If we begin cutting back on fundamental freedoms,

December 9, 2001 9:26 AM

If we begin cutting back on fundamental freedoms, if we let a bunch of pussy farmers cut the balls off our music, if you don't take advantage of our low, low interest rates by refinancing your home now then the terrorists have already won.
posted by Neale (11 comments total)

and if you are afraid of your own shadow then the ratings whoring media has won.
posted by victors at 9:38 AM on December 9, 2001

Don't forget Metafilter's very own: "War is hell".
posted by dlewis at 9:46 AM on December 9, 2001

I say we all go out and buy several of those cars they're offering at 0% interest and show the terrorists just how much they haven't won. Of course, if you try to show the terrorists they haven't won too much, you'll end up dealing with the ultimate terrorists -- the bill collectors.
posted by MAYORBOB at 10:01 AM on December 9, 2001

..or something.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 10:01 AM on December 9, 2001

I want to condemn this post in the strongest possible terms.
posted by i_am_joe's_spleen at 10:13 AM on December 9, 2001

And as this thread intensifies...
posted by dlewis at 10:58 AM on December 9, 2001

If you do a search on Lexis-Nexis, there are hundreds of news articles using the phrase, including several from as early as October that decry its use and mock the people who say it earnestly. In fact, the phrase is so over-used these days that the largest part of its appearance can now be attributed to mockery, sarcasm, humor and irony.
posted by Mo Nickels at 11:08 AM on December 9, 2001

"The terrorists have already won"...hmmm...
Did anyone think to put it in different terms?

Say, "The terrorists served a blazing first shot."
http://www.coudal.com/tennis.html

Anyone want to start a terrorist tennis match?
All it takes is some witty commentary on the actions taken by both sides. Or perhaps, it could actually turn into a photoshop tennis match? Of course, it might be difficult to find someone to willingly make lousy graphics to represent the terrorists...
posted by jacobw at 11:32 AM on December 9, 2001

Spot on, Mo.
posted by Potsy at 12:56 PM on December 9, 2001

How about "bring them to justice?

If I hear it again, I may hurl.
posted by mr_crash_davis at 1:34 PM on December 9, 2001

Ohio woman buying fewer gifts this year. Terrorists declare victory, cease operations.
posted by straight at 7:13 AM on December 10, 2001