Well first off I want to applaud everyone that has contributed to this discussion for remaining civil toward each other's perspective on this topic.
I think what bothers me about some of the perspectives presented here is the nonchalance toward those deemed a terrorist, as if that's what they are without consideration for the truth.
Anyone of us could be considered a terrorist, not because of any action on our part, but because of any alleged associations that we may have.
An American, as in Daniel Pearl's case, in an area hostile toward American interests, was most likely treated as a "terrorist" because of his association as an American with American (George W. Bush's) Foreign Policies.
We know that he had a wife, children, friends, and loved ones here in the United States and abroad who loved and respected him.
It's as if the word/name "terrorist," once given, strips a person of their humanity.
Outside of Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, it's estimated that there are more than 7,000 individuals being imprisoned without "due process of the law," because the United States Government has deemed them "terrorists."
How many of those individuals are American Citizens, or citizens of countries that are allies of the United States?
How many of those individuals have families, friends, and loved ones who know nothing of their whereabouts?
Where's the humanity?
After 9/11 many Americans, gave our Government a "blank check" to do as they pleased all in the name of our own National Security.
Where are the checks and balances to ensure that innocents aren't being destroyed, that liberties aren't being unlawfully taken away?
I expect my Government to protect me, as a citizen, from the enemies of my country.
What I'm fearful of, is my country being able to call me an enemy, and that there will be no one there to question whether my government is right in doing so.
Because we allow some arbitrary judge and jury to decide who's a "
terrorist," and because some of us (as indicated by responses here) are to complacent as to not worry about it.
As to the Nazi comparison, similarities could be rightfully drawn.
First they came for the Communists,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I wasn’t a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
and I didn’t speak up,
because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
and by that time there was no one
left to speak up for me.
by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945
Then they came for the terrorists...
And what should be frightening to anyone in the civilized world, is how arbitrary the term "terrorist" is.
Study up on
Martin Niemoller, and one might see why we, as human beings, should always be vigilant when it comes to governments, and the powers that we're willing to afford them.
