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Who Cares About This Killing?

This was not the murder of a doctor, nor did it have anything to do with the issue of being pro/anti-choice. No, this time it was a young Army private, gunned down outside a military recruiting center in Little Rock, Arkansas, of all places. Another Army private was also shot, but is in stable condition, thank heavens (H/T to Soldier4Hillary for alerting me to this tragedy and SusanUnPC for her additions to this post).

But which blogs are reporting this story? Reports Newsbusters.org:

While Michelle Malkin, Allahpundit, Red State, and other conservative bloggers have denounced Tiller’s murder, Keith Olbermann, Think Progress, the Huffington Post, Crooks and Liars, and AmericaBlog haven’t even mentioned William Long’s murder at the recruiting center as of this writing.

That is to say, the same people who rushed to denounce Tiller’s murder have been quiet about Private Long’s, at least so far. I hastily add, I am not a fan of people like Bill O’Reilly, whose name has been bandied about regarding Tiller’s murder, but there does seem to be a double standard here in the media.

Here is the full report from CNN:

An Arkansas man was arrested Monday in connection with a shooting at a Little Rock military recruiting center that killed one soldier and wounded another, authorities said.

Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad — a 24-year-old Little Rock resident formerly known as Carlos Bledsoe — faces a first-degree murder charge and 15 counts of engaging in a terrorist act, Little Rock Police Chief Stuart Thomas said. The terrorist counts stem from the shots fired at an occupied building.

While authorities continued to investigate a motive, Thomas said Muhammad is a Muslim convert and, based on preliminary interviews with him, investigators believe there were “political and religious motives” in the shooting.

Military officials initially believed the shooting was a random act, but Thomas said police believe the shooter acted alone “with the specific purpose of targeting military personnel.”

The soldier who was killed was identified as Pvt. William Long, 24, of Conway, and the wounded soldier is Pvt. Quinton Ezeagwula, 18, of Jacksonville, Thomas said.

Ezeagwula is in stable condition and expected to recover, the police chief said.

“I’m relieved there’s a suspect in custody,” said Capt. Matthew Feehan, commander of the center.

Feehan said seven other recruiters were in the building, but nobody else was injured.

Thomas said police recovered three guns from Muhammad’s black Ford SUV: an SKS semi-automatic rifle, a .22-caliber rifle and a pistol.

I am relieved there is a suspect in custody, too, and very thankful that Pvt. Ezeagwula is in stable condition. I still have a hard time believing this happened, and that a young soldier’s life was lost in a Little Rock street:

The victims were just out of basic training and had not been deployed, said Lt. Col. Thomas F. Artis, commander of the Oklahoma recruiting battalion that oversees the Little Rock recruiting center.

Melvin Bledsoe of Memphis, Tennesee , who was listed on the police report as Muhammad’s father, declined to comment, referring questions to Little Rock Police.

The soldiers were part of a recruiting program called “hometown recruiting assistance,” Artis said. Under the program, recruiters have the soldiers tell their stories to potential recruits. It’s a volunteer position taken while soldiers are visiting or based back in their home region, Artis said.

The FBI has opened an investigation into the incident, said Steven Frazier, spokesman for the agency’s Little Rock office. “Based on what we find, we will determine whether there is any federal jurisdiction to prosecute,” he said. (CNN’s Mike Phelan, Mike Mount and Terry Frieden contributed to this report.)

Wow – this is just hard to believe. These young men were doing nothing but serving their country, and encouraging others to do likewise. They were, literally, gunned down on the street. In the United States of America.

My prayers are with their families, their friends, their fellow soldiers, and the city of Little Rock. And my prayers are with our country, in which such a thing could happen…

and SUsan

  • decentAmerican

    the Arkansas soldier shooting leaves me with tears in my eyes. Here is one of OUR soldiers, risking his life for OUR safety, and he is gunned down in cold blood, on OUR soil? Pvt Long was only helping out at the recruiting center because he grew up locally….that’s right folks, he was murdered by a TERRORIST in his small town American, HOMETOWN. Are we supposed to feel safe now?

    Where is the outrage? Where is the Usurper attention and condemnation? He condemned the Tiller shooting (another tragedy) in a matter of hours, and so far….nothing on the soldier! Holder sent marshalls to protect other docs, but where are the marshalls to protect recruiting centers?

    Another wacko lib Usurper supporting nutjob with blood on his hands. This is what our country is coming to.

    God bless this soldier, Pvt Long, and his family.

    If the Usurper does not publicly condemn this cold blooded act by today, he is more savage than the savage animal I already think he is.

    The left was all quick to condemn OReilly and Beck for the Tiller incident, another heinous act, but will they condemn all the Lib antiwar talk for the death of Pvt Long?

  • kenoshamarge

    No mention I suspect because the media can’t claim that the FBI was on top of this and stopped it. Like all the phony half-witted,hapless “terrorists” they manage set-up, er catch.

    Guess supporting the troops isn’t all that important unless you can bash the other party or play politics with it somehow.

    What a tragedy! And how sad that once again so many have failed as reporters as well as human beings.

  • Kristen

    Thank you for commenting on this. This should be front page news on all papers and blogs. The alleged shooter was charged with terrorism and there is silence! I just don’t get it. I also am praying for the injured soldier and for the deceased soldier’s family.

  • tango

    So sad, just like the murder of the Dr. Tiller.

