell, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“The United States may have been attacked because of its superior economy.  The United States has the most technologically powerful, diverse, advanced, and largest economy in the world.  According to a report on the United States economy, American businesses enjoy greater flexibility in the workplace.  While many countries have a problem with poverty, the United States has only 12.7 percent of its population below the poverty line.  The U.S. also has one of the lowest unemployment rates at about 4.2 percent.  U.S. firms are near or at the forefront in technological advances, especially in computers and in medical; aerospace, and military equipment.  These achievements are said to have had a part in the motive for the attack on the World Trade Center towers.  Many other countries still live without modern technology and conveniences.  The Muslim extremists believe that the technology of the twenty-first century is sacrilegious and simply heretical.”  
Lindsay Read, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“Terrorists attack the United States because they are jealous of what Americans have. Americans are prosperous and we tend to flaunt it. Other countries are suffering and are often living in poverty. The United States has a great economy and we have little poverty compared to other countries.”
Sarah Hodges, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

We stand in the way of their long-term goals?
“Other reasons terrorists might attack us may have to do with immediate and long-term goals attackers are seeking. Some immediate goals may be to obtain worldwide, national, or local recognition in order to feel a sense of power in themselves. Terrorists may want to cause government reaction, overreaction, and repression leading to immediate dissension.  Attackers may be trying to show a government’s inability to protect its citizens.  These people may even be going as far as trying to prevent or delay executive decisions or legislation. Long-term effects may be to cause dramatic changes in a government.  Attackers may want to influence national or international policy decision-making.  Terrorists may be seeking a gain in political recognition as the legal body representing an ethnic or national group
Jesse Meyer, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“According to President Bush in his speech to a joint session of Congress and the American People on September 20, 2001, ‘They [the terrorist] stand against us because we stand in their way.’”
Chad Hall, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

A student from Pakistan asks us to consider and imagine:
“Terrorism is one of the feelings at the back of one's head, which everybody keeps on ignoring. It's not just a subliminal acknowledgement but inherent ¾ a fear sewn into the fabric of one's imagination. So is terrorism just imagination? 
        Imagine waking every morning just to welcome the sounds of gunfire, children screaming, mothers weeping and evil laughing. A few bombs here and a few there. How about a nice game of ‘dodge the mines’ and ‘who retains the most limbs’? No?
       Imagine having large ugly military tanks patrolling your street and strange armed foreign men guarding every nook of your very own neighborhood. Imagine watching noisy funerals being taken out every now and then. How about a nice game of ‘who shouts the most vehement slogan’ or ‘who hits the funny looking man with the gun with pebbles?’ No?
      A notable eastern scholar once said with utmost confidence; ‘I think I'm right, but I may be wrong. I think he's wrong but he may be right.’ This powerful statement introduces a form of logical doubt into the human psyche, commonly known as a conscious.
        With such great motivational two liners out there, how can any one ever think of terrorism? Imagine your sister being harassed in front of you, imagine your father being insulted and checked at every check point., just because he's got a beard. How about a nice game of ‘bombing the guts out of every person green and foreign’ or ‘crashing planes into tall buildings cause they block the sun.’ No?”
Omer Kamal Aijazi, Froebel's International School, Islamabad, Pakistan

