The difference between rebels (or freedom fighters or patriots or whatever) and terrorists is a very fine line indeed and is usually just a matter of perspective. Of course the Sons of Liberty were terrorists. Of course the IRA are terrorists. In these cases they have the benefit of popular support (ergo their supports will find the moral justification for their actions) and are therefore not terrorists. That's why the situation between the Palestinians and Isrealis seems so hazy, who are the terrorists there? Politically, its a matter of national self-interest, the US government will call a terrorist which ever one is less useful at any given moment.