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Re: the "hot dog" ad: That was not a Gordon Smith campaign ad. It was from the National Republican Senatorial Committee that provides separate support, just as a Democratic Senate committee supported Merkley with ads that attacked Smith. Just a point of accuracy.

posted 4 years, 6 months ago
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Having been part of the discussion at The Oregonian, I agree with Bryan Denson and his comments on the use of "terrorism" and "sabotage." Journalistic phrasing legitimately can differ from that of the FBI. Since Sept. 11 the word "terrorism" has taken on a meaning that, in journalistic uses, makes it a poor choice for actions aimed at non-human targets.

I do believe that the closer an action comes to people as intended targets, the more likely the word "terrorism" can be used. Burning up logging equipment is sabotage aimed at a system -- criminal, absolutely, but aimed more at a process and values. Targeting the home of someone who owns those trucks and endangering or emotionally attacking the people who live there becomes a form of terrorism.

Dan Hortsch,
former public editor (ombudsman ), The Oregonian, retired

posted 5 years, 2 months ago
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