Students were asked how important they thought it was to define terrorism:
“Very important!  Yes, because I want to learn more about terrorism.”
Terranda Freeman, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“It is extremely important to discover a definition in order to understand it, even though it is so complex.”
Brittney Scott, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Those who thought a definition was important agreed it was necessary to research all viewpoints:
"I think it is very important for me, as a person, to define terrorism because then I can fully understand what is happening in the world.  I am willing to put whatever effort is necessary into defining terrorism.  If I want to explain what terrorism is, I should be fully prepared to support my ideas with research and information from all sources and viewpoints.”
Mitchell Elliott, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“I feel that it's very important to have full understanding of terrorism, and through my research and reflecting I'll put forth the best effort that I can.  This is important because I'm a part of the future that will have to deal with these problems.”
Jacob Heithold, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“It is very important to research, discuss and consider [other people’s] definition of terrorism…I know my side, but what other sides are there that I have not seen yet?  I want to know that.”
Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“I think that it is very important that we know what the definition of terrorism is and I would spend my time trying to find the right answer to it.  I think that it would be a good thing to do research and discuss this topic in class because everyone has their own views on the subject.”
Chris Case, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“The United States should be willing to listen to the definition and not try to force our definition on [other countries]. Everyone needs to overcome different cultural values and different interpretations of terrorism. If everyone cannot overcome his or her difference, terrorism will never end.  If terrorism never ends might the hatred end up killing everyone?
April Brown, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“Attempts shouldn't be made to generalize terrorism in reference to one region, race and religion but to research all viewpoints and rationale of the afflicted and the afflicters.  I'm willing to put in an effort not to conjure up a definition justifying a certain point of view, but in universal understanding of conflicting issues to at least set a thin dividing line between the concepts of terrorism and self-defense. It's about time the citizens of the world wake up from their slumber. We as humans have a huge right over world affairs. I would like to break free the society from its silence. …all sides of the story should be scrutinized and a broad based agenda regarding terrorism should be formulated which incorporates all essential ethics and boundaries, rather then a mere definition.”
 Omer Kamal Aijazi, Froebel's International School, Islamabad, Pakistan 

Kathryn essentially agrees with Omer:
“To define terrorism correctly, one must not be partial to any country, culture, or religion.  This is necessary because it is agreed that a terrorist act is wrongful.  For one to decide what is wrongful, the question must first be answered, What is right?
       So much of what we believe depends on the country and the government we have.  People in each country are taught what their government believes, and the majority believe and learn to follow it.
       In a democracy, people have freedom of speech, freedom of assembly, freedom of election, and many more freedoms. These people learn and grow up in circumstances with these values and rights surrounding them. …Many of these democratic devotees may believe that anything that is not democratic is wrong. …and some may go as far as to call it terrorism.
        With a socialist government, each person must work together to provide their country with food, clothing or other goods.  This creates an environment where each person depends on his or her neighbor for support, food and necessities. …Someone under socialism may believe that capitalist societies are terribly wrong, because no one shares what they have, unless they feel like it, which leaves the poor, destitute people on the streets to die a death of starvation.  These believers in a socialist society may find any effort by capitalists to change the socialist government an intrusion, and some acts against the socialist government even so extremely wrong as to call them terrorist acts.”
Kathryn Martens, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Students consider what was a short time ago unthinkable:
“Terrorism could have a direct effect on me.  I may have to fight on the battlefield for my country someday.  If that is the case, I would very much like to know that if I am risking my life, I would like to know what it is that I am fighting for.  I am willing to provide the best possible definition I can.  I am interested in the topic and I know that terrorism will be an issue that will be around for my lifetime.  I will enjoy learning all I can about terrorism so that someday I can pass my knowledge of terrorism to younger generations whom may not have a clear picture of what is going on.  The sad point is that we may never secure a clear picture of terrorism.”
Jesse Meyer, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“I think it is very important to research terrorism so everyone knows what we are fighting for. I am willing to spend my time and give my best effort in and attempt to learn if what we are fighting for is noble and honest.”
Mark Gibson, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“I believe that it is very important to research, discuss and consider the definition of terrorism because; we can’t do any good if we don’t have boundaries set and rules laid down. I am more than willing to spend the time it takes to give my definition my very best effort because, I feel that this war will continue for a long time and I feel that my opinions could help to prevent another tragedy like 9-11-01 from ever happening again.”
Samantha Pyatt, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Why do people need a definition of terrorism in order to stop it? 
“Why do people need a definition of terrorism in order to stop it?  For the same reasons people needed to know who they were fighting in World War I and World War II.  If you need an example of what happens when the United States does not have a clear idea as to who its enemy is, look at what happened during the War in Vietnam.  Soldiers from the United States spent eight years in Vietnam and achieved virtually nothing despite the deaths of more than fifty thousand Americans.  However, when the United States knows exactly whom it is fighting, it does quite well.  Two clear examples are when the United States helped the allied nations defeat their enemies in World War I and World War II. … Another justification for obtaining a clear definition of terrorism is so that we can successfully determine what parts of our planet are affected by terrorism the most.  Countries that are unaffected may then be able to help countries which are plagued by terrorists or stop countries which harbor and support terrorists. … We cannot help the victimized countries or convince the other countries that they are wrong until we truly know what terrorism is.”
Mitchell Elliott, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Many students agreed with Mitchell:
“If we don’t know what the problem is, then we definitely can’t start to resolve anything.”
Michelle Yoder, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“I think you need to know what you are trying to stop before you just jump out there and try to stop it.”
Rachel Green, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