    This is someways even worse because the MSM does not care. Where is the public outrage and condolences for the family and friends of Pvt Long & Pvt Ezeagwula? Where is the statement from President Obama? Were they not just doing their job too and as such, were targeted by an unstable person who specifically hated what they represented? If Pvt Long had been killed by a religious right wing wacko, it’d be all over the news. But since it’s just a man caused diaster performed by a American who converted to Islam in prison, recently traveled to Yemin under an illegal passport to study with an Islamic scholar, big deal.

  • MrMike

    Only in America.
    Hate filled rants by religious fundamentalists that inspire the mentally deranged to commit acts of violence go unpunished.
    Just as bad speaking in favor of muzzling these extremists gets you called anti-free speech.
    These are examples of hate speech and hate crimes and should be treated as such.

  • o

    Governor Palin Statement on George Tiller and William Long

    June 1, 2009
    Governor Palin Statement on George Tiller

    “I feel sorrow for the Tiller family. I respect the sanctity of life and the tragedy that took place today in Kansas clearly violates respect for life. This murder also damages the positive message of life, for the unborn, and for those living. Ask yourself, ‘What will those who have not yet decided personally where they stand on this issue take away from today’s event in Kansas?’

    Regardless of my strong objection to Dr. Tiller’s abortion practices, violence is never an answer in advancing the pro-life message.”

    Governor Sarah Palin
    http://www.sarahpac.com/news/news32.aspx

    June 2, 2009
    Governor Palin Statement on William Long

    “The stories of two very different lives with similar fates crossed through the media’s hands yesterday – both equally important but one lacked the proper attention. The death of 67-year old George Tiller was unacceptable, but equally disgusting was another death that police believe was politically and religiously motivated as well.

    William Long died yesterday. The 23-year old Army Recruiter was gunned down by a fanatic; another fellow soldier was wounded in the ambush. The soldiers had just completed their basic training and were talking to potential recruits, just as my son, Track, once did.

    Whatever titles we give these murderers, both deserve our attention. Violence like that is no way to solve a political dispute nor a religious one. And the fanatics on all sides do great disservice when they confuse dissention with rage and death.”

    Governor Sarah Palin
    http://www.sarahpac.com/news/news33.aspx

  • Cindy

    Rev. Amy—-I was just asking myself the exact question you have asked! Where’s the outrage over the soldier being shot and killed?
    As always, you’re getting to the heart of what’s going on. Thank you!
    and p.s. i read a comment yesterday that said if you’re a LIBERAL and a terrorist, you get to become a college professor (Ayers!)

  • o

    No word from Obama or MSNBC yet

  • hokma

    Nor does Obama.

    While Obama was quit to deplore the killing of Tillis, he was stone silent on the tragic accidental killing of a NYC police officer at the time he and his wife did their little NYC date.

    Let’s see if Obama even mentions the killing of this Private.

  • tango

    Surprise, surprise. The Al Jazeera English site doesn’t have the story on their site either but they do have a story about Dr. Tiller under their “Americas” section.

    So since Keith Olbermann slammed Fox News (and conservatives) and said they were complicit in the death of Dr. Tiller with their radial anti-abortion views, I’ll be waiting for his on air shamming of those wacko organizations complicit in the death of Pvt. Long due to their radical Islam or anti-American or military views. Yah, that’s what I thought. That won’t be happening anytime soon.

    Go Gov. Palin for your statements regarding both Dr. Tiller and the soldiers.

  • jbjd

    If Pvt Long had been killed by a religious right wing wacko, it’d be all over the news. But since it’s just a man caused diaster (sic) performed by a American who converted to Islam in prison, recently traveled to Yemin under an illegal passport to study with an Islamic scholar, big deal.

    The MSM still could have reported this story, using just the facts, and we could have arrived at the logical conclusion.

  • marktarheel

    I hope oreilly blames olbermann for the soldiers murder…….that would be sweet………..but alas…oreilly has more class…a lot more……

  • http://GrannaAlma Alice Wisniewski

    We live with such a double standard when it comes to the MSM. How can they not report and condemn this act of senseless violence? It is just as wrong as was the killing of Dr. Tiller. I can’t condone the actions of Dr. Tiller. But I should not be held responsible for the actions of the man who killed him. Nor should the left by held responsible for the killing of the GI. Each of these killings will never be justifiable. Current political debate gave each killer his idea that it was the thing to do. And neither saw that political debate is about words, not actions supporting their acts of violence.

  • James Guglielmino

    You are mistaken. The Earth-bound Misfit (“Airplanes, cats, guns and the more than occasional rant about the Tsar of the Baboons, Darth the Torturer, their Most Excellent two-war Clusterfuck, and crap about anything else that flits through the somewhat offbeat mind of an armed lesbian pinko.”) reported it, with her usual outrage over outrageous acts: “Fry Him

    I officially do not care what his reasoning was or what his mental state happens to be. Shooting up a recruiting station, not to mention killing one young soldier and wounding a second, is wrong. This perp needs to be landed on with the full weight of the law. And I am certain that he will be.

    Any rationalizations or excuses offered will be met with scorn, sarcasm and derision and will be compared unfavorably with the Wingnut rationalizations being offered following the murder of Dr. Tiller on Sunday. “

  • RKStone

    The police did not even begin questioning the suspect until yesterday afternoon. When did the Little Rock police chief tell the press his alleged motives? I never read anything about his motives until this morning. The blogs that I’ve read this story on were all written this morning and for the most part are anti-liberal media posts. (Like yours and the one you link to) So your criticism on Olberman is unfounded because motives weren’t known. Your criticism on liberal blogs is that you published your anti-liberal media opinion before they published their anti-liberal media opinion?

