Comment by 👻 darkghost
Re: "[DS9] Past Tense: Thoughts"
Sisko's participation doesn't rise to the level of terrorist acts and I can't put my finger on why not. Perhaps it is the goal of preventing harm to the hostages. The threat is there, it has to be otherwise they would be free to go. Terrorists wouldn't think or act with such a mindset as they seek to inflict maximum harm.
From my modern story telling mindset though it feels flat that the story just cuts to the end after the massacre and the former hostages are allies. It didn't feel "earned." In such a situation I wouldn't so suddenly change my mind.
2025-11-24 · 5 months ago
1 Later Comment
🛞 MaAkThRsYoOySrHtKaAm · Feb 09 at 13:16:
Sisko's predecessor touched on this issue in Star Trek: The Next Generation: Season 3, Episode 12 The High Ground.
Lt. Commander Data: But if that is so, Captain, why are their methods so often successful? I've been reviewing the history of armed rebellion, and it appears that terrorism is an effective way to promote political change.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Yes, it can be. But I have never subscribed to the theory that political power flows from the barrel of a gun.
Lt. Commander Data: Yet there are numerous examples when it was successful: the independence of the Mexican state from Spain, the Irish Unification of 2024, and the Kenzie Rebellion.
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Yes, I am aware of them.
Lt. Commander Data: Then would it be accurate to say that terrorism is acceptable, when all options for peaceful settlement have been foreclosed?
Captain Jean-Luc Picard: Data, these are questions that mankind has been struggling with throughout history. Your confusion is... only Human.
Original Post
[DS9] Past Tense: Thoughts — Today I finished the second part of Past Tense, which I think most would agree is one of the better sets of episodes of DS9. One thing that stuck out to me is how Sisko & Julian start participating in what is essentailly terrorism. I find this worth remarking on because I doubt it would have flown after 9/11. Though to my knowledge the show doesn't make this explicit, it's an interesting rhyme with how the Maquis are portrayed. Though, come to think of it, Keera...