General forum for law and justice
Student Participation Question |
mikel
22-09-2007 06:36
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While you may be in different courses, most of you are criminal justice majors and/or criminal justice professionals. Moreover, in all of the courses there is the common thread of looking at terrorism. For the students in the terrorism course it’s, well, obvious. For the criminology students the first several chapters of your text discuss terrorism as it relates to crime causation. Even those of you in the technology and/or computer crime courses are being exposed to information about the use of technology by terrorists.
It this thread discuss with each other, what you have learned about how your specific course relates to terrorism. You might discuss the definition, causation, types, history or even the technology being used. At a minimum, you should create one original post and respond to one post.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
tallan
22-09-2007 06:39
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Terrorism has become much more real to us. The war on terror we are currently fighting is unlike any war we have fought. We no longer have defined battle fields or uniformed enemy to fight. We are fighting terrorists who strike, and often we never see the enemy. The terrorists have forced us to up our utilization of technology as they have utilized more and more technology. IED's, clandestine bomb making labs, letter bombs, and car bombs are terrorists favorite weapons. We can't fight terrorists on the battlefields they create because of all the innocent lives that will be lost. As we fight this fight, our armed forces have relied more on satellite technology, robot technology, and other technologies that allow us to observe from a distance, strike with precision, and spare the lives of our soldiers and innocent people that would otherwise be caught in the crossfire.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
danica
22-09-2007 06:40
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I agree with you. It seems fighting terrorism requires exponentially more technology. For example, as terrorists are utilizing more technology in the IED's they set. The technology for these IED's started with simple pressure switches. As time has passed, they are now utilizing bomb's that can be set off remotely, by a timing device, or by the frequencies of radios being used by our military. Since we are different from the terrorists in that we care about innocent lives, fighting this small increase in bomb making technology has required us to respond with a much higher level of technology including satellite imagery that can detect minor changes in roadway surfaces and robot technology that can detect and detonate IED's.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
estralla
22-09-2007 06:41
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Hello,
I believe terrorists will always utilize technology for their cowardly and disastrous violence. I feel given the easy access to the Internet, terrorists have the ability to always fund their crimes and assume others identity. In addition, terrorists continuously use technology to spread their messages of hate stupidity.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ava
22-09-2007 06:42
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I agree that technology is an enabler for terrorists. I also believe in evidence, and evidence left behind when these cowards spread their messages.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ciara
22-09-2007 06:43
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Hello all~
The invention of the internet, in my opinion, has good and bad consiquences. First tlets discuss the bad.
Bad~ terrorist now have an even easier form of communication between one another, communication can be coded or private to discize and cover up plans of stratagy. The carring out of stratagy happens faster than having ot wait for members of the cell to know whats happening.
Good~ Threats can be thworted faster than having to wait and see what happens. Computers and encoded emails can be cracked to find out terroists information. Terrorist identities are found out faster than having to patrol the streets or go on location. Posts can be made in an attempt to purposly give incorrect information in an attempt to track and trap terrorists.
All in all, with the proper ckill, training and resources the internet can be a valueble tool in fighting the war on terrorism.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
hooligon
22-09-2007 06:44
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Terrorism relates to the minorities and criminal justice class in many ways. One such way is the issue of racial profiling. Terrorism are we see it in the United States, has been recently committed by Middle Eastern men, this creates an issue in several locations, primary airports. The question arises whether or not airport security should single out Middle Eastern people for more extensive screening. To promote political correctness, airport security has been searching all people (even for random extensive checks) including 90 year old women, who would most likely not be involved in terrorist plots. When Middle Eastern men are singled out, the security feels the backlash of people against "racial profiling." I personally believe in the case of terrorism, racial profiling is not a bad idea.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
mike
22-09-2007 06:45
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Responding to mcook...I agree with both aspects of the arguments, the internet has helped all, including the terrorists. But it has been a key tool in fighting terrorism as well.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
keane
22-09-2007 06:46
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I agree with you. Terrorism has alot to do with racial profiling after all that is how we catch most of these suspected terrorists. I see racial profiling as a postive step towards terrosim we all must sacrafice certain freedoms we have grown a custom to, so that we may ensure our safety and the safety of others.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
joyride
22-09-2007 06:47
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Terrorism is a serious issue this day and age. Due to technology advancement terrorism has become the most dangerous if not thee dangerous crime our generation has seen in decades. Terrorism can be defined in its simplest form as a violent act or an act dangerous to human life that violates the criminal laws of the United States or civilian population to further a political or social objectives. Terrorism related to our Multicultural class involves racial profiling and discrimination issues.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
jedi
22-09-2007 06:50
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It is amazing that just twenty years ago we did not have cell phones and the Internet. Today they are an everyday part of our lives including those who break the law. Terrorists like everybody else need to communicate. The ability to communicate so freely and inexpensively has made fighting terrorism difficult. We can use the same technology to track terrorists, however the benefit that technology allows small groups splintered around the world to work as one is something we have never seen.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ivan
22-09-2007 06:51
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It seems like terrorist have a new tool for communicating. I'm talking about technology. Terrorist could use the internet to communicate with one of other, of course only by using hidden messages. Technology has a great impact on terrorism. Terrosist could simply use the internet to make an explosive device (bomb).
