# An idea that is picking up momentum behind closed doors on terrorism. **URL:** \ **Category:** Great Debates\ **Created:** [July 22, 2005, 7:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697 "2005-07-22T19:44:47Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![DougC](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/7feea3/32.png) [@DougC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DougC)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 9:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/21 "2005-07-22T21:27:32Z")
- - - I had another idea: every time a Moslem terrorist blows something up elsewhere, how about a randomly-detonated bomb in Mecca? I for one think we’d see a _lot_ less Moslem terrorist bombs after just a few hits on the holy city. ## …-Of course, this involves dragging a lot more innocent people into the fray–but you see, there is no other solution. SUch terrorists are willing to sacrafice anyone else to further their ends; the only _possible_ preventative solution is to hit the few things they hold dear. And for what it’s worth, strictly “producing a body count” wouldn’t necessarily be the objective. But yes, some people would end up dead there. Randomly, for no reason. Such is the receiving end of terrorism. See ya in the pit! 😃 ~ ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 9:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/22 "2005-07-22T21:32:37Z")
Hey, look, we’re still in GQ! So, welcome to the SDMB. Cite? ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 9:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/23 "2005-07-22T21:33:48Z")
> [@DougC](#): > > - > - > - I had another idea: every time a Moslem terrorist blows something up elsewhere, how about a randomly-detonated bomb in Mecca? Great, and everytime a Christian hurts someone we can nuke a city in Finland. … which makes as much fucking sense. ---
**Author:** ![Crandolph](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7cd45c/32.png) [@Crandolph](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Crandolph)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 9:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/24 "2005-07-22T21:36:48Z")
Just to note, I am fully expecting this to get bumped to GD. But if it doesn’t in the next 15 minutes I imagine we should detonate a random bomb in Chicago, _which will learn up the Chicago Reader something good_. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 9:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/25 "2005-07-22T21:49:09Z")
> [@Kaleidoscope](#): > > Where do you stand on this proposal? I’m utterly opposed to such a concept. Nobody should be punished for the crime of someone else, whether or not it’s a reative. ---
**Author:** ![Balthisar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/balthisar/32/2825_2.png) [@Balthisar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Balthisar)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/26 "2005-07-22T21:51:18Z")
I’m not saying it’s right, only that it’s a possible solution: just totally anhilate everyone in every Muslim community anywhere in the world. Well, not _everyone_, just the olive-skinned Muslims (we’ll leave the good white folk in Dearborn, MI alone). Then the only terrorists left that affect white people will be the North Irish (well, they’re behaving a bit recently) and the American militias. Oh, you only want to hear _good_ solutions? Well, I’ll move along, then… ---
**Author:** ![Shagnasty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9dc877/32.png) [@Shagnasty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shagnasty)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 9:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/27 "2005-07-22T21:54:05Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > Just to note, I am fully expecting this to get bumped to GD. > > But if it doesn’t in the next 15 minutes I imagine we should detonate a random bomb in Chicago, _which will learn up the Chicago Reader something good_. Threats like that are exactly why we are all going to get searched before we post from now on. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/28 "2005-07-22T22:09:04Z")
> [@DougC](#): > > - > - > - I had another idea: every time a Moslem terrorist blows something up elsewhere, how about a randomly-detonated bomb in Mecca? I for one think we’d see a _lot_ less Moslem terrorist bombs after just a few hits on the holy city. > ~ I’ve another idea : since the USA is mesingup in the middle east and there’s no other solution, given this country military power, I propose to crash planes in New-York buildings and put bombs in western countries trains and buses. Since you seem to be serious : you’re exactly at the same level as the terrorists. Actually you’re less worthy than them since you don’t have the guts to explode yourself in a mosque or in Saudi Arabia. You’re just at the level of the criminal-minded cowards who cheer for the terrorists from the safety of their home. Besides, such an action would have exacltly the reverse effect. The number of fighters and terrorists would be multiplied times 100 in a heartbeat. And these people would hold the moral high ground. You’re also, I suspect, overestimating the detterence of such an action. They’re followers of God, and Mecca, as holy as it can be is just a city and a building. Choosing between God’s will and a mere building would be a no-brainer. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/29 "2005-07-22T22:17:46Z")
> [@Kaleidoscope](#): > > nor will I lump you as a sympathizer for a terrorist’s family. . Count me also amongst the sympathizer for terrorists’ families. What about passing also a law to deport us ugly sympathizers, while we’re at it? ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/30 "2005-07-22T22:20:32Z")
> [@Crandolph](#): > > I imagine that this’ll end up in GD shortly. I expect it to end up in the Pit where it belongs. ---