^“In short, defining terrorism appropriately will give us better insights to what terrorism really is and help us to overcome it constructively.”
Kris Sheldon, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“Absent a valid definition, terrorism is extremely hard to stop.” 
Elgin Vollbracht, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“Until we figure out what we are fighting, the road to ending terrorism will be a long one.”
Rachel Green, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“In order to destroy terrorism we must first completely determine what terrorism is.  There is no way to destroy an unknown enemy, so we must figure out what our enemy is and why it works as it does.”
David Maledy, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“I do agree that in order to stop terrorism we must identify it and I also believe that we shouldn’t ‘put the cart before the horse,’ so to speak, and just run in guns ablaze and possibly do more harm than good.”
Samantha Pyatt, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Terrorism cannot be brought to an end unless everyone agrees on the exact definition of terrorism.”
April Brown, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

But Chad and Amber aren’t so sure an exact definition is required. Understanding may be enough”
“Terrorism can be stopped if we understand what terrorism is, why America was a target of terrorist acts, and what measures are effective in the fight against terrorism.”
Chad Hall, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“I feel that we are slowly defeating terrorism.  I think that everyone should have a good understanding of terrorism before it can ever really be stopped.”
Amber Watkins, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Thoughtful analysis suggested that a universal definition was not going to be attained easily:
“How can something that occurs in so many different forms for so many different reasons be defined, especially when the reasons given for it are both good and bad?  And on that note, how do we draw the line between good and bad?  The Islamic terrorists believed they were doing the world good by ridding it of Americans.  We thought we were doing good by bombing Hiroshima, Nagasaki and many others over time.  I, too, believe these bombings were necessary, but how could we explain the difference between good and bad bombings to a twelve year old boy being put through terrorism training in Afghanistan.”
Sarah Onken, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“Owning to the vast lingual, cultural and ideological diversity in world cultures it is not possible to come up with something universal. So to curb terrorism in one region might be starting terrorism in the second.”
Omer Kamal Aijazi, Froebel's International School, Islamabad, Pakistan

“One person may understand a definition of terrorism in one manner, while another person may interpret it differently.  This confusion could easily lead to problems in not only defining terrorism, but also in enforcing the definition.”
Jesse Meyer, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“I’m not sure you can really sit down and define terrorism.  Terrorism is a subject that needs a lot of thought.  What applies to one situation, may not apply at all to another.  For instance, when the United States bombed Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Japan in 1945 could that be considered terrorism or retaliation for an earlier attack on the United States?  Instead of trying to put a definition on terrorism as a whole, we need to focus more on defining the characteristics of terrorism.  For one, we all know, or should know, that terrorism is an act of violence.  That’s given.  However, if you were just to say, that terrorism is an act of violence, then everything would be considered terrorism, and that isn’t the case.  Another characteristic of terrorism would be hatred.  Most of the time, an act of terrorism is committed out of hatred for a person or a group of persons.  Again, though, to say that terrorism is an act of hatred, you would be including a lot of things that wouldn’t be considered terrorism by anyone.  Even to put these two characteristics together alone, would not be sufficient enough to define terrorism, because we all know that terrorism has many characteristics.”
Desiree Phillips, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“If terrorism were to be correctly defined, one must take a neutral stance on every belief, custom, government, and religion.  …a definition would have to be created that fit every one of these beliefs, customs, and religions. This already has been calculated as impossible, unless the whole world was to follow the same set of beliefs under one government and all follow one religion.  The likelihood of this is essentially nonexistent.”
Kathryn Martens, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“If everyone has a definition that differs separately how will any definition be enforced?  Who will have the authority to enforce the definition? International courts have tried unsuccessfully to enforce a definition….”
Andy Segman, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

But Andy was not deterred:
“The United States can try to set up a court, with participation of every country in the world. This court can then try and enforce the laws and a workable definition of terrorism.”
Andy Segman, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

