Should we start considering gang members terrorist?

[Arlo]

Aeolus451 said:

Arlo said:
Every individual should be charged based on their crime--not based on what categories we might put them in. Using such a category as a basis for conviction just brings bias and political pressure into the mix.

Aren't they already doing that? It's not working.

Punishments need to be harsher for gangs to discourage people from joining a gang or staying in one. 

From what I hear, "setting examples" and charging exactly this way--based on these positions and whatnot--is incredibly common.  Even if it weren't however, I wouldn't say that it's a matter of it not working.  Regardless of how we charge, there are other factors that are contributing to crime, and they're not going to change based on sentences.  Addressing the issues after the fact is treating the symptom, not the problem.  That's why I feel it's only fair to take everything case-by-case to actually ensure justice for everyone.