  • Obama: Dubya II Electric Boogaloo

    Obama wants to give him the congressional medal of freedom. Can you see Obama saying anything bad about a fellow brother muslim? I don’t. Obama hates America and the military anyway and probably blames them and Bush for this.

  • RKStone

    Why would Olbermann be blamed for Pvt. Long’s murder?

  • SFIndie

    The Pretender can condemn the murder of Dr. Tiller because he believes it will placate the pro-choicers whom he has shoved under the bus, wording his condemnation in such a way as to make sure he does not give the impression he is in any way supportive of choice.

    Condemning a Muslim convert for the murder of an American soldier, however, will do nothing to further The Pretender’s attempt to make nice to the leaders of terrorist countries. His writers must be going crazy trying to figure out how to word his statement just right. Maybe they can get advice from Ahmadinejad or Abbas or Chavez, The Pretender’s new best friends….

    Anyone see the Hope! and Change! yet?

  • Docelder

    We live with such a double standard when it comes to the MSM.

    But they are completely consistent. If the story furthers the agenda, they run with it. As soon as they can run with this one… as an anti gun tirade without invoking any anti Islam or pro military sentiment… then they will. Until then, the story may as well not exist. The media does not report the news, so much as they shape it. Right now, this one is too hot to spin, so they just ignore it… for now.

  • aeguy

    I heard about this on the news. It was a breaking news story on the CNN website yesterday. There have been plenty of blogs written about it. So I guess people do care?

  • http://nap-of-the-earth.blogspot.com/ Nap Flyer

    Not one “liberal” blog, to the best of our knowledge, has reported this attack by a Muslim convert on U.S. military recruiters.

    Missed one, you did.

    http://eb-misfit.blogspot.com/2009/06/fry-him.html

  • aeguy

    What the f*** are you talking about?

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    Hey, where’s DCMediagirl deploring the acts of a crazed converted muslim nutjob?

    ***crickets***

  • Gleep

    What kind of moo doo are you shoveling?

    Olberman not reporting a crime because the motives were unknown until recently???? SERIOUSLY??? Holy guacamole and pita chips Batman!!

    To quote my fav (King Julian of course!): “This is the trash talk, yes? I too can talk of the smack!”

    You are dumber than the proverbial sack of rocks.

  • aeguy

    DCmediagirl is consistent. A terrorist is a terrorist. The man who killed the doctor is a terrorist and this asshole who gunned down a soldier is a terrorist. The problem is that people think a terrorist is only a Muslim. When you have a narrow definition like that, you are going to miss other possible threats like anti-choice nutjobs.

  • Chris

    Where’s our dear President’s comment/condemnation for the murder by an islamic radical of ONE OF HIS OWN SOLDIERS on US soil? Guess he can’t risk offending his arab hosts coming up this week. What a disgrace to comment on an abortionist of late term pregnancies and ignore his own soldiers who defend this country. That is what he is made up of. Says and does anything to please the ones who pushed him into office and who want this country to fail. Have a nice trip mr. president.

  • Chris

    should be “one of our own”

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    Um, just because YOU didn’t read anything abt it until this morning doesn’t mean it just came OUT this morning. That information was available yesterday afternoon.

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    Perhaps you need to read DCMediagirl’s story from yesterday. Read it all and the comments and then you will understand my comment.

    You cannot be one-sided about acts of terrorism. But, to yell loud and long about an alleged rightwing religious nutjob killing an abortion doctor and then not speaking at all about a converted muslim nutjob killing a soldier blatantly shows the lack of unbiased media coverage.

  • Chris

    Good for you Sarah. You truly understand and show the grace and compassion a true American leader should. Thank you.

  • aeguy
  • aeguy

    I read all the comments and her point is clear: not all terrorists are Muslims. The man who killed Dr. Tiller is a terrorist.

    And this story was covered by the media! I saw it on CNN and MSNBC. There are articles about it everywhere from almost every American news source You just want to believe that it isn’t reported.

  • James Guglielmino

    Oh,please. She is as graceful and compassionate as shrub Bush. In other words, NOT!

  • Tomcat

    Obama wants to give Tiller a medal: Wrong
    Obama is a Muslim: Wrong
    Obama hates America: Wrong
    Obama hates the military: Wrong
    Obama blames Bush for “this”: WTF?

  • aeguy

    It was reported by the media! What are these people talking about? Turn on the television, check the internet. This isn’t investigative reporting, the stories are right there in front you, you just don’t want to acknowledge it so that your biased view isn’t changed.

  • Docelder

    The enemy of my enemy is my friend… until we make up with our new enemy… at that point, the old enemy is back on.

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    You need to read the AP story released 45 minutes ago with the alleged soldier killer’s comments. To the effect: – I had to kill them because of all the things they’ve done to muslims. – The point being – once again – where’s the outrage about this alleged converted muslim killing a soldier?

    Where is it? We were treated to a diatribe yesterday about how all terrorists are not muslim. But, where is the diatribe when a killer happens to be a confessed muslim???? Is it the word muslim stopping the reporting process???

    Just saying…

  • viking

    “The problem is that people think a terrorist is only a Muslim.”

    I don’t know anybody who thinks that. But it certainly is true that there is a type of fanatic Islamic persons who have formed groups which have publicly announced that their entire purpose in life is to destroy the USA and kill Americans.

    Thanks for the post highlighting the (again) double standard.

  • aeguy

    You’re not making any sense. Read the CNN report above. THEY SAY HE’S A MUSLIM!!!! Watch the news. They say he’s a Muslim!!!!