Stephanie added another twist. Not only do people differ in their opinions but definitions change over time:
“The [definition] of terrorism is [constantly] changing … That is why I do not think that knowing the definition will stop terrorism.  My interpretation before the attack would be completely different than my definition of terrorism today.” 
Stephanie Ricke, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Chad cuts to the chase:
“I do not feel that there is any need to define such a horrific circumstance.  I feel that we need to take care of the problem before we worry about the scholastic attributes of the situation.  As of right now, we know that the individuals involved in this tragedy are associated with Osama bin Laden.  So, we need to take care of these people before we worry about all of the other causes of terrorism.”
Chad Mease, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Other students found a definition irrelevant:
 “I think that the definition is irrelevant as long as people are still suffering from the effect of it.”
Chad Mease, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“[Terrorism] has not truly effected my life in a threatening way, yet.  Also, I believe I can trust our leaders who are very much more wise and educated than I am.”
Andy Cason, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“Sure, no one has been able to define the word that brought this world to a halt on September 11^th, but who needs to?  Whether we can define it or not, we will prevail.  Terrorism isn’t a word; it’s an action; an action which we Americans can all help to stop.”
Kiel Hauck, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“I feel that to define terrorism is pointless, to even begin to understand it is walking in another mans shoes.”
Liz Meier, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Instead of trying to find a definition for this act of hate, we need to figure out how to prevent terrorism from occurring.”
Marcy Rausch, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Sarah found a definition relevant but perhaps too hard to define:
“Terrorism is such an awful word, just hearing it gives me chills. It seems that the word, terrorism is so common these days that no one really even gives it a second thought; but I do. When I thought about a definition for terrorism I could not think of one. You would think it would be easy, but there really is not any way to define it. Everyone knows what it is, but then again they kind of do not.”
Sarah Hodges, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

