Discussion Questions: Trade, Terrorism and Taxpayers

Discussion Responses

1.) Thomas Aquinas’s just war theory concepts attempt to make wars more just be declaring they should occur for the right reasons with the goal of peace, and for the love of their country. However, just wars are not possible. As long as two parties are in disagreement over a particular issue, it is difficult to label one point of view as correct. The concept of justice is often defined by the human perspective of what justice should be.

2.) Americans have been forced to trade civil liberties for feelings of temporary security. For example, all of the restrictions for what is permitted in carryon luggage have become a nuisance, specifically in regard to the ban of liquids in containers that hold more than three ounces. By restricting things in this way, people will still find ways to get around the rules. This is what Benjamin Franklin meant in his quote about liberty and security.

3.) Methods to stop possible terrorism have gone too far. Airport screenings have become invasive and the upgraded technology is ineffective in preventing someone from sneaking dangerous materials past security. The body scanners only have the ability to see the front and back of a person’s body, which means potential weapons can remain undetected on their sides. In addition, the telephone surveillance and wire-tapping are insubstantial ways of fathering information. By collecting so much information, it is impossible to determine which information is relevant to national security.

4.) Terrorism is the calculated use of violence or the threat of violence against civilians in order to achieve political, religious, or ideological goals. There are different types of terrorism and its carried out by intimidation, coercion, or instilling dear. Any violent acts committed by the United States are technically not terrorist acts since they have all been acts of war not targeted towards civilians. Additionally, the United States not only helps rebuild countries after destroying them but also comes to the aid of other countries when they need help.

5.) It is wrong for American taxpayers to assume the financial burden of rebuilding a country. Most people paying taxes are removed from acts of war and may disagree with destructive forces. Furthermore, the average American is not involved in the decision to destroy other countries, so they should not be forced to pay to rebuild them. When the United States assists other countries with relief from natural disasters, money is raised mostly in the form of donations, which would be a much fairer way of asking Americans to pitch in.