What is a Domestic Terrorist?

As the adage says, “One man’s terrorist is another man’s freedom fighter.” But who decides on which terms to use and when? And is the US a mite too eager to define people as terrorists? These questions are posed by two new films, premiering this week at the Human Rights Watch Film Festival. The first film, called “If A Tree Falls: A Story of the Earth Liberation Front,” focuses on the Environmental Liberation Front, and those involved with the group who were identified as domestic terrorists. The film opens in limited release today and will air on PBS stations in the fall. We’re joined by the Academy Award-nominated director, Marshall Curry.
The second film, called “Better This World,” centers on two young protestors who were identified as domestic terrorists at the 2008 Republican National Convention, after what might have been entrapment by the FBI. It will also be aired on PBS stations this fall. The co-director, Katie Galloway, joins us from Washington.