Charlie Hebdo

The murders of the people at Charlie Hebdo is an unusually clear example of the use of violence for the purpose of intimidation. The Judge's point that it is a natural reaction to want to prevent this kind of thing from happening again is right. But increasing surveillance and other measures intended to find people who are going to murder to intimidate before they commit any overt illegal act is self-defeating. It is not cost effective and does not achieve the stated goal of increased safety. Such a response is a victory for the terrorist. Enabling law abiding and qualified citizens to carry concealed hand guns is far more effective (and inexpensive) at deterring terrorists. My guess is that terrorists are much easier to catch and prosecute if they have bullet holes in them. The suicide bomber is harder to deter, of course. Inflicting the punishment that should go to the deceased bomber upon his blood relatives, as confirmed with DNA is a tempting, though morally repugnant possibility.