There’s a really interesting article up at AlterNet today regarding the first commercial airline bombing on Oct. 6, 1976.

Cuban-American terrorists and mercenaries blew up a Cuban civilian airliner. All 73 on board went down to a fiery and gruesome death, including the teenage members of the Cuban fencing team returning from a competition in Venezuela.

The article goes on to point the finger at well known figures in the Cuban exile community in Florida, namely Luis Posada Carriles and Orlando Bosch and well known exile organizations like Alpha 66, Omega 7, Brothers To The Rescue, and Commandos L. The most disturbing thing though is that according to the article the individuals and organizations are being protected by the U.S. government.

Compare this to the case of “Cuban Five”, Rene Gonzalez, Antonio Guerro, Fernando Gonzalez, Gerrardo Hernandez and Ramon Labinino who volunteered to come to Florida in the mid-’90s for the purpose of becoming “eyes and ears” into the plans and activities of the Florida-based terrorist groups. They were arrested in 1998 by the FBI for committing espionage conspiracy against the United States.

Rene Gonzalez was sentenced to 15 years. Antonio Guerro to life imprisonment plus 10 years, Fernando Gonzalez was sentenced to 19 years, Gerrardo Hernandez was given two life sentences plus 80 months, and Ramon Labinino was sentenced to life imprisonment plus 18 years.

in this age of finger pointing name calling using the word “terrorist”, I ask what makes a terrorist? Is it the use of violence to further a political cause or is it daring to go against the world superpower that is the U.S.?

Via / AlterNet