There's no actual strict definition of terrorism; just a bunch of disparate attempts at one by various government agencies. The reason this is, is because it's so painfully, obviously subjective. If we use the definition provided by drivebyacct2, the use of the term itself is the best example of its definition. Most accounts of terrorism are merely just criminal acts that a certain party wants to paint as extranormative. It's interesting to bring up the question of whether this hack could be considered terrorism, as I'm sure if it's real, some Republicans will have interest in calling it that. That's the nature of the illusive concept of "terrorism". Sorry for the off topic discussion!
>the systematic use of terror, especially as a means of coercion
Which word am I diluting exactly? If Romney is as afraid of releasing his taxes as many imply, would he not be fearful of their release?
edit2: thanks for the replies, I think I understand why y'all disagree and I think that I agree with you. It's not systematic and it's not being used to intimidate others, it's too focused, basically.
Part of the idea of terrorism (and hate crimes, for that matter) is that the victims aren't just the ones immediately impacted, but other people as well. The aim of terrorism is to create a climate of fear in those who live. I will always remember the first time I flew on an airplane after September 11, 2001.
I strongly doubt that this act was designed to strike fear into the hearts of all of the other fabulously wealthy presidential candidates who refuse to disclose their tax returns.
"If Romney is as afraid of releasing his taxes as many imply, would he not be fearful of their release?"
If a kid is afraid of their first day of school that doesn't mean the school is a terrorist, though that child may be full of terror about that day. It's a very broad term - arguably which contributes to problem of ever really "winning" a "war on terror", but the common understanding of the word terrorism today doesn't usually include things like fear of tax records being released.
Being "fearful" or "worried" about the political consequences of a document being made public isn't the same as "terror." Not wanting to leave your family alone because they may be raped and murdered is terrifying. I think that's the dilution the parent comment was talking about.
In my opinion, the reason this does not classify as terrorism is that 99.999999% of the world is not afraid of being blackmailed for the release of their tax returns.
