[W]e would do better to treat terrorists as common criminals, people who have broken the laws recognized by all civil societies. To treat them as soldiers is to increase their power, respectability, and commitment.

Nel Noddings
About This Quote

The military is an institution with its own laws and rules. It has strict rules of engagement and accountability. When members of the military commit a crime, they are punished according to the law. Sometimes the punishment is more severe than other times.

However, regardless of the severity, it is done according to the law and in accordance with the Constitution. On the other hand, when civilians commit crimes, they are treated as criminals regardless of their status or affiliation. They are not given better treatment than other criminals.

This kind of thinking hurts our civil liberties and makes it easier for criminals to be given more power than they deserve.

Source: Peace Education: How We Come To Love And Hate War

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