    The press has no problem mentioning Muslim terrorists. It’s not like they’re pro-Islam. And if you think they are, I don’t know what the hell you’re watching.

  • Obama: Dubya II Electric Boogaloo

    HAha, did you read that dailykooks diary. 75% of it is “let’s not come to any hasty conclusions” about the shooting. Once it became clear it was a muslim the comments dried up, lol.

  • marktarheel

    because olbermann has smeared the troops at every turn….he even said the haditha marines were cold blooded killers….right after murtha did..olbermann is anti military……and of course anti american..

  • aeguy

    The objection is that no liberal blogs reported it. That they ignored the story. I posted two where they didn’t ignore the story. The comments are irrelevant.

  • aeguy

    Actually, there are plenty who think that. And you are right, it is certainly true that there is an organized radical Islamic effort to gain power. At the top, it’s political extremism. The terrorists who carry out the attacks at the bottom are brainwashed in believing that Islam itself is in danger of being destroyed.

  • James Guglielmino

    What an absolute non sequitur.
    Without any question, O’Really (sic) waged his own personal war against Tiller. Hell, he ranted about him something like *29* times, at least once saying that he’d like to get his hands on Tiller and if he could….”you know.”

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    I’m making perfect sense. Let’s see if your reading comprehension is up to par.

    WHERE IS DCMEDIAGIRL WITH A DIATRIBE ON THIS KILLING WHEN THE ALLEGED KILLER HAPPENS TO BE A CONVERTED MUSLIM INSTEAD OF AN ALLEGED RIGHT WING RELIGIOUS BELIEVER?

  • Obama: Dubya II Electric Boogaloo

    Obama wants to give the Muslim who killed Pvt Long a medal. Obama probably secretly flew into Little Rock just to say his morning muslim prayers with the guy. Then he called his King friend of Saudi Arabia, bowed to him on the phone, and then assured him that Mohammad would be treated with the utmost dignity and respect for killing an American soldier.

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    I wrote this last night, and editorial additions were made this morning. Yesterday, there were NOT a lot of people covering this issue. It took quite some time before the MSM picked it up, considering it happened in the morning.

    That being said, how is it biased to lament the killing of a soldier by a domestic terrorist?? I also lamented the killing of Dr. Tiller (see my previous post). My only “bias” in this post, and the previous one, is against domestic terrorists, whatever their stripe.

  • aeguy

    No, I meant “biased view” as in the biased view that the media is liberal.

  • aeguy

    Does hating bigots make me a bigot?

  • aeguy

    Why don’t you wait for her to respond? I’m certain she’s consistent. Dr. Tiller’s murderer is a terrorist. The man who murdered this solider is a terrorist. The problem is that some think that only the latter is the terrorist.

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    Well, then in your world, I’m still waiting…

    along with a few others…

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    aeguy, thank you for your links – and I appreciate your objection abt liberal blogs (though this is not a right-wing one, btw – I have always been a far left liberal until the DNC broke its own rules, particularly 5/31/08).

    Can we agree that this is tragic, and it would be, appropriate for Obama, the commander in chief, to actually say something abt this soldier as quickly as he did abt Dr. Tiller?? In my paper, after Dr. Tiller’s death, there was a BIG article, including a statement from Obama abt the tragedy of that killing, and it WAS. In today’s paper, there was a small little news-blurb mentioning it. A big difference, if you ask me. That’s the point. And the original point I made yesterday when I wrote this.

    IF Obama has said something, please let me know. Again, I would be glad to be corrected on this point.

  • viking

    Agreed as to political extremists seeking power who use and brainwash their young ones. But still, I don’t know anyone who believes that ONLY muslims are susceptible to this phenomenon (for lack of a better word). We’ve had the KKK, the Brits had the IRA.

  • Diana

    There are extremist on all sides of the table. Perhaps that was the point she was trying to drive home? We hear a lot about the extremism on the left, but we don’t very often about it on the right. I personally don’t want to hear what the far left or the far right have to say. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions. Not their own facts and we should call them on that. Now, what they do is a different story. Both these families have my deepest empathy.

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    Again, even though I mentioned this above, I would not be in that “some” group. I think both murderers are terrorists. As I said in my post abt Dr. Tiller, I have long considered anti-choice people who commit crimes like this (and sadly, Dr. Tiller is not the first, as I wrote yesterday) are domestic terrorists. Not a doubt in my mind.

    As is the man who killed Pvt. Long.

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    And we still have a ton of groups listed as dangerous – the Southern Poverty Law Center, of which I am a member, has an extensive list of hate groups in this country. It’s pretty chilling, actually…

  • http://Scout Scout

    You can always be counted on for an absurd comment.

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    I lived in the Pacific Northwest at the height of the Aryan Nation – skinhead – Richard Butler era. No one thought any of those people were muslims.

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    Thank-you RRRA.

  • aeguy

    Can we agree that this is tragic, and it would be, appropriate for Obama, the commander in chief, to actually say something abt this soldier as quickly as he did abt Dr. Tiller??

    Absolutely. Obama should make a statement. I will look out for one.

    And I don’t think NQR is a right-wing website, it just has many right wing commenters.

  • HARP

    Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy, thank you for doing this thread.

  • aeguy

    Okay. Agreed.

  • anon

    I’m saddened by a senseless killing. That it was a young man in an American uniform, just out of basic training, makes the story even more poignant and tragic.

    That said, I don’t yet know to what extent this actually has to do with radical Islam, any more than I know to what extent murders regularly committed by Christian Americans have to do with their Christian belief systems. In each case, the answer could be much, or little to nothing at all.