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Re: Student Participation Question |
gilman
22-09-2007 06:52
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I agree that terrorism also involves racial profiling. But could you really balme us? I'm just concern for the safety of mu family, aswell as my own.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
falcon
22-09-2007 06:52
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Technology is definately a tool that can be used to fight terrorism and also to expand terrism. The terrosit cells can use the internet for recruitment purposes and can also use the internet to communicate with oter terrorist cells. Aside from that the internet can also be used to fight terrorism. Our government can use the internet to communicate with local, state and federal agencies both here in the states and with foreign governments to fight terrorism. By exchanging and sharing information with each other governments put themselves in a better position to try and stop future terrorist attacks.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ava
22-09-2007 06:53
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Terrorism is defined as a violent or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the U.S. or any segment to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, in furtherance of political or social objectives. The terrorism term is used more in society after the 9/11 attacks, as seen in Iraq with the use of IED bombs targeting American soldiers.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ciara
22-09-2007 06:54
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Technology is used by terrorists groups to communicate with other groups and to help them spread their radical beliefs all around the world. The technology is also being used to combat terrorism with websites dedicated in preventing terrorism.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
hooligon
22-09-2007 06:55
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Id have to agree. Terorism is ANY violent act. It has lots to do with minorities. Either minorities are doing the terrorizing so they can get their voices heard or people are terrorizing the minorities because they are a minority .
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Re: Student Participation Question |
mike
22-09-2007 06:56
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In response to McookCj38507, I definitely agree with the pros and cons of having such technological tools as the internet. With our advanced computer experts today, we are able to decode, and examine the terrorists threats that we may face. It is true that with the internet, terrorists can have a quick line of communication, but on the flip side we by far have more advantages than they do. Yes they can encrypt some of the messages, but with our highly trained professionals they can still be spotted.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
keane
22-09-2007 06:57
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Terrorism is defined by the U.S. Department of Defense as "the unlawful use of-threatened use of force or violence against individuals or property to coerce or intimidate governments or societies, often to achieve political, religious, or ideological objectives."
An example would be the life experience that we all faced in 2001. This was the tragic terrorists attack of the WTC on 9/11. Terrorists acts not only effects the victims but also society as a whole. When the 9/11 incident occurred, many individuals of the middle eastern decent and others had experienced unwanted name calling, segregation, and were frowned upon. This I think incorporates the current class I am taking which is Minorities and Crime. I believe that we can learn that just because one individual commits an act, the rest of the culture should not be looked negatively against.
As for technology, I feel that yes their are pros/cons. But in essence with our high-tech world we live in today we will be able to map out terrorists locations/terrorists, and be able to send pertinent information to the governmental sources with a simple click of the mouse.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
joyride
22-09-2007 06:58
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Hello all,
It seems that since the bombing in Oklahoma City terrorism has been in our face and recognized as a serious issue not just in our homeland but abroad as well. Then we had the horrific events on 9/11/2001. That seemed to be the event that made us realize that the threat was real.
In my life I am reminded that the threat is real almost everyday. I work for a large supply company and we have to take measures to ensure some of our sensitive products are not used by potential terrorists. We have to ensure through packaging that these products are not marked in such a way as to indicate what they are.
