Terrorism represents the darkest chapter of the human saga. The willful infliction of fear for the purpose of political grandstanding illustrates a dark and repulsive desire for revenge. To many folks here in Tallahassee, that desire for revenge grows with every politically correct statement that is made, with every person of color rising to a position of power, with every cooperate memo advocating diversity.

The word terrorism usually evokes images of Northern Ireland or Somalia or Iraq. But recently, too recently, the dark grip of terrorism has extended its ugly reach in places like Oklahoma City, Columbine and Tallahassee. Recently, the campus of Tallahassee's historically black university has felt this awful grip as two homemade bombs have ripped through the conscious of the students and faculty like the uncaring shrapnel of a war zone.

After both instances, the bomber called a local television station and explained the act of terrorism in language reminiscent of Nazi Germany or the Antebellum South. Before being caught, the anonymous voice spoke to an editor at the newspaper I write for.

"We were standing a few feet from Jesse Jackson," the caller said in reference to an ecumenical service open to the public in which Jackson spoke. "We could have taken that nigger out if we had wanted to." The caller went on to warn of "events" that would plague FAMU this week.

Where does this hate come from? How does an institution of higher learning become the fertile ground for implements of hate and destruction?

When Jesse Jackson spoke at Bethel AME Church in Tallhassee, his message vacillated between screaming injunctions to "KEEP HOPE ALIVE! KEEP HOPE ALIVE" to the subtle whispers of "We're winning. We're winning."

That, in essence, was the message and directive of Jesse Jackson's trip to Tallahassee. We are winning … we being the forces for democratic equilibrium and social justice. These are, however, radical concepts in Tallahassee … revolutionary in fact.

As the Internet binds and terrorism divides, a second American Revolution is taking place. This revolution won't be fought on the battlegrounds of Bunker Hill or Quebec but in the hearts and minds of our increasingly exposed collective consciousness.

We live in a world of pipe bombs and diversity. The two do not make comfortable bedfellows. As the dawn of new millennium approaches Tallahassee, it's best to remember the common elements of humanity that bind us rather than the divisive issues of hate that separate. Maybe I'm just being a quixotic fool, but I really believe that love conquers all -- even bombs.

At this point, allow me to make an invitation to each and every one of you. In the uncertain near future, be sure to love your brothers and sisters. Your reward could be your own life.