    With Dr. Tiller’s shooting, the connection to a radical ideology was far more obvious, so public outrage has focused on that far more quickly. That connection isn’t being imagined or hypothesised by pro-choice people just to make a point; it’s an observed reality. Anti-choice fanatics are using terrorism and murder in an effort to stop other people from making a choice that they personally disapprove of. They’ve been doing so for some time.

    This was not random. This is a tactic. This was, by definition, terrorism.

  • NomNomNom

    http://bluelyon.wordpress.com/
    http://www.leanleft.com/
    http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/
    http://www.balloon-juice.com/
    http://www.democraticunderground.com/
    http://www.huffingtonpost.com/
    http://www.dailykos.com/

    I agree the story of a converted muslim extremist is undercovered and of extreme importance, but these blogs have all reported upon both.
    plz don’t make me go to cheeto again! :(

  • aeguy

    viking, RRRA, BBRL:

    I’m talking about modern times. Right now, terrorism is associated with Islam. Educated people know that there are many terrorist groups, but let’s be honest. Most people are not educated (and I’m not talking about college degrees). The constant media coverage of the “Muslim world” and “Islamic radicals” force people, at least on a subconscious level, to believe that terrorists are Muslims.

    Do you remember Jerry Klein’s radio hoax in 2006? Where he said we should gather all American Muslims and tatto them to make sure we know who they are. Over half the calls to his program agreed with him! He did it to prove a point. I don’t think that bias comes out of thin air. That’s why I get annoyed when I hear people suggest that the media is there to “cover” for Muslims or won’t cover anything that may be anti-Muslim. That’s bullshit. Pure and simple.

  • Doc99

    Amy, that’s not the only media double-standard that’s operative here.

  • margaret

    Thank God we had least have her to provide leadership in these trying times

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    Thanks for the clarification, aeguy – appreciate it!

    And anon, I am saddened by a senseless killing, too, regardless of who it is. But it has been made clear that the murder of the soldier (and the shooting of the other soldier) was indeed politically and religiously motivated. The shooter had been under investigation by the FBI. From all accounts, this young man studied jihad in Yemen, so I’d say the similarities are certainly there between the two…

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    LOL – I hear ya. I love bluelyon, btw. She’s awesome. Remember that I wrote what I did last night, and additions were made to it early this morning. So by now, yes, I would sure hope people were getting on this issue.

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    HARP, I am glad to do it (not glad it happened, mind you, but I thought it was mighty important to focus on this). I still find it hard to believe that someone shot two soldiers in Little Rock because they were soldiers!! It’s just hard to wrap my head around,

    Doc99, that is just STAGGERING!! That is by no means a conservatives-only issue!! A “rape fantasist”?? Are you freakin’ kidding me? You know I have written abt that issue a bunch, and for this female blogger to excuse that kind of hate speech is revolting. WOW…

  • HC123

    How is her comment less than gracious and compassionate? Maybe you feel that violence IS the way to settle disputes? Possibly you like fanatics roaming the streets? Or maybe you agree that this murder doesnt deserve the same attention as Dr. Tiller? Or is it remotely possible that you are a knee-jerk Palin hater?

  • MessyMarcy

    It has been reported that the killer of the young soldier made a statement to Little Rock police that he committed this act because of his religious beliefs. So what exactly does it take to convince you this is related to radical Islam? What do you think he was doing in Yemen? He also said had more people in uniform been outside with the two he shot, he would have attempted to kill them too. I see no difference in targeting people in a military uniform and targeting doctors performing abortions. Both are acts of terrorism and both are equally appalling and unacceptable.

  • Ani

    And on what do you base this statement?

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    It makes me wonder who is giving the okay for publications, albeit Playboy, to run with those kind of articles. What demographic, especially age demo, are they trying to appeal to with something like a “rape fantasy”?

  • viking

    Obama supporters?

  • ziggy

    A bit off topic here, but the comment on brainwashing their young ones brought up the thought…

    I’ve sometimes wondered if certain fundamentalist Christian indoctrinations concerning hellfire and eternal damnation might not have an element of psychological terrorism about them. This seem like the cornerstone of a brainwashing program intended to reinforce respect for authority hierarchies through deeply embedded fear. It kind of makes me wonder how and where the loving, forgiving God that’s at the center of other Christians’ belief systems fits in.

    Certain psychologies, certain behaviors, and certain political orientations seem to grow out of belief in an authoritarian God who will send you to hell if you get out of line.

    Obviously some fundamentalist Muslims have a very similar problem.

  • MessyMarcy

    Speaking of selective media coverage, there is a post up at http://afrocityblog.wordpress.com in which she discusses the shooting deaths of seven young men in Chicago within one 24 hour period. This happened the same weekend Obama and the Missus took in the Broadway show. Guess which story got reported?

  • anon

    If that’s all so–if his motivation came from radical Muslim ideology–then I will probably end up agreeing with you that there is no difference. Both would be domestic terrorists.

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    Dang, that’s a nice blog! And a great post, too. Yes, I understand Gibbs refuses to say how much that little “Date Night” cost the American people. So much for transparency!

    But even more, that is an unacceptable number of deaths in one city in one 24 hr period. How very, very sad, and disturbing that it got no focus, especially since it happened in Chicago.

    Btw, the post below the one you referenced is really good, too…

  • viking

    “indoctrinations concerning hellfire and eternal damnation”

    you mean like depictions from ’60′s and ’70′s movies?

    give me a break!

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    You read my mind….LOL!

