So does anybody find it strange
that the immediate reaction to the Pentagon shooting was this, according to the NYT?
Nobody, however, is using the T word (even though it is the second attack against a government building in two weeks).
On the other hand, within hours of the Fort Hood shooting the word was
Even though “evidence does not support that theory.”
It seems to me that terrorism is defined, in our fair and balanced culture, by who the actor is, rather than by the action. Non-Muslims don’t, it seems, do terrorism.
I remember years ago during the sniper shootings in DC that Bush said he believed it was not a terrorist attack. I was really curious in what world the random shooting of people over a period time is not terrorism- it very much instilled fear in the people. In that case, the sniper turned out to be a Muslim- but not an Arab. I wonder if that was the reason why.
The shooter’s family said he had a history of mental and criminal problems. He grew his own weed!
Arie writes:
I was really curious in what world the random shooting of people over a period time is not terrorism- it very much instilled fear in the people.
The difference may be whether it is politically motivated. But in the case of the Pentagon shooting (unlike the sniper) it seems clear that yes, it is.
BZ- fair enough. But I still cling to at least one definition of terrorism as intending to instill terror in people. And that was certainly the case with the sniper.
I suggest that US airports start profiling blonde-haired-blue-eyed people of European descent. There is no sacrifice too great to make for safety.
I suggest that US airports start profiling blonde-haired-blue-eyed people of European descent. There is no sacrifice too great to make for safety.
I think a better idea would be–if the professionals determined that blonde-haired-blue-eyed people of European descent were more likely to commit violent acts on planes–to not check those people at all before boarding, lest we hurt their feelings. Maybe we should provide them with a loaded gun, just in case some racist vigilante tries to confront them on board?
So are you supporting my resolution? Terrorism has already hit twice! Nobody is safe!
I’d have no problem with your resolution, really.
And if you want to profile dark-haired Jews, I wouldn’t complain either.
“So does anybody find it strange…”
Actually not really. The issue would be more real if there was an organized movement of…. I dunno, I guess off-balance white males attacking civilian targets in the name of…. Ideology X. But there’s no such organized movement at this time.
If such a threat does emerge, however, I suggest that the TSA and our security agencies avoid particular screening of white males, and instead focus their attention on black, latino and east Asian females aged 59-74.