I know I’m being persnickety. (That’s what makes me a good copy editor.) I know the media want a good sound bite, and saying “The War on Terrorism” will have them tripping over their tongues in no time. I also know that saying “The War on Terror” isn’t completely wrong. However (you knew this was coming), the better word is terrorism. Let’s turn to my trusty and precise American Heritage dictionary. The third definition of terror is “the ability to instill intense fear.” The fourth definition is “violence committed or threatened to intimidate or coerce, as for military or political purposes.” Either of those definitions apply. Yet, here I am snivelling. So, why? Aha! Look at the definition of terrorism: “The unlawful use or threatened use of force or violence to intimidate or coerce societies or governments, often for ideological or political reasons.” Well, that’s better and more to the point.
Eventually, I know either expression will lose all meaning just as The War of Drugs has. That one went well, didn’t it.
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