re: Does powdered sugar in the mail count as terrorism?
Obviously, powdered sugar is intended to make someone think it could be anthrax.
I think there is no doubt that person sending the powder sugar is committing a crime.
And if caught, those responsible should face punishment as decided by a trial. And a sentence of say 5-10 years in jail wouldn't necessarily be too harsh. And a year or less would perhaps be an overly mild sentence.
Though if the people involved in this crime were excessively retarded, or even excessively brainwashed, I think a sentence involving a lot of community service, and something done so such things are not done again, might under some circumstances be ok.