Defining Terrorism

The international press inadvertently became an accomplice to the Rhodesian government's propaganda. Using the word "terrorist" to describe the "liberation" soldiers (also, arguably, a propaganda term) led many Americans and Europeans to defend the actions of the Rhodesian government. But as the press began to realize the censorship that occurred in the country, and as the "liberation" soldiers began to promote their cause in the press, the world began to shift its support to the guerrilla cause. In 1980, Zimbabwe had the first elections that allowed all Zimbabweans to vote.

Sr. McLaughlin had entitled her booklet, "The Propaganda War." Indeed, the Rhodesian government had conducted a secret propaganda war that, for much of the war, was largely one-sided. But as the guerrillas learned how to use the press to their advantage, these propaganda wars began to play out in the press.

I would like to be a pacifist, although I admit that I would be a hypocritical pacifist. I sleep at night in the safety provided by the U.S. military. If someone attacked me, I would defend myself, if I could. So I am a reluctant supporter of war when it is a matter of defense.

Still. I would like this word "terrorism" to be clearly defined, especially if we are supposed to be supporting the war against it.

And I would like to see the press temper its words, and learn to use words judiciously, so that it does not become a willing accomplice in the government's propaganda war, as happened in Zimbabwe during the 1970's.

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