The Many Forms of Terrorism

The five year anniversary of the September 11 tragedy brought reflection and tribute to the lives that were lost on September 11, the Iraq War and past wars in our country's history. Living in a democracy and expecting world peace is the foundation our country is built on. Freedoms of speech, press and opinion are guaranteed to all persons equally. Yet, it is difficult to determine whether we are closer to world peace or not, but we must continue to remind one another that unity as a country is the answer -- not division.

Terrorism does come in many forms. The September11, 2001 tragedy changed the world and I will never forget the phonecall that woke me up that morning. The call from my oldest daughter onthe east coast, a freshman in college who arrived only 3 days earlier,first time away from home. "Mom, turn on the TV, something terrible hashappened in New York, I'm scared, want to come home, there is going tobe a terrible war. What is happening?" The fear for all wasoverwhelming -- no matter where you lived that day. Soon after Ireceived the first call, Nicole called me again crying, sharing howmany students in her dorm had family working in the World Trade Centertowers and how college leadership implemented resources for collectingblood donations and support for those who had to leave school, to lookfor family members that worked in the towers. Suddenly, "terrorism"took on a new meaning.

Terrorism comes in many forms. At 8years old, I can still remember the feelings of fear when PresidentKennedy was shot in Dallas and the terror in my 3rd grade teacher'sface when she announced to the class "President Kennedy has been shot."Those who grew up in the 60's and 70's will never forget what followedthe assassination of President Kennedy, the tragic assassinations ofMartin Luther King and Bobby Kennedy. How could we not feel the pain oftheir families and children? For most of us, this was our firstexposure to the meaning of "terrorism."

The definition ofterrorism as found in Thesaurus is: intimidation, terror and terrorcampaign. Terrorism can take many different forms -- often disguised.As an advocate for clergy sex abuse victims and their families, the 5year anniversary of the Boston Globe's reporting of the clergy sexabuse scandals was remembered last weekend. Together, many united inhonor of those who were terrorized by clergy sex abuse crimes, 54vigils were held throughout the country with attempts to reach out tothe public and those suffering in silence.

Sadly, 5 yearsafter the clergy sex abuse crisis erupted in Boston, no one reallyknows the exact number of childhood victims of sex abuse or how manyparents, priests, nuns or employees were subtly or publicly punishedfor speaking out to protect a child. Are freedoms of speech, press andopinion guaranteed? Yes, intimidation, abuse of the judicial processand terror campaigns by legal and church leaders continue, withoutcorrective action.

The world continues to fight the waragainst terrorism, yet, how many individuals, legal, government,political or religious leaders have actually taken the time to analyzethe serious life long disabilities and "terror" that children andfamilies are forced to endure, without resources, due process orjustice in a court of law?

If you have difficultyunderstanding this analogy, a quick www.google.com search using one ofthe terms "clergy sex abuse - sex abuse legislation - expired statutesof limitation - mandated reporting laws -- whistleblower protections",will open your eyes to the truths about sex abuse crimes and fear ofspeaking out to protect others is one of the most disguised forms of"terrorism" the world faces today.

Without justice, there will never be peace. Without peace, faith and our country's laws are empty.

www.catholics4justice.com