Let Live and Make Die
- The suicide bomber works clandestinely; there is no structural control over his action. It is a sudden action that cannot be planned for.
- The criminal disintegrates with his act. The means for justice are frustrated. One cannot call for reparation or ceremonial sacrifice to give meaning to the event.
- However, the suicide bomber, although invalidating state control of a particular site - his own death, affirms soverign power through his act. He engages in a guerrilla tactic, freeing himself from a mortal coil, that reinforces the sovereign's grip over matters of life and death.
- The presence and absence of the suicide bomber or terror figure poses the shadowy threat to society. In order to protect against the unseen threat, the state is provided with considerable power.
- Hence, the possibility of the terrorist/spy/traitor is necessary for state power. Without the possibility of "exceptional" conditions, sovereign power is hardpressed to justify its monopoly of political power. "Common unity and noble purpose" directed against evil: is this not reminiscient of comic book language?
- "You have to see evil as evil...oppression as oppression..." Is this parvenu language? You must be the world in unproblematic terms. If you do not, you may be a heretic. A heretic, but in what way?
- Threats are invariably posed as common threats. IF you're good, obey; we'll provide for our end of the bargain, at least on the surface, i.e., in the spectacular realm.
- The terrorist is projected as an absolutely irrational other capable and willing to kill anyone at anytime. Conversely, the figure of terror often understands the intricacies, contradictions, and loopholes of a society better than its own members.
- EVIL v. GOOD --> simple, easy, and an extension of the ultimate battle of theology" the apocalyptic battle for the souls of men. War is translated into this language for public consumption; its epic drama constructed through images, symbols, and signifiers.
- Everybody is free, but all remain vulnerable. State protection is not perfect or total, in spite of appearances. Protection and security provided for in normal times, with relatively no conscious effort.