  • Hg

    What happened to “We’re fighting them over there so we don’t have to fight them over here”? OH! I forgot, Different CIC. Besides we have a CIC that is attacking US on other fronts. That other one [CIC]that was fighting them over there helped pave the way for those who are now fighting [killing]US over here. But honestly, Rev Amy, we all knew it was only a matter of time, and not if but when this would happen here. Just Like the streets of Israel.

  • TeakWoodKite

    Rev. Thanks and my condolences to his family and when I figure out what to do with the shame I feel towards BO for not saying anything, I will let you know.

    On CBS radio, it was also reported that one of the reasons the perp came across the FBI radar was that he traveled to Sudan prior to traveling to Yemen.

    When I first heard this, All I could think was “WTF??? Watch it be a muslim of the jihdist kind.” Then I chastised myself for thinking like that…but sure enough…

    This peice of crap that did this should be tried as an “enemy combatant”… In every leagal sense and spirt of the law.

  • viking

    great minds…

  • MessyMarcy

    Yes, I found that blog a few weeks ago when someone linked to it in something I was reading. It’s since moved all the way to the top of my bookmarks. She is a conservative, and I still consider myself a liberal even though I am done forever with the Democratic Party; but her posts always speak to me, especially the “stitch ‘n bitch” ones.

  • Portia Elizabeth

    Oh, James… don’t like the taste of sour grapes?
    Why not try bitter almond?

  • TeakWoodKite

    aeguy, While I can’t and won’t speak for anyone but myself, NQ has all stripes posting here. I am a Conservative Liberal, how’s that work for you?

    It sucks for me in the context of the current political landscape. I deplore the Social Fascism of both parties. Both left and right lie big time and now BO is a bigger spender than “all the presidents combined, fom George W to George B”

    Is that what you voted for? Not me.

  • http://! stodgie

    rkstone, that question doesn’t even merit an answer.

  • ziggy

    I gather you had no prolonged early life exposure to any of the Christian fundamentalists sects I’m referring to up above, or there would be no confusion what it is I’m talking about.

    Of course I might be considerably older than you. Way back when I was in elementary school–a public school, mind you–the principal was also Baptist minister. There were no restrictions keeping religion out of the public classrooms back then. We had mandatory bible study for half an hour each Wednesday with a woman from his church, who had formerly been an overseas missionary. I’d also had an earlier brief run-in with a fundamentalist Baptist summer day-program for children. My mother’s well-meant idea. My father pulled me out when I started talking about some of the stuff they were telling us.

    Those people put me off all serious consideration of religion and spirituality for years.

  • http://! stodgie

    aeguy, the silence so to speak was deafing.

  • Doc99

    As of 3:15pm EDT there’s still no statement on the White House website about the death of a US soldier by a Muslim terrorist. Contrast that to the rapidity with which the Obama administration had something to say about the Tiller murder.

    There’s nothing on Andrew Sullivan’s website nor did Keith Olbermann manage to take a second away from blaming Fox for Tiller’s death to mention Private Long or Private Ezeagwula.

    I guess we know what their priorities are.

    Damn good thing we managed to keep Palin away from the Vice Presidency.

    http://ace.mu.nu/archives/288057.php

  • http://! stodgie

    betsy, don’t leave out texas. we have a few down here also.

  • Portia Elizabeth

    I heard about this shooting and the nutjob yesterday.

  • Tomcat

    Agreed. Now people will think it’s OK to kill soldiers on the streets of America.

  • http://! stodgie

    ziggy i happened into a “history” class in high school where the bible was studied as historical text. at least that was how the school district presented it. i was also in public schools. the lady teaching it taught it like many of my sunday school classes. one day we started talking about anger and how wrong it was. one of the senior guys started arguing with her and mentioned christ’s anger at the money changers. she threw her text at it. that got our attention for sure! none of us were programmed as you can see and i look back on that event with some humor. she sorta contradicted herself.

  • arky

    It was reported in the media that the shooter had visited Yemen after converting to Islam. Homegrown terrorist…mebbe we should waterboard him?

    The recruiting office is located in a shopping center facing a busy street.

    Oh, and the shooter had recently moved to Little Rock from Tennessee.

  • Portia Elizabeth

    This makes me sick and ashamed of my country. What has happened to decency and conscience when we can all but ignore the cold-blooded murder of one of our soldiers by a terrorist on a street in Arkansas?

    My prayers go out to that young man’s family in hopes they can take some comfort in knowing there are citizens who care very much about what happened to their son. If anyone knows where the young man is from, I’d like to know so I can send some flowers.

  • ziggy

    People approach Christian belief in many different ways. My last two years of secondary education were with an Episcopalian school. I had a comparitive religion class, a philosophy class, and an ethics class taught by a couple of Episcoplian priests, who were two of the brightest, most keenly rational and open minded men I’ve ever encountered. Neither was in the business of endoctrination.

  • Glennmcgahee

    I’m sorry to say, this is why I abhor RELIGIOUS DOCTRINE of any form.

  • ziggy

    Indoctrination.

    My brain generally spells better than my fingers type, but it occasionally misfires also.

  • lorac

    I would imagine she has a job and family responsibilities and isn’t online 24/7.

  • elise

    Rev Amy thanks for this post and the one re Dr. Tiller. This is JMHO, but anger and frustration has a grip on everyone and too many are deciding violence is the answer. Is it my imagination or have the incidents of violence increased? The FBI says no, but I’m not going to automatically believe a government sponsored survey about anything.

    I’m so sad for the families of all of these people. Murder is senseless and violence breeds more violence. The ideologies may be different, but the result is always the same. Do we uniformly condemn it without using the inevitable “but”? Not so much I’m afraid.

