Marking the anniversary of the Oklahoma City bombing this year seems odd. In many regards, it seems as if the sentiments that led Timothy McVeigh to his act of domestic terrorism are similar to the rationalizations employed today by the tea baggers and other extremists. But perhaps it is exactly these similarities that demand that this year, more than ever before, we must recognize domestic terrorism for what it is.

Terrorism is, by definition:

in the most general sense, the systematic use of terror especially as a means of coercion. Common definitions of terrorism refer only to those violent acts which are intended to create fear (terror), are perpetrated for an ideological goal (as opposed to a lone attack), and deliberately target or disregard the safety of non-combatants (civilians).

I’ve been thinking a lot however, about the violence directed towards gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender women and men. Can this be labeled s terrorism too? Are hate crimes acts of domestic terrorism or lone attacks where homophobia, fear and hatred fuel individual acts? Or does it matter what label is applied?

When Brad and I were in Oklahoma City for a bowling tournament, we went to see the memorial park. I wished I had taken more photos, but this was it.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=473hQ53tqKc[/youtube]