Yes, it’s terrorism. And we need to talk honestly about it.

When a man flies an airplane into a building to protest actions of the Internal Revenue Service, it’s terrorism.

That’s what Joseph Stack, age 53, is alleged to have done this morning.

If the facts as we know them currently prove to be true, that Mr. Stack carried out this act as a form of retribution against the American government, it is terrorism.

The language being used is being complicated by a peculiar form of political correctness.

Asked about the attack, newly elected Republican Senator Scott Brown, in an interview today on Fox News, seemed eager to rationalize Mr. Stack’s behavior.

“People are frustrated. They want transparency,” he said, going on to say, “I’m not sure if there’s a connection, I certainly hope not.”

He concluded, “We need to do things better.”

Wrong answer, Sen. Brown.

What we need to do, in a democracy with fair elections (illustrated most recently by the remarkable GOP upset in Massachusetts) and legitimate representation, is condemn all forms of political violence unambiguously.

As the New York Times reports, the television networks have been unsure what to call the attack so far.

This issue became controversial last year, when the Department of Homeland Security published a report suggesting that the “current economic and political climate” is fueling a resurgence of recruiting and radicalization among right-wing groups.

Conservatives were furious, describing the document as an attempt to smear legitimate conservative activism.

But even right-wing provocateurs like Glenn Beck have admitted concern that right-wing anger could explode in violence.

“I fear what will happen,” Beck said. “We have a giant fuse burning in this country.” He talked ominously about the “bomb at the end.”

This act of alleged domestic terrorism will surely revive a debate over the rhetoric of right-wing activism, which has often embraced the language (if not the reality) of violence.

Despite sensitivity among conservatives, it’s time to have a real conversation about the tone and vitriol of some of that language.