  • lorac

    I’m not a theological scholar, but my thoughts are that if churches got more in touch with reality, they’d be better off. There’s that old saying, something like, “the only thing that never changes is change itself” – which is tongue-in-cheek, because obviously change is all about change.

    But everything evolves: technology, methods of communication, how and what type of food we eat. Even institutions evolve – banks have changed in how they do business, power providers have changed – except the church, for the most part (and I don’t mean every church, but the larger ones seem to not evolve much).

    And, given that this is not the first abortion provider to be killed, nor the first potential patients to be terrorized, I really do believe that the churches need to lead this “re-education” of their people – loud and clear and more than once, make it absolutely clear that violence is not an answer to your dislike of someone or what they do. Like Sarah did – I think the churches should do more, though, as the shooters are coming out of some kind of religious training. I don’t know if that would work for the Muslim extremists, though.

    Without much evolution in a church, they are left with the same old stuff, which is basically indoctrinated into the youth – what else can you call it when no other beliefs are considered, when new knowledge is not incorporated. I think it was MrMike upthread who mentioned that critical thinking skills aren’t being developed. So I think some people, who may already be off-balance, start spiraling off with these very black/white thoughts, which could have been tempered if more of reality had been a part of their world.

  • http://www.rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com/ Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    Thank you for your kind words.

    The thing I don’t get is that the FBI HAD this guy on their radar. And weren’t there marshalls looking out for Dr. Tiller?? WTH??

    Sigh.

  • Pat B

    All violence, murder is horrible and should be condemned by all. Maybe their is a silver lining in Dr. Tiller murder if the ongoing violence directed at Woman’s clinics, their staff and volunteers can come out of the closet and actions can be taken to stop it.

    just a few examples:
    -Since 1993, anti-abortion extremists have murdered or attempted to murder 11 reproductive healthcare providers. MORE
    -Over 200 arsons and bombings have been committed against reproductive health care clinics since the mid-1970s.
    -Since 1992 about 100 butyric acid attacks have been committed against abortion facilities, disrupting services, closing clinics, and harassing patients and staff.
    -Letters threatening anthrax poisoning were first used to terrorize and disrupt reproductive health care clinics in October 1998, just days after the murder of abortion provider Dr. Barnett Slepian.

    You can go to http://www.prochioce.org for more.

    This is all done to make LEGAL health care services for women harder or impossible to get.

  • LAUREN

    I guess HuffPo and Olbermann didn’t think this story was newsworthy. Oh well, any news on John and Kate plus Eight?

  • listing starboard

    DCMedia girl is a hypocritical COWARD.

  • NomNomNom

    :smile:
    they sure need to! and to give the topic equal space.
    imo a lot of people need to go visit a muslim country for a reasonably extended time to get an idea of what their religion can actually encompass, instead of reading about it. It ain’t all Saladin.
    I went to Egypt alone for just over a month many years ago: it was more than eye opening. That was the first time I’d ever been out of the country and only the 2nd time I’d been on a plane, lol. I ddin’t speak a word of Arabic and I didn’t know anybody.
    Their views of our country and culture were very different from mine and also from how I had believed theirs to be towards us.

  • Portia Elizabeth

    Amy — I was wondering about that, too. Who dropped the ball?

  • KmX

    That’s the difference between most conservatives and some liberals. COnservatives don’t blame an entire group for the deranged acts of one lone gunman.

    Military Recruitment centers have been consistently targetted by the far left, anti war and anti miliarty groups and whenever something like this happens, very few people blame the far left. We don’t blame the liberal media for inciting anti milary sentiments and news converage. Yet 4 of the major networks (CNN, NBC, ABC, CBS) are ganging up against Fox News and yet Fox news is still beating them in combine ratings.

    Go Figure!!!1 The American people have always been independent thinkers and can see through the propaganda.

    In both these shootings, the gunman appears to be mentally ill.

  • http://noquarter foxyladi14

    thank you R.R.R.A.good post.
    my prayers go out to the families.

  • http://! stodgie

    ziggy, i am episcopalian and our local schools are some of the best. i have even had friends actually join with the hopes they can get their children in the schools. so yes i agree.

  • arky

    More from the local media (Little Rock)

    Apparently the shooter was returned to the US after being arrested in Yemen for using a Somali passport.

    That raises some questions for me…

    And the FBI and ATF were called in yesterday to assist with the capture/investigation.

  • arky

    More from the local media (Little Rock):

    Apparently the shooter was returned to the US after being arrested in Yemen for using a Somali passport.

    That raises some questions for me…

    And the FBI and ATF were called in yesterday to assist with the capture/investigation.

  • arky

    Sorry about the double post. :/

  • James Guglielmino

    Hmmmm, sentient people would say that I can be counted on to short circuit bull shit. Sentient people….You know, people with the minimum TWO neurons in syntax. Anyone who thinks Sarah Palin is graceful and compassionate needs a new dictionary to assist in defining “graceful” and “compassionate.” Tither that or a brain transplant.

