by Doug Bandow

About the author: Doug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, a libertarian think tank in Washington, D.C.

The reactions inside and outside of Washington to the April 19, 1995, Oklahoma City bombing were sadly predictable. Around the country was anger, desire for understanding, and hope for healing. In the halls of the White House and Congress was shock, followed by a race for political advantage and demand for more power. In short, everyone did what came most naturally— citizens worried about their country while politicians worried about their influence.

Washington’s Reaction to Terrorism

This reaction was evident in attempts to brand critics of government as contributing to a “climate of hate” in which violence might occur. Needless to say, it is in the interest of presidents, legislators, and...