The question really is:
Are all organizations and institutions at increased risk of being victims and targets of terrorism?
But do I really even need to ask this question?
Unfortunately, I do. There are still many who simply don’t understand violence and criminal victimization can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time.
The growing problem of terrorism
The FBI definition of domestic terrorism:
“Domestic terrorism” means activities with the following three characteristics:
– Involve acts dangerous to human life that violate federal or state law;
– Appear with the intention (I) to intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) influence the policy of a government through intimidation or coercion; or (iii) affect the conduct of a government through mass destruction, assassination. or kidnapping; and occur primarily within the territorial jurisdiction of the US.
The San Bernardino incident has already been labeled an “act of terror.”
Think about the details of this incident and you will see that:
ALL types of organizations are vulnerable in this country! Companies, Churches, Schools, Universities, Medical Institutions, Associations, etc.
Considering the real dangers
We need to seriously reconsider the way we think about terrorist organizations, and when we do, it will likely add significantly to our already extremely valuable concerns about the dangers they pose to our society.
Islamic extremists have the following belief:
That his God-given purpose in life is to eradicate the unbeliever; Rid the world of anyone who doesn’t believe what they believe; and that “Mosque and state” must be one under the law.
Disclaimer: I do not claim to be an expert on either the Muslim or Islamic religion(s) or the beliefs of the religion(s), so this is an overview very widespread and, as always, not intended to offend or judge. someone. And note that I am using the word “extremist” to describe the associated issues.
Are Islamic extremists wrong?
Now, while many truly believe that what these Islamist extremists are doing by killing the innocent is criminal, however, it is their true belief that they are doing what God is calling them to do. However, it is NOT the belief of most non-Islamic extremists. So… in our minds (those who don’t share their beliefs) they are bad, and in their minds, we are bad! His remedy and call turns out to be much more barbaric and, in my opinion, very wrong! I have heard terrorists and gangs lumped together in the same types of groups. This, I do not believe. Because? Because the gangs know that what they are doing is wrong and they know that they are hurting and harassing defenseless people who have nothing more to offer them than their hard-earned money and/or valuables. It is no less cowardice than terrorism. However, from a tactical point of view they are very similar. They will not rise up and confront their adversary “man to man.” Rather, they attack by surprise, attack in numbers, attack those they perceive to be weaker, and attack the unarmed with weapons. The most significant difference, however, is the difference between the lawless and the law-abiding! The lawless don’t mind being jailed; what is lawful to do! The lawless don’t care much for morality; the making lawful It’s not a matter of tough versus weak!
The bottom line though, and what makes the terrorist extremely dangerous, is that they truly believe that their God-driven purpose in life is to kill, and in return, their heavenly rewards will be great!
And again, we can say that they are wrong and they can say that we are wrong. In the end, there is only one truth!
Think about the nature of “beliefs”
Think, however, how far we will go to defend our beliefs and our morals. Many die defending them, and will even suffer great sacrifices and losses to do so! Think mainly of our defense of freedom and democracy. We have many heroic men and women in this country who willingly go to war to stand up for “what they believe in” and kill for it. Those willing to die for their beliefs present a tremendous danger to their “enemies.” This will give you a better understanding of what we are dealing with.
This is a different kind of war!
When we go to war to defend our freedoms and democracy, there is a fairly defined battlefield and a fairly well-defined and recognizable enemy. In most cases, they are those who have chosen to fight! In war, the typically well-defined enemy is considered “fair game.” Everyone else is not!
In the case of Islamic extremists and their “Holy War”, there is no defined battlefield and no enemy. This makes everyone, everywhere a potential target. And we have no definitive way to identify our enemy! He can be a family member, friend, neighbor or co-worker! This is such a difficult and highly dangerous fight!
terrorists in america
So think about the life of an Islamic extremist living in small town and big city America who can hardly follow the ideal path to his dreams:
To travel to the Middle East, join a terrorist organization, train with them, and ultimately go out to fight and die for your rewards.
This path is actually only practically and realistically available to a fairly small handful.
The problem is that now there is a call for any Islamic extremist to rise up and participate in this war killing people RIGHT WHERE THEY LIVE. Now, you don’t have to travel a very UNREALISTIC dream road to earn your “heavenly” rewards. They are being called upon to earn their rewards no matter where they are and no matter how many they kill. This means that virtually anyone who chooses to join your fight can make a huge impact and its associated rewards by killing virtually anywhere, even in the smallest cities in the United States.
And what better target than Christian or other non-Muslim religious organizations and their meeting places to include churches, schools, charities, associations, etc.?
Prepare your organization
So be vigilant, aware, prepared, and have a plan that includes training your entire organization! If you have an incident of violence, your numbers will be your advantage, but only if they (the numbers) are properly prepared! And a vigilant, conscientious, and properly prepared organization is much less likely to be a victim in the first place.
I will follow this article with one that covers how Israelis keep themselves safe. I have always believed in learning from the Israelis; those who have been most successful in a world where this danger has existed for thousands of years. And they’re pretty good at it! Stay tuned!
