[kristopolous]

> I am surprised anyone can still use the word "terrorism" with a straight face anymore after it's become so clear that there is no large existential threat

It was always just a ruse to snatch power. Parading a potential existential threat to consolidate authority goes back to antiquity and is a common theme in historical narratives, fiction, allegorical literature, popular political writings of the founding fathers...

It's like the political version of a 419 scam. I'm continually dumbfounded that people fall for these things.

In the modern era, there's accessible easy-to-read references at our finger-tips to learn about all the classic shams that are constructed to manipulate and seize power, but it doesn't seem to matter. It's really something.