Thread by @juliettekayyem

I appreciate the sentiment this reflects. I (of all people) also appreciate that we draw conclusions about Arabs and Muslims as well. So, I want to start there. But there is a reason in this very unique case why (some of us) use words like suicide bomber but not terrorist. 1/

https://twitter.com/waltshaub/status/1343549977906339842

I'm not here to defend analysis, I'm thick skinned, simply to explain thinking. As we all know, terrorism is a motivational crime, violence for political or ideological impact. A lot of things can elicit terror, seem "terrorist" like, but not be that 2/

https://twitter.com/juliettekayyem/status/1343001625816952832

Why does it matter? The long game. I too am worried about white radical terrorism in US. Trump condones it as well by using tactic known as #stochasticterrorism to incite without directing. More on my thoughts @markfollman @motherjones 3/
motherjones.com/politics/2020/…

It may be that #nashvilleexplosion is as many think. But, if it isn't then the consequences are pretty striking. First, it minimizes and obscures a scary trend in this country, one that needs to be shamed and disrupted. If everything is terrorism, then nothing is terrorism. 4/

And if we get it wrong, on air or print, then the next time there is proof of political motivation, we've lost credibility. And that too means something in an age when, as you are well aware, even whether this was in fact a suicide bombing is subject to rampant speculation. 5/

So, I can't speak for all, but simply not naming it may be accurate, and also essential when white radicalized terrorism most certainly will occur in the future. And if there is proof of intent here, I will name it. Loudly. Just my two cents. More tonight @cnn 6/6