But others thought pursuing a definition, although difficult, was worthwhile and doable:
“Many things must be taken into account to derive a meaningful definition of terrorism.  To define terrorism, the motives behind terrorist attacks and the places targeted must be explored.  A clear difference must also be distinguished between terrorism and acts of crime and warfare.  Americans must also uncover the ways to combat terrorism, both philosophical and logistical. The definition of terrorism is very complex, but must be thoroughly explored to find ways to combat it. …War is defined as an armed conflict between two states or groups of states. Crime is defined as a serious violation of the law. Terrorism cannot be definitely placed in either category, but is in the murky area between the two.  It cannot be called an act of war because terrorists are not particularly from one state or representing a country—they are fighting for and representing an idea.  Terrorism cannot be simply called a crime either because of the complex political and religious motives behind each terrorist attack. ‘America’s current conflict is a different war from any our nation has ever faced, a war on many fronts, against terrorists who operate in more than 60 countries,’ President Bush said. …Although a concrete definition of terrorism is controversial, by looking at who terrorists are, their motivation, and who they attack, terrorism can be understood as deliberate attacks on groups of people in order to gain ground for a certain cause—religious or political.”
Sarah Trammell, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“In 1937 the League of Nations Convention stated that terrorism consisted of ‘all criminal acts directed against a State and intended or calculated to create a state of terror in the minds of particular persons or a group of persons or the general public.’  According to this definition, terrorism must be a criminal act against another group.  The short legal definition proposed by A. P. Schmid to the United Nations Crime Branch in 1992 states: ‘Act of Terrorism = Peacetime Equivalent of War Crime.’  So, in essence, terrorism is an act of war, except for the fact war hasn’t been declared.   Lastly, in 1999 UN Resolution language ‘strongly condemns all acts, methods and practices of terrorism as criminal and unjustifiable, wherever and by whomsoever committed.’  This international affairs group exemplifies the opinion of the world toward terrorism,
Brittney Scott, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“A general definition of terrorism is that it is the use or threat of violence that targets religious groups, governments, political parties and innocent civilians in order to create fear among the people demanding certain political or religious changes.  Terrorist acts are generally based on moral and religious issues. …The main difference between crime and terrorism is the purpose for the act.  Many criminals bring terror on and/or kill people in order to fulfill their purpose of personal gain, i.e. money or valuable possessions.  However, the purposes of terrorists are much more complicated; they try to force people to transform their beliefs, such as political or religious beliefs, by destroying people, places or things in hopes of gaining attention and achieving the effects they desire.  The Unabomber and the Ku Klux Klan are good examples of this.  The Unabomber ‘claimed an allegiance with radical environmentalists and others opposed to the effects of industrialization and technology’ and targeted professors, corporate executives and computer merchants.  The Ku Klux Klan used ‘violence and intimidation to keep African Americans segregated and to promote white supremacy.’” 
Sara Jenkins, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Some say that one man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter. …Another way to describe it is by saying terrorism is the unlawful use or threat of violence against persons or property to further political or social objectives.  It is generally intended to intimidate or coerce a government, individuals or groups to modify their behavior or policies.  When it comes down to it, terrorism has three components.  Component one says terrorism is the ‘use or threat of violence’ to promote a ‘political or social’ goal.  Component two says the aim of terrorism is to ‘intimidate or coerce a government, individuals or groups’ to change their “behavior or policies.’  Component three says that the common methods are ‘hostage-taking, aircraft piracy or sabotage, assassination’ and other forms of violence or threats of violence.”
Lynzie Massey, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Some students attempt to construct a definition by using negatives:
“What makes terrorism?  Criminal violence, acts of war, and terrorist acts are all not appropriate; it is the target and motive that make violence terrorism.
        First of all, criminal violence is not terrorism.  The Italian-American gangster, Scarface, better known as Alphonse Capone, led an organized group that was one of the most powerful gangs in America during the 1920’s when he basically controlled Chicago’s criminal activities.  Crimes of violence consist of murder, manslaughter, rape, and assault.  Capone was held for several serious murder charges and, on top of that, he controlled gambling rackets, prostitution rings, and the illegal sales of liquor, altogether building a twenty-seven million dollar fortune through unjustifiable acts of indecency. Criminals are violent, but their violence is motivated by personal gain, so they are not terrorists.
       Next, acts of war are violent but sometimes can be justifiable.  War, in international law, is armed conflict between two or more governmental bodies.  During war, violence is required to win.  Acts of war occur as nation-sponsored military-equipped personnel fight against another country, as we did in World War II against Germany.  However, a terrorist war is much different from a conventional war between two nations.  A conventional war is intense and concentrated.  It has battle lines with trained professionals fighting against one another.  A terrorist war, on the other hand, consists of random acts of violence against civilians where they live and work. … the U.S. was attacked in 1941 by the Japanese, our government knew exactly who was responsible for the offense and had a clear understanding of their intentions.  Somewhat like Pearl Harbor, the September 11 attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has had a devastating effect on Americans and their allies around the world.  An act of war is violence; however, it is not terrorism.”
