So you think that killing people is bad even if it saves more in the long-run?

Well, you've just found something you've agreed with when it comes to terrorism then, huh?   Assassnations of despots. 

Soriku

You realize your answer to the topic question is now "yes"

But you still agree that terrorism can be justified? (remember: freedom fighters are just terrorists that we like)

You'd never hold up in a trial, you know that?

That says more about your lack of perspective than anything: again, I poit you to the French resistance to Nazi occupation during World War II. Those guys knew how to terrorize.

Also look at certain acts of violence that occurred during the Civil Rights movement.

Also look at Mr. Nelson Mandela

You can't write a good essay if you're not willing to do the research!

Except that the essay isn't asking you about specific acts of terrorism, it's asking if terrorism can be justified. There is no "balance" here: it's a yes or no question. If you can name situations in which it can be justified, then your answer is yes, regardless of the actions of any particular organization and whether or not you agree with them.

If you say "terrorism can't be justified. Except for blah blah blah blah blah. Here is why terrorism can't be justified, ignoring everything I just said:" then it is a bad essay.

I thought you just demonstrated that a "no" conclusion is anything but solid.

You're focusing on specific instances, trying to come up with scenarios where it isn't justified. That's not what the essay is asking.

But all right; I'll leave you be about it. When you get your grade back, let me know what your instructor says, I am curious.

Well, of course. 
"Can terrorism ever be justified?"
and
"Can terrorism always be justified?"
are two completely different questions.  If that's what the hangup was, then I think you're past it as long as you remember this. 

I don't know if assassination is terrorism, though.  I thought that terrorism was violence that makes people do what you want through fear (threat of more violence until they do); whereas assassination just directly destroys the target.  Unless it's like "we're going to keep assassinating people until our policy goal is met" which is back to terrorism.  If it's one specific leader you want dead, and you kill him, does it count as terrorism?