"...were designed to send a message pure and simple: "
... a message so cleverly disguised that noone knew about it - If this IS fanaticism or terrorism, they are training you well... It is YOU who have created this "message".
Where are the barking dogs ?
If you want to use the Godfather, you don't seem to recall that the target was left alive, to BE terrorized.
If you want to use the Godfather, you don't seem to recall that the target was left alive, to BE terrorized.
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The movie mogul in the Godfather was left alive so that he would give Johnny Fontaine the coveted part in a movie he was producing. To kill him right away would not have achieved that result. However, if he still refused to give Johnny the part after they whacked the horse, there would be no reason to keep him alive, for any reason, and he would have been killed. The Mafia did not terrorize people because of their religion; it was usually business and the women and children were usually kept out of it. I am not excusing the methods or excesses of organized crime by any means.
But let's get our Godfather straight.
My point exactly, the others, Copts, are left alive to be terrorized and kept in check.
An added "bonus" is that it will terrorize Americans.
I don't know what you mean about "no one knowing about" a message.
In the Godfather, the message was clear: look how easy we can get YOU, part of the TERROR.
Capiche?