Andy Cason, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“What are the things that terrorism can’t be?  Maybe that is what we all need to decide on before we can find an accurate definition of it. Terrorism can’t just be killing some people for a civil dispute or just murdering someone. There has to be an agenda for the killing. Terrorism can’t be the destroying of military targets, or the killing of military personnel during a war. If military personnel are killed or military property is being destroyed during a time of war it isn’t considered terrorism, it is considered as an act of war. Terrorism also can’t be an indiscrete act of aggression. It cannot be a secret act of sabotage that everyone thinks was an accident. People have to know that the acts have been committed or no one will be afraid. So terrorism must be a public act of aggression. Terrorism can’t be a country defending life liberty and the pursuit of happiness. When the United States bombed Japan, there were more lives saved in the long run.  That bomb ended the war and saved countless lives for America, and Japan.”
Craig Pryor, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Craig goes on to refine his definitions by switching to positives:
“So what are things that terrorism must be?  The purpose of terrorism is to make people feel afraid.  Terrorists don’t even have to do anything, but if they make people think they are going to do something people will be afraid.  Also, terrorism must try to accomplish something.  An act of terrorism must try to further the cause of, or raise awareness for a cause of political, religious, or fundamental purposes. Terrorism must be public too.  The terrorists must attack a very public target that will get a lot of media attention. If a terrorist blows up an old barn and no one is hurt, only a very select few will even hear about it.  So the target must be a big target that is of national significance. If it is even just a courthouse of a small town no large media outlets will pick the story up, so it has to be something that is of importance to everyone in the country.  The anthrax scare is a good example because it threatens something of national significance, the mail.  Everyone gets the mail so this threat of death in the mail could affect us all. Everyone knows about this threat too because the national media talks about it all the time.  Even if it is during a time of war if there are innocent civilians killed, it is terrorism. Some civilians will be killed in any war, so the number of civilians killed has to be in the hundreds if it is during a time of war. But if it is not during the time of war and people are killed for a political, religious, or fundamental purpose, then it is terrorism.”
Craig Pryor, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Students consulted a variety of dictionaries:
“Terrorism is not a word that crossed my mind much before September 11, 2001.  According to the definition in the dictionary, terrorism is defined as ‘violence against others to create fear and alarm, actual or threatened use of violence for political goals, directed not only against the victims themselves but also against larger, related groups, of a scope often transcending national boundaries.’  Before September 11, I would acknowledge that definition as sufficient. Now, as a mourning American, I find that definition to be inadequate. I have never before witnessed nor been affected by such a horrific event. … A negative side to technology has been the spread of anthrax through postal machines or a type of biological warfare.  Anthrax spores were released on postal machines, which spread to other letters.  The letters were then delivered to innocent victims, some of whom died.  Terrorists accomplished filling the lives of Americans with fear.  As long as we use our new technology in the manner intended, it should help us rather than hurt us.”
Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“If you were to look up the definition of terrorism in the dictionary, you would find that terrorism is the use of force or threats to demoralize, intimidate, and subjugate.  Under this definition, though, would a simple fight on a playground, or anywhere else be considered as terrorism?  Under this definition, even wrestling would be terrorism.  The last time I checked, wrestling wasn’t considered terrorism, which means this definition of terrorism isn’t entirely correct.”
Desiree Phillips, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Terrorism is ‘the unlawful use of force or violence against persons or property to intimidate or coerce a government, civilian population , or any thereof, in furtherance of political or social goals.’  In my mind, that is a pretty accurate definition.  It covers the obvious factors, such as:  ‘violence’, ‘persons’, ‘intimidate’, and ‘civilians’. …The social goals were definitely one of the reasons for the attack on New York, New York.”
Jeff Daboin, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Others Improvised:
"Terrorism is the terrorizing of people by threats or action on a public target.  Terrorism is the killing of innocent civilians and military personnel outside of wartime. Terrorism is an act of aggression that makes people feel afraid about something on a national level.  We must infiltrate the terrorist organizations so that we can stop these things from coming to America again.  America is a place of freedom and democracy, and we must do whatever is necessary to keep it that way.”
Craig Pryor, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Terror is a tool of the relatively powerless.”
Lynzie Massey, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“My definition of terrorism is a person or group that takes part in a violent act against innocent people whose outcome is causality or psychologically damaged.” 
Chris Case, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Terrorism is like smog in that it is hard to see oncoming objects.”
Kris Sheldon, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“Terrorism may be defined as the use of threatened or actual violence in the pursuit of political goals.  Individuals or groups who engage in terrorism believe that intimidation and violence are legitimate and necessary tools to achieve their aims.  Participants in terrorist group activities reject all of the standards of morality.  Although terrorism runs counter to democratic political institutions it is compatible with totalitarian governments.”
Carrie Anderson, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

