Horror and Terror in Orlando...
Rational Nation USA
Purveyor of Truth
As Donald Trump plays his all to familiar xenophobia trump card (pun intended), President Obama responds appropriately as the President of the United States should to the early morning terrorist attack in Orlando Florida.
We note that Mr. Trump's unpopularity is having an impact, pushing republicans and conservatives in a typically red sate potentially into HRC's corner. We're sure statements such as the one recently issued by him (see above) has had a some impact in the move away from supporting The Donald.
Earlier President Obama made the following remarks.
MORE here.
Purveyor of Truth
As Donald Trump plays his all to familiar xenophobia trump card (pun intended), President Obama responds appropriately as the President of the United States should to the early morning terrorist attack in Orlando Florida.
Donald J. Trump Statement Regarding Tragic Terrorist Attack in Orlando, Florida
Last night, our nation was attacked by a radical Islamic terrorist. It was the worst terrorist attack on our soil since 9/11, and the second of its kind in 6 months. My deepest sympathy and support goes out to the victims, the wounded, and their families.
In his remarks today, President Obama disgracefully refused to even say the words 'Radical Islam'. For that reason alone, he should step down. If Hillary Clinton, after this attack, still cannot say the two words 'Radical Islam' she should get out of this race for the Presidency.
If we do not get tough and smart real fast, we are not going to have a country anymore. Because our leaders are weak, I said this was going to happen – and it is only going to get worse. I am trying to save lives and prevent the next terrorist attack. We can't afford to be politically correct anymore.
The terrorist, Omar Mir Saddique Mateen, is the son of an immigrant from Afghanistan who openly published his support for the Afghanistani Taliban and even tried to run for President of Afghanistan. According to Pew, 99% of people in Afghanistan support oppressive Sharia Law.
We admit more than 100,000 lifetime migrants from the Middle East each year. Since 9/11, hundreds of migrants and their children have been implicated in terrorism in the United States.
Hillary Clinton wants to dramatically increase admissions from the Middle East, bringing in many hundreds of thousands during a first term – and we will have no way to screen them, pay for them, or prevent the second generation from radicalizing.
We need to protect all Americans, of all backgrounds and all beliefs, from Radical Islamic Terrorism - which has no place in an open and tolerant society. Radical Islam advocates hate for women, gays, Jews, Christians and all Americans. I am going to be a President for all Americans, and I am going to protect and defend all Americans. We are going to make America safe again and great again for everyone.
- Donald J. Trump
We note that Mr. Trump's unpopularity is having an impact, pushing republicans and conservatives in a typically red sate potentially into HRC's corner. We're sure statements such as the one recently issued by him (see above) has had a some impact in the move away from supporting The Donald.
Earlier President Obama made the following remarks.
(CNN) — President Barack Obama called the mass shooting at an LGBT Orlando nightclub Sunday an "act of terror" in remarks to the nation from the White House briefing room.
"We know enough to say this was an act of terror and an act of hate," he said. "The FBI is appropriately investigating this as an act of terror. We will go wherever the facts lead us ... What is clear is he was a person filled with hatred."
MORE here.
I am not persuaded by “motivated reasoning.” I read the same accounts, hear the same media coverage, but arrive at my own conclusions. Assertions of lower overall crime rates are frankly irrelevant when I know specific crimes and accidental deaths are preventable.
ReplyDeleteSince the beginning of this year, over 100 children have killed themselves or other family members because a kid found an unsecured weapon in the house. The NRA has fought legislation mandating gun safety locks.
We are told the shooter was employed as a security guard, had access to weapons, and a permit to carry them. We also learned that the shooter had a history of domestic violence; a former wife reported regular beatings. The NRA has fought legislation that would confiscate weapons owned by domestic abusers. Do we filter this point from any discussion?
We learn from media accounts that the shooter was armed with an AR-15 assault rifle — the same AR-15 used in the Sandy Hook and San Bernardino shootings. A law banning sales of this weapon expired years ago; the NRA has fought — and Congressional Republicans have refused — to consider reinstatement of this law. Is this yet another example of “cognitive bias”?
I don’t find self-serving campaign bullet points (pun intended) germane or decorous at this time. Finally, one more report buried under media noise:
Armed suspect arrested at West Hollywood gay parade:
“Police took a suspect into custody in West Hollywood, California, after searching his car and discovering an arsenal of weapons which included assault weapons, a camouflage outfit, and explosive powder [pipe bombs]. The suspect’s vehicle had Indiana plates, and he appears to be a white male.”
Anti-gay messaging from Christian fundamentalists and rightwing fanatics — especially in a presidential election year — have upped the ante on hate speech. Copycat crimes are not “moth eaten” tropes. Dead bodies and grieving families are not numbers.
I simply refuse to fall into the lure of politicizing this, or any other horrific crime and act of terror.
ReplyDeleteI know what I know and the current realities will not change given only a choice of an either or response to terror. We face two issues that must be addressed simultaneously. A) The increasing threat of radicalized Islamic terrorism inside the USA, and B) the insane approach to how the nation ought to be regulating firearms. Both must be addressed and no one should be politicizing these issues for pure political advantage.
I agree radical rightwing fanatics Christian fundamentalists are a dangerous to our liberty as well encouraging like minded Christians who are emotionally or mentally unstable. As dangerous as radicalized Islamic fundamentalists perhaps. But the Orlando shooter was a radicalized not by Christian fundamentalists but by Islamic fundamentalists.
Perhaps the most rational discussion I've heard was from the former assistant FBI Director who acknowledged we need to protect the 2nd amendment right of legitimate and responsible hunters, sportsman, those who shoot competitively, and responsible collectors. He also acknowledged the nation must address the issue of firearm regulation and control more effectively. Keeping firearms out of the hands who should not have them, for whatever reason.
ReplyDeleteRight now we have the right taking one track, he left taking the other, and again the rhetorical wars heat up and the result will likely be more of the same. There are folks on the outside watching our internal divisions and smiling.
ReplyDelete