"Terrorism"

Many nations and many individuals rise to Israel’s defense regarding the past months in Gaza, or the past four decades of Palestinian persecution. I, however, cannot completely justify Israeli actions, not just for the past months, but over the last decades, in reference to the Palestinians.
I cannot imagine being a displaced population, with the country that was once called home stripped form me. I cannot imagine being persecuted merely for my origin of birth. I say this not just in reference to Palestinians, but the Israelites as well. Both know persecution and oppression and displacement. However, the acts of the Israeli persecution, oppression, and displacement have been supported by the biggest nations of the world. Israel has been given the proverbial “get out of jail free card.” Israel has been able to commit acts without the fear of repercussion. It is no wonder that Hamas has been created and grown over the years.
I am not saying that anyone can condone “terrorism,” but has anyone stopped to think that terrorism is merely the perception of the act, depending completely on which side you conform to. Palestinians do not recognize themselves as terrorists, but as freedom fighters. And, at times, it is difficult for me to disagree with the statement.
I just find it so hard to understand why the American Revolution, French Revolution, and every other fight for independence or freedom are classified as a just cause rather than an act of terrorism. Is it so hard for us to understand that what these people are fighting for are the very same rights that so many Americans fought, and died, for- the right to have a place to call home, the right to make their own laws, form their own culture, the right to life, and the right to liberty. They fight for the things that we have so often referenced as inalienable rights. What is happening in Israel is not justice, but rather the product of politics, as has been too often the case in recent history.
http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/meast/02/25/tunnels/index.html