“The definition that the United States military uses for terrorism is the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence to attain political, religious, or ideological goals by instilling fear or using intimidation or coercion. This has been the standard for countering terrorism on United States Army installations for years. Another definition of terrorism relates to criminal prosecution in federal district courts.  The definition states that international terrorism concerns activities involving violent acts that are dangerous to human life, including acts that are a violation of the criminal laws of the United States or of any state.  These acts would be a criminal violation if committed within the jurisdiction of the United States or of any state.”
Josh Wetzel, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

“Those who are in combat, and are working to figure out the situation should fully understand the meaning of terrorism.  I am more than willing…to state what I feel terrorism is, and being an American I have the right to stand by [my] definition through any amount of criticism I may receive.”
David Maledy, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Chad, like David above, may stand by his definition but it may be too general to be useful:
“Terrorism is any harm that is done to anyone.”
Chad Hall, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Many students thought uncovering the characteristics of terrorists would help them construct a valid definition:
"We should first take the time to think about whom the enemy is.  Is the enemy a single man, a small group, a religious cult, or maybe just an idea?  Maybe the enemy is not one of these, but all of these.  In the current attack and events following September 11^th, we have several different enemies we are fighting.  First and foremost we are going after Osama Bin Laden, who is the designated leader of the Islamic radicals, that led the attack on America.  Then we have those Islamic religion radicals who follow Osama, and believe that killing Americans is what they are supposed to be doing for their god.  The overall problem we have is the idea that everyone cannot coexist, because ‘we are a population of devils led by devils.’  Their belief that we cannot coexist peacefully makes them that much more dangerous…. So now it should come down to protecting us and being aware of what could happen. 
       Terrorists are always planning…their attacks.  They have nothing else to live for since this is what they believe is their goal in life.  So, do they work?  Maybe, but probably only as a cover to keep others from being suspicious.  They wait and watch until they notice when we have let our guard down… Until we figure out what it is that drives the terrorists to attack us, we will not completely understand how to defeat them.  If we simply destroy those that are supposed to be the leaders of the opposition, we will not be eliminating the problem.  That would just allow for new leaders to step in and most likely resume fighting against us.  We have to think about the future in all the decisions we make….”
David Maledy, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

People must find out whom, before they can begin to find out why:
“Who is carrying out these vile acts?  People must find out whom, before they can begin to find out why.  How do these people live?  What are their day-to-day lives like?”
Mitchell Elliott, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“The first question is important to resolve and to agree upon because; we cannot fight the opposition if we do not know who they are.  If we just strike out against those whom we have no proof against we are treating them unjustly and are going against the morals we, as a nation, pride ourselves on.”
Samantha Pyatt, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“Agreeing upon what the mindset of a terrorist is will help the United States…be more on guard for future attacks.” 
Carrie Ann Reason, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

“…if we evaluate the purpose of their actions, it allows us to gain a better understanding of how to deal with them.”
Sara Jenkins, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

“We must defend ourselves from these acts of terrorism, and to defend ourselves we must learn about our enemies and why they are doing what they are doing.  We must understand them so that we might know what we are doing to make them mad.  If we know what we are doing to make the terrorist organizations upset, then we would know when to increase our security when we are doing the thing that upsets them.  We must try to infiltrate their organizations so we can receive proper intelligence so that we may prevent another attack like the one on September eleventh.”
Craig Pryor, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

Mitchell attempts to profile terrorists:
“Terrorists tend to live harsh, unrewarding lives with no hope of them improving.  Many terrorists are followers, listening to the words of some manipulative madman.  They live in poor countries where the death rate is high, so why not die for something they believe will give them eternal peace and happiness?  To them there is no choice but death, so it is these people who must be singled out and stopped.”
Mitchell Elliott, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Other students try their hand at profiling:
“Terrorists include the members of the al Qaeda who strive to destroy Americans at any cost, the radicals who seek to bomb abortion clinics, and those who desire to destroy a country through the use of biochemical warfare, only to name a few.  All terrorists possess a motive that drives them to commit unthinkable acts.  For example, Osama bin Laden’s followers continue to believe that Americans are evil, and that Allah wishes them to be distroyed because of the arrogant display of godlessness that they display.  Terrorism isn’t driven solely by political issues. The recent World Trade Center destruction, led by the followers of Osama bin Laden made no efforts to reveal their cause prior to the operation, making it difficult for Americans to understand the reasoning behind the destruction.  At first, since no one understood their rationale, it was simple to assume that they might simply be deranged psychopaths with a warped political agenda.  It wasn’t until later that Americans began to realize that the ideals of this terrorist group are religious, and in order to retaliate, the country must first understand who is behind the chaos.   In all cases of terrorism, those responsible for the terrorist acts are not part of a government mission, but an organized group of radicals who use violence to draw attention to their cause.”
Tara McDonald, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Sarah simplifies:
“Terrorists come in many forms and have many different interests, but all use acts of violence to help promote their cause.”
Sarah Trammell, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Jesse makes a good point:
“’One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.’ This means that to one person an individual may be viewed as a terrorist while a supporter of the individual may think he is doing good. We have yet to define exactly who is a terrorist. Every definition basically depends on the subjective outlook of the definer. It is odd how people look at terrorism/crimes differently in different situations. For example, any deliberate attack upon civilians in wartime by regular military forces is already defined as a war crime.  Should such an attack be carried out during peacetime, the act is defined by convention as a ‘crime against humanity.’ It is later considered ‘terrorism’ when attacks have been made on non-combatant military personnel.
Jesse Meyer, Kinsley High School, Kinsley, Kansas