**Author:** ![clairobscur](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/839c29/32.png) [@clairobscur](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/clairobscur)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/31 "2005-07-22T22:26:48Z")
> [@chappachula](#): > > The reason is that terrorist crimes are not “regular” crimes. A regular crime like murder is an individual act that harms an individual victim, for which we arrest and punish the individual who did it. But a terror bombing is a collective crime, that harms thousands of collective victims–so collective punishment is worth considering, if it is an effective way of saving thousands of lives . This kind of statements are becoming more and more common. We’re losing ground. Western values are threatened. ---
**Author:** ![John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ccd318/32.png) [@John\_Kentzel-Griffin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/John_Kentzel-Griffin)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/32 "2005-07-22T22:27:35Z")
Off to Great Debates. **DrMatrix** - GQ Moderator ---
**Author:** ![Stephe96](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Stephe96](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stephe96)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/33 "2005-07-22T22:29:26Z")
Vaporizing Mecca is a little too extreme, but how 'bout something a little more subtle? Anytime an American is killed by an Isalmic terrorist, the Muslims wake up to a nice US flag lovingly painted directly onto that Ka’bah shrine. I’m sure an elite Delta force would have no problem doing this, damn the enemy casualties. I’d love to show them that their most highly venerated spot on the planet is as vulnerable as anything else. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/34 "2005-07-22T22:36:39Z")
> [@Kaleidoscope](#): > > I have caught wind that there has been some high level discussions behind closed doors on a new way to limit terrorism. Were you _behind_ these closed doors when this high-level discussion took place? If so, what are you doing blabbing about it on the internet? If not, how do you know the discussion took place? ---
**Author:** ![Plynck](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/3e96dc/32.png) [@Plynck](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Plynck)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/35 "2005-07-22T22:36:47Z")
**An idea that is picking up momentum behind closed doors on terrorism.** Sounds somewhat Lovecraftian to me. _There is a reason that those doors are closed, something behind them that wouldn’t survive the light of day…_ Oh, wait, The Patriot Act seems to be doing quite nicely, thank you. Never mind. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/36 "2005-07-22T22:43:05Z")
> [@Kaleidoscope](#): > > Where do you stand on this proposal? It’s monstrous. > [@Stephe96](#): > > I’d love to show them that their most highly venerated spot on the planet is as vulnerable as anything else. Brilliant. Terrorists attack us in part because they’re threatened we have our soldiers on their land and feel it’s an insult to Islam, and you propose our soldiers on their land should threaten them and insult Islam- and you think it’ll be a deterrant?!!? ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/37 "2005-07-22T22:44:20Z")
Yes, keep poking the hornet’s nest; it’s the only way to calm them down. Ummm… ---
**Author:** ![Bryan\_Ekers](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bryan_ekers/32/183_2.png) [@Bryan\_Ekers](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bryan_Ekers)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 10:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/38 "2005-07-22T22:52:36Z")
Everybody should be kicked out except me. Then I’d get some peace and quiet! Damn kids, get off my lawn! ---
**Author:** ![Kaleidoscope](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/e9bcb4/32.png) [@Kaleidoscope](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kaleidoscope)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 11:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/39 "2005-07-22T23:06:55Z")
> [@micco](#): > > Go ahead and lump me as a sympathizer for a terrorist’s family. If the family had no knowledge or involvement in the crime, they are as innocent as anyone else. Holding them responsible and punishing them for the act of another is barbaric. I agree that it might deter some terrorists, but at what cost? If we want to punish the innocent to deter crime, I submit that we could nearly eliminate rape by preemptively incarcerating all men. > > I’m not sure I understand the “collective punishment” argument mentioned by **chappachula**. Is there some threshold number of victims after which we can hold families responsible? So in the case of serial murderers or spree killers, we can also arrest families and maybe close friends? What about massive corporate fraud cases? Here in the US, could we lock up the sons and daughters of Enron executives because of the scope of those crimes? > > I don’t mean to deviate from GQ guidelines, but this really does sound like simply a lust for vengence in search of an outlet. Well Micco, last time I checked any many guilty of rape is punished, and they are locked up. Terrorists do not value law or human life like you and I. As far as I’m concerned a terrorist forfeits his human rights. If you agree that this proposed method would save lives, then you probably agree with me whether you realize it or not. I shall explain. Suppose this proposal was instituted, and for arguments sake deterred “ X “amount of people from becoming terrorist. Lives would most certainly be saved. It’s a shame that some people might have to be deported, but such a proposal deters terrorism and saves the law abiding citizens from loss of life and property, I think it’s a necessary trade off in these times. As you say, there’s your cost. ---
**Author:** ![andros](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/e480ec/32.png) [@andros](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/andros)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2005, 11:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697/40 "2005-07-22T23:27:40Z")
“The ends justify the means” has been the rallying cry for fascists and totalitarians from time immemorial. Fuck the rule of law, fuck civilization, just git 'r done. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/an-idea-that-is-picking-up-momentum-behind-closed-doors-on-terrorism/313697.md?page=3)