Last Friday, I heard Brian Williams, new anchor at NBC refer to Eric Rudolph as an "extremist," and not a terrorist.

Well, this guy has killed a few, and bombed a few places as well. All on behalf of a belief system …

Is a Middle Eastern surname or Christian name a pre-requisite to be called a terrorist?

Inquiring minds want to know!!!

Great quesion.  While we're at it, lets throw in violent protesters in the mix.  

Another question...what's the difference.

And now he gets to spend rest of his days at that Federal Pen. in Colorado.....He hates the govt. so much, now he's under their care for next 35-40 years, or however long he lives....

Here's the difference: Tom Delay is an extremist. Tim McVeigh is a terrorist.

which they can better and permanently achieve by hard work, roll modeling and persuasion.

The point I took from it was that complex information is easily manipulated to further all kinds of agendas.  Michael is no Red State NeoCon.

with Rudolph's sentiments on abortion, I have no qualms about calling him what he is: a terrorist.  Even if one assumes the legitimacy of bombing abortion clinics in opposition to abortion, there is no doubt but that his other bombings --- homo night clubs and Olympic Park --- were targeted at individuals other than those perpetrating abortion with the purpose of creating widespread fear.  Ergo, he is a terrorist.  An extremist, too, but definitely a terrorist.

you need some to some extent tie the fact that said violent act was directed at "innocents". You know the whole quarrel that opens up but the answer is, in my opinion, down that road.

I'm sure the Rudolph's of the world would'nt include those killed in and around an abortion clinic innocent. Just how tangential[sic?] are they?

As opposed lest say, to the people of Dresden Germany, 1945?