How sad it is when we cannot even send something to someone else in the mail or via freight line and not have to worry about whether or not it will get there or be used by another to cause harm or fear. I wonder if we will ever live in a world where the threat of terrorism is a thing of the past. Are we destined to pass this fear on to our kids and grandchildren?
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Re: Student Participation Question |
jedi
22-09-2007 06:59
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I think you make a great point. I really don't think you can blame people for using racial profiling to identify potential terrorists. After all we are just traying to stay safe right? Well, what about the people out there that are committing terrorist acts and are not of the stereotypical ethnicity? Those are the individuals that I worry about the most. There was a movie that came out in 1999 called Arlington Road, where a white man and his wife are terrorists living in a suburban community and it details their actions as they plan and eventually destroy a populated building. The public and law enforcement saw them as upstanding citizens and even though there was one man trying to blow the whistle on them nothing was done to stop them.
It is the people that are just like us in the community that can cause the most harm because they can go unnoticed.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ivan
22-09-2007 07:00
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Terorism is defined as being "a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any segment to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political objectives." (Shusta, 304). This definition of terrorism can be associated with minorites and crime in the sense that it leads to stereotyping certain races by associating them with well-known terrorists groups. For example, one might be lead to believe that a person with a shaven head, of white skin, is a KKK member, because this is how they represent themselves. This stereotype can then lead to racial profiling. Police officers might associate certain people with different groups based on the way they look, in order to protect society. Technology is also on the rise, which gives terrorists better means of communication and enables them to expand their groups.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
gilman
22-09-2007 07:01
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I agree that the internet is a way for terrorists to learn how to make explosive devices such as bombs. Technology is developing on a daily basis, so why are we not able to restrict such sites as these? They are harmful to our society and allow for people to become terrorists in the making.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
falcon
22-09-2007 07:02
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I totally agree with you Huy. I believe that the WTC tragedy 9/11 has changed everyone's lives forever. As a society everyone is very precautious of their surroundings. An example of how the government is trying their hardest to make the public feel safe is at airports. People need to feel safe flying and I feel the government is doing a great job at it. Good luck this summer.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
lanod
22-09-2007 07:04
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This Shusta textbook refers to terrorism as "involving terrorism, bombings, and weapons of mass destruction, whether domestic or international." Society looks to the government to protect and keep the society safe from harm. What has changed throughout the decades is how terrorist use to target unique individuals compared to today where terrorist target "individuals and their organizations." The goal of law enforcement now is to detect and prevent attacks of terrorism to keep society feeling safe.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
tallan
22-09-2007 07:05
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Before 9/11 it seemed that everyone was concerned about the safety and vulnerability our borders.After 9/11 security was reinforced every where especially in the airports.I agree with other student that the internet has brought many benefits but it also makes it easier for any one to be an easy target. As a result, middle eastern men are experiencing discrimination because of the attack.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
emerson
22-09-2007 07:06
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Terrorism relates to my minorities and crimes class in many different aspects. The most obvious of them all is racial, ethnic profiling. After 9/11, middle eastern men were becoming victims of hate crimes. They were being stereotyped as terrorist and society started to watch them a little more carefully, fearing that they were "carrying bombs " on their person. They were being judged and convicted by society and viewed as dangerous, evil human beings.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
danica
22-09-2007 07:07
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I agree with you SRoblesCJ38507 about racial profiling and making stereotyoes of others by just their apperance. If individuals evaluated everyone thoroughly, then we would be a very paranoid society.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
estralla
22-09-2007 07:08
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I see your point about racial profiling and I understand why this happens to some degree. We just have to be careful and not get too locked in and focused on people of a particular race when trying to prevent terrorism because we could overlook
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ava
22-09-2007 07:09
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found this in Encarta Encyclopedia Online and thought it was interesting to see the origin of the word terrorism.
"The word terrorism was first used in France to describe a new system of government adopted during the French Revolution (1789-1799). The regime de la terreur (Reign of Terror) was intended to promote democracy and popular rule by ridding the revolution of its enemies and thereby purifying it. However, the oppression and violent excesses of the terreur transformed it into a feared instrument of the state. From that time on, terrorism has had a decidedly negative connotation. The word, however, did not gain wider popularity until the late 19th century when it was adopted by a group of Russian revolutionaries to describe their violent struggle against tsarist rule. Terrorism then assumed the more familiar antigovernment associations it has today."
