So sad. So very sad.
Unfortunately we can expect a new round of xenophobia against immigrants to be fomented among those on the right, here and abroad. Let’s hope calmer heads and bigger hearts will prevail.
Before I go off I want to get some hard facts. Too much high test emotion on this barbaric act. We won’t progress just working from knee jerk reaction.
Take care Nice.
Why?
I echo your thoughts, but I think there is very little chance of that.
Religion1
1 I’m guessing, but odds are in my favor that I’m right.
I should wait 24 hours before commenting on this. That way I won’t say something like, “You start at one end of Syria and kill every living thing until you reach the other end.”
Damn. I am so sorry this is happening to such a wonderful people. Please know, people of France, there are many of us out here, our hearts are aching to witness this. We are with you.
I write this as a lifelong liberal who was never voted for a Republican and has always stood on the side of free speech, freedom of religion, and tolerance for people who are different. However, if this turns out to be another act by a person of Islamic heritage, I believe we now have to consider expelling all Muslims from Europe and the US. Personally, I believe that anyone who espouses strong adherence to any religion, whether they preach nonviolence or not, is an inherently irrational person. I most certainly include all true believing Christians in this. Unfortunately, I am going to have to be selfish here. While I despise Christian extremists in the violence they have perpetrated on this country, I do not feel a personal threat from them. I do feel an extreme personal threat from radical Islamists, though. And, while I do feel some compassion for so-called moderate Muslims who would probably never commit a violent act, I also have to say that there’s no downside in my mind to having less religious people of all stripes in this country.
If we don’t approach this issue from a rational perspective like that taken by folks like Bill Maher and Sam Harris, I now fear that Donald Trump will have a be very strong possibility of winning the election
Yeah, you wouldn’t want to sound like a mindless bloodthirsty misanthrope. Good thing you waited.
I now fear that Donald Trump will have a be very strong possibility of winning the election
Man, I hope so. It’s clear to me that nuclear weapons are the only way to fight terrorism.
Yeah, you should’ve gone with your gut…and waited.
Donald has a simple way to defeat ISIS, but won’t tell.
No lives matter.
Anomaloid, I know we all say things in the heat of the moment – I’m guilty of that, myself. However, to propose expelling Americans due to their religious beliefs–and let’s be clear here, we’re not talking about wishing death to people, just their following Islam–is exactly the opposite of what America is supposed to represent. I would not stand for that. In my lifetime, I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working closely with people from almost all walks of life, and that includes many who were followers of Islam. Bad people come from all corners.
From a practical side, I can understand evaluating and redoubling our efforts at weeding out the bad apples from entering our borders, but I also would be very concerned about giving the many folks who are already here–some by several generations–reasons to become radicalized. We cannot let that happen to them or us.
Part of me has had concerns something like this might happen prior to our November elections – I know Trump and the GOP will do everything they can to capitalize on folks’ fear. I hope Hillary and the Democrats are at the ready with whatever realistic assurances we need to hear. We cannot allow fear to win out. Turning on each other is not the answer.
Just for the record, I am an agnostic with regards to the god question. I tend to believe there is very likely something else after we croak, but just what I can’t say … yet. Personally, I think humanity would do much better now if we start downplaying religion in our lives, start relying much more on science, eventually phasing out religion after a few generations. One can dream.
In the meantime, my thoughts are with the people of France.
There is absolutely nothing rational about persecuting a group of people. Unless you’re talking about the kind of psychotic rationality that Adolph Hitler and his advisors possessed.
That’s your white privilege talking then. Check it.
And, while I do feel some compassion for so-called moderate Muslims
I’m sure plenty of Nazis felt tinges of guilt seeing those train cars headed out to the camps, at least for a few fleeting moments.
Misanthrope, yes. However, even if a person’s fantasy is bloodthirsty, thinking things don’t make them come true. No country was actually wiped out just like hoping an asteroid hits the Earth won’t make it come true.
Hell, we have a new round of xenophobia spouting up right here on TPM amongst self-described “lifelong liberals”!
Fuck, these are trying times.
Senseless death and destruction, and for what? This is just fucking abysmally sad.
So it’s only your fantasy that every living thing in Syria is destroyed. Yeah, you’re right. That makes it so much less offensive.