By Michael Tanner
Wednesday, August 07, 2019
A few thoughts in the wake of the horrendous
white-supremacist terrorist attack in El Paso:
1.
We should never forget that the purpose of
terrorism is to terrorize. To the degree that we succumb to fear, that we alter
our lives, or that we give up our freedoms, the terrorists win. It is not to
diminish the horror of such events to recognize that we remain remarkably safe
in this country. Your chances of being murdered by a terrorist of any kind
remain smaller than your chances of drowning in a bathtub. We should not stop
going to stores, eating at restaurants, having a drink in bars, or otherwise
living our lives.
2.
In the wake of 9/11, we allowed fear to lead us
into a host of measures that threatened our civil liberties. Muslims and Muslim
Americans were obviously the most likely to be targeted, but all Americans were
caught up in increased surveillance and other law-enforcement measures. Recall
that the Patriot Act passed by a margin of 91–1. Now we see similar knee-jerk
calls for the government to “do something.” Already there have been calls to
regulate the Internet, ban video games, curtail free speech, and generally
increase police powers. Gun-control advocates ratchet up their proposals with
little regard for practicality or empirical evidence. And that doesn’t even
include bizarre proposals like Sean Hannity’s call for transforming America
into a virtual armed camp, with paramilitary forces surrounding schools,
stores, and other locations. But as Benjamin Franklin once warned, “Those who
would give up essential liberty to purchase a little temporary safety deserve
neither liberty nor safety.”
3.
None of this is to diminish the threat from nor
the noxiousness of white supremacy. Nor is it a call for inaction. Certainly,
there are things that the government can and should do. It is long past time to
take violence from white supremacists as seriously as we do the threat from
Islamic extremists. There may even be gun-control measures that can make us
safer without infringing on our rights to self-defense or legitimate gun
ownership. But whatever we do should be thoughtful and with full consideration
of possible unintended consequences. Among other things, that means acting
through the regular legislative process. Executive actions or hastily convened
legislative sessions are invitations to abuse.
4.
A thoughtful decision needs to be based on data,
not emotion. But that data is hard to come by, often biased, and subject to
varying interpretations. To cite one example, there is no agreement on the
definition of terrorism or assault rifle. One thing that all sides should agree
on is the need for better information.
5.
Perhaps the most important things we can do
don’t involve the government. For instance, we can police our own speech and
behavior. We can all be more civil with one another. Political disagreements
are not “treason.” It is not political correctness to avoid personal insults or
to show sensitivity, especially when discussing difficult issues such as race.
And when we encounter racism or other forms of bigotry, it is incumbent on us
to speak out, denounce it, and shun those who perpetuate it.
6.
And, yes, this is particularly important for our
political leaders. President Trump is not responsible for the actions of the El
Paso gunman, but it is clear the president’s rhetoric has contributed to the
toxic stew in which the gunman’s sick beliefs festered.
We have experienced a terrible tragedy. We must be
careful not to let fear (and grief and anger) drive us to rashness. That would
be too much the victory for the terrorists.
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