[stouset]

They were bragging that they could provoke this type of response as a result of having flown two planes into the World Trade Center and one into the Pentagon, killing thousands, and causing fear, panic, and self-sabotaging outsized reactions like pouring trillions into wars that accomplish nothing.

Getting a dozen of their operatives arrested for an idiotic prank that just resulted in a handful of planes being turned around would make them a laughingstock overnight.

I am baffled that we are even having this argument.

[Retric]

There’s evidence that not all people involved in 9/11 knew they were going to die. Yet, they were still used effectively.

Significantly less dedicated supporters are generally used as a funding source, but actual terrorist organizations have also used them for publicity events on the anniversary of attacks.

[stouset]

You are dodging the fact that getting a handful of planes to turn around is an act that induces frustration, annoyance, and insignificant costs at best. Not terror.

[Retric]

Terror is a tactic used by terrorist organizations, but it’s hardly the only thing they do.

“There’s no such thing as bad publicity.” Isn’t quite true, but publicity is inherently valuable to organizations dependent on outside donors. The Provos/IRA did similar things (attention grabbing and annoying) not just setting off bombs during the time of troubles.

[stouset]

The day that Americans open their newspapers to read that terrorist cells operating within our borders undertook a massive operation to plant Bluetooth devices on planes with the name BOMB is the day that Americans stop being concerned about terrorism form that group.

[Retric]

That’s just not how the general public responds after other terrorist attacks.

People flipped out over light brights years after 9/11 and well before the Boston Marathon bombing.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Boston_Mooninite_panic

Again, this was before the actual Boston bombing. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston_Marathon_bombing