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ciara
22-09-2007 07:10
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Terrorism and protection from, is a common theme in many criminal justice courses. Even in the field in which I work, which is insurance, we offer terrorism coverage against property damage and even contents. Ever since 9/11 we have had nothing but the thought of another terrorist attack happening again. Of course there are many precautions being made to prevent them. The Internet is not what it used to be in fact terrorists who wish to obtain more information about their target could use it very willingly. I feel that some information should be excluded from the Internet but it seems that more and more information becomes available. There are good technological practices that help prevent terrorist attacks some even help identify potential risks prior to anything actually having to happen.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
hooligon
22-09-2007 07:11
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According to Shusta terrorism is defined as an act of violence or an act dangerous to human life. Terrorism could be related to minorities and crime because of racial or ethnic issues. It relates to how mentioned before with racial profiling and possibly with acts of hate crimes. It could also be mentioned on how certain racial groups may be a target from other races. Acts as vandalisms or even physically hurting them.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
mike
22-09-2007 07:12
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I agree with afaddoul terrorism relates to any field, like in her case insurance. For me it relates in the area of sciences, we do not directly discuss this issue but it is mentioned in how certain chemicals are used for explosives. Terrorism does expand in all fields.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
keane
22-09-2007 07:13
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Terrorism is almost always linked to people of Middle Eastern descent. The use of racial profiling in airports effects all people but mostly middle easterners. Everyone wants to be safe when they fly and the american people have excepted the use of racial profiling in airports with out any fight. we are all willing to take our shoes off and spend 3 hours in line for secuirty but how would people react if they were singled out because of how they look? no one believes singling out middle easterners in airport security lines is racist but focusing only on middle easterners is assuming only middle easteners cause terrorism.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
joyride
22-09-2007 07:16
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I agree with keane about the benefits and consequences of the internet. the better technology becomes the more chances it could be used to hurt some one. there will always be people who will try to use all the recourse at their disposal to try and hurt people.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
jedi
22-09-2007 07:17
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you raise an important issue when it comes to racial profiling. My questions is "Where does it stop, or where do we draw the line?", Fighting terrorism is an important, or the most important issue in todays age but at what price?
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Re: Student Participation Question |
ivan
22-09-2007 07:20
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Terrorism is defined as the acts (mostly, through violence) or treats made to createfearor panic within a certain group (city, nation , and or people)
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Re: Student Participation Question |
gilman
22-09-2007 07:21
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I have seen some interesting posts here from all of you students, keep up the good work. I would like to pose a question or two.
1. a. How does profiling help fight terrorism?
b. What are the draw backs to profiling when it comes to fighting terrorism?
2. a. What technology, if any, would help in fighting terrorism (other than the internet)?
b. Could the technology (from 2.a.) help reduce profiling? If so, how?
c. How could the technology (from 2.a.) be a draw back to fighting terrorism?
I am very interested in seeing your responses to these questions.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
falcon
23-09-2007 03:38
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Terroism affects many people of all around the world.The word terrorism is defined as being "a violent act or an act dangerous to human life, in violation of the criminal laws of the United States or any segment to intimidate or coerce a government, the civilian population, or any segment thereof, in furtherance of political objectives." (Shusta, 304). I think we put people into these broad categories to make ourselves feel safe such as how we racial profile middle easterners in reagrds to them flying on airplanes. Technology plays a huge part in terroism in protecting the u.s, but is not perfect and can always use improvements.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
falcon
23-09-2007 03:40
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i agree with ivan that we tend to single out middle easterners but they are not almost always the only people who are terrorists. I agree with the point ashe made about how would we react if we react if we were singled out. I know it would make me very uncomfortable to be stared at on an airplane if people assumed i was planning on bombing the plane.
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Re: Student Participation Question |
jedi
23-09-2007 03:42
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I agree with your views; however, with today's advanced technology, wouldn't the terrorists be able to hack into the government's file if the government were to use the internet to crack down on terrorism?
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