Jill talks of studies showing the personal traits of terrorists do not differ from the general population:
“It seems that there would be some kind of difference in a terrorist compared to a person who does not have violent desires.  Even though they grew to be among the world’s most evil leaders and crazed terrorists, these individuals seemed to have normal childhood aspirations.  Hitler, as a young boy, sang in the church choir and wanted to be a priest.  In his adolescence, he wanted to be an artist; he spent his days dreaming, drawing pictures and reading books.  Stalin was a bright student and received a scholarship at a religious seminary at the age of 14.  Bin Laden is a Saudi born millionaire who studied civil engineering and management in Jidda.  Researchers have conducted many studies and have found no evidence of a terrorist’s personal traits to be different from anyone else's.  The attacks terrorists perform are just violent desires to torture people for their own pleasure.”
Jill Heeren, Rockridge High School, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

Our leaders are trying to identify the characteristics of terrorists:
“The leaders of the United States vowed to put an end to terrorism, however, terrorists must first be [identified] in order for the world to begin to fight… Without any definition of who qualifies as a terrorist and [who] does not, it [terrorism] can never be stopped completely.  The countries that vow to put an end to terrorism must be consistent in their evaluations of the characteristics that constitute a terrorist…if they sincerely plan to wipe [terrorism] from the face of the earth…. America must come to an understanding about what the characteristics of a terrorist are.  President George W. Bush describes the terrorists that attacked the World Trade Center as individuals who ‘celebrate the murder of innocent men, women, and children, [who] have no religion, have no conscience, and have no mercy.’”
Tara McDonald, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

Lynzie is both specific:
“From past experiences we can divide terrorist into two main groups: those who use terror to maintain their power, and those who use terror to seize power.  Today, however, some terrorists make no effort to reveal to us what it is they are trying to accomplish.  It makes it more difficult to understand when terrorists don’t give any demands.” 
Lynzie Massey, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

And practical:
“Terrorists need support in order to survive.  They need food, clothes, weapons, a way to communicate, and passports for traveling outside the country.  In order to get all of these necessary essentials they have help from people outside the immediate group.”
Lynzie Massey, Valley Springs High School, Valley Springs, Arkansas

But Lynzie is not the only student to make observations rather than offer research results:
“People such as bin Laden, Saddam Hussein, and Mohmmar Qadaffi use fear to bend people to their wills and ideas. If they were given the money, resources, and power, they would not hesitate in trying to conquer the world.  This can be seen through the treatment of individuals in countries or organizations under the power of these types of people.”
Matt Booth, Medicine Lodge High School, Medicine Lodge, Kansas

Lindsay and Kiel reach harsh conclusions:
“One point of interest that should be brought out is how Osama bin Laden would not admit to being behind the terrorist attacks when first asked. For someone who later expressed his pride in the massive deaths, injuries, and destruction, he sure did not want to claim his handy work. Also, if he wanted to show his people what great sinners the citizens of the United States are, why did he not immediately step forward and tell the United States that he was the judge and jury that sent thousands of people to their death without even a trial much less a warning? An even greater question would be, why was Osama bin Laden not flying one of the planes? There is only one plain and obvious conclusion one can draw from this. We are not dealing with a divinely appointed enforcer of Allah’s laws, but a coward who wants his people to believe that there is no better way of life than the one they have now.”
Lindsay Burd, Salem High School, Salem, Missouri

“One reason why I feel we are taking our time in finding these men is because we are afraid that we are going to make someone mad.  Who cares who gets upset with us?  We have every right to be mad.  We also have every right to defend our country and pay back the men who did this to us.  We need to stop wringing our hands and sweating out the details on who we are going to upset, and just go out and take care of business.   Most countries understand our reasoning, and if some countries do not, we’ll make them understand.  Some people say it is harsh, but the fact of the matter is someone came after us and harmed us; now they must suffer the consequences.       
       Once we have disposed of the terrorists, the final step is recovery.  We must go into a final mending process and replace what has been lost.  It is impossible to replace the loved ones lost but we can recover.  Everyone must remember how great a country this is...  We have recovered from