  • James Guglielmino

    Go back and read what I posted. I said that Sarah Palin is NOT graceful and compassionate. I didn’t say her comment wasn’t graceful and compassionate. But, not that you mention it, what it is, is hypocritical, not graceful and compassionate. Sarah Palin IS hypocritical. You’ve heard of the Peter Principal, no doubt? Palin, somehow caught the attention of Alaskins and she rose to become governor of the state. Now, Alaska is different from the rest of the US. It is sort of a last frontier. The frogs up there don’t have to be too big to be important. A lot of people just don’t worry about government and they kind of do what they want to do and no one cares much. So, Sarah was a frog in a little pond. (not little in land mass, of course, but little as far as government is concerned) Then, she got tapped in a desperation measure by the Republicans who really used her. On the other hand, she suddenly got visions of grandeur and now thinks she might be President. All I can say is P.O.L.E.A.S.E….Even the Repugnants won’t be stupid enough to nominate her. Any other questions?

  • James Guglielmino

    Dudette, seems like Sarah got beaten to a pulp in the election. Why would *I* be tasting bitter grapes. Hey, all I’m telling you is that Palin is not the real deal. She is no Hillary Clinton. She may have an IQ of say 110 VS Hillary’s say, 150 or more. Do you really admire her? There is ample evidence that she cuts corners and doesn’t follow the law. She preaches abstinance only sex education for kids. Meanwhile, her daughter gets knocked up. Give me a break, OK?

  • James Guglielmino

    You’re joking, right?

  • Portia Elizabeth

    James — you really have no idea to whom you address those insults. As someone who has actually done research on the neurons of which you speak, I can say with confidence that yours seem to have lost ability to spark in unison. Scout is an MD; you know, a real doctor. Your condescending attitude is laughable under the circumstances. For you to adopt such a sanctimonious air at this blog will only serve to make you the target of more derision.

    FYI: Sarah Palin may not have more than a bachelor’s, but she actually worked for it. Everything she’s accomplished she did without some middle eastern sheik foooting the bill. She’s had to dance backwards and in high heels. Think about it.

  • Docelder

    Repugnants

    That sort of invalidates pretty much everything you just said. That is just so “cheetoh”. If we are to recover as a people and as a nation… big if… it is only going to be after we get past party.

  • Docelder

    Picking on somebody’s kids is also “cheetoh” by the way.

  • Docelder

    No but it may give you an ulcer. It’s not worth it, but that’s just me.

  • Portia Elizabeth

    No. Sorry. I will not give you a break. You have neither earned nor deserve one when you speak as if you’ve lived in Sarah Palin’s back pocket. You do not know her and, from your comments, I suspect you never will bother to do so. All the vitriol you spew in her direction is wasted because she is, as you so eloquently put it, the real deal.

    I.Q. means so little in and of itself. It is, as you must know, how one uses what they have. I have no doubt that Hillary’s a genius. That is one of many reasons I think she would be the greatest leader this country could ever have. I have not given up the dream that one day she will be so. Nevertheless, Sarah Palin’s IQ has no bearing on what she can do. If websites are to be believed, my own is 22 points higher than BO. Should I consider a run for President? No, of course not.

    And please don’t try to criticize the Palin family’s choices with regard to reproduction since you have not walked in their shoes. At least they have been candid about addressing them. Sarah seems to understand the meaning of transparency.

    Dude.

  • http://thebigotbasher.wordpress.com/2009/06/03/crazies-assassinations-hate-and-immoral-equivalence-graphic-content/ Crazies, Assassinations, Hate and Immoral Equivalence (Graphic Content) « The BigotBasher

    [...] played by Mullah Mansur. So do those hating his death have any more moral equivalence than those demanding revenge for the assassination of Private [...]

  • http://rabblerouserruminations.blogspot.com Rabble Rouser Reverend Amy

    Here’s a link to an ABC article: http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/story?id=7730637&page=1

    It is a bit vague, but they were definitely aware of him, from the way the article was written.

  • Carlyinnj

    James G. you sound very stupid and silly in your comments about Gov. Sarah Palin. What great accomplishments have you made in your little pond? I think, NOT VERY MANY!

  • Portia Elizabeth

    Thanks! Interesting read.
    I admit I don’t watch much ABC news since Charlie and George turned on Hillary last year.

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    Still waiting…

  • Carlyinnj

    Thank you Rev. Amy for posting this story and calling attention to the blatant lack of coverage from the MSM. Yesterday, I saw the story and checked the MSM repeatedly to get more information (there was very little coverage in the MSM; I found more in-depth details on Breitbart.com).

    I also noticed PBO’s “strange” silence. However, I am not surprised at PBO’s seeming reluctance to recognize this terrible event. Private Long died serving our Country and his tragic sacrifice should absolutely be recognized by our Nations leaders.

    Undoubtedly, it will be reported that this terrible murder is just the work of a lone wacko. However, it is a very sad day for this Nation when our solders can be shot and killed in our own Country and wounded on our own streets and our President DOESN’T EVEN SAY A WORD. (Note: Hopefully by now PBO has said SOMETHING!).

    Today, I read that Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad, a.k.a. Carlos Bledsoe after admitting to the shootings and the killing of Private Long (and also admitting to the desire to kill more American soldiers) is pleading innocent to the charges filed against him. AMAZING!!

    I am sure Mr. Abdulhakim Mujahid Muhammad wants to utilize his trial to justify his terrible deeds. At that trial, I wonder who will speak for the brave Private Long.

  • HC123

    Try “Alaskans”.

  • arky

    Ditto.

  • socalannie

    Right on PE!

  • Fredster

    Maybe Abdul whatever won’t make it trial. He might get so despondent over what he did that he kills himself in jail. Stranger things have happened.

  • James Guglielmino

    Let me tell you a little something, Docelder: I learned to fight dirty back in the 1990′s when Repugnants demonstrated what great Americans they are by destroying the second term of Clinton because he was stupid enough to get a BJ. The fall out of that was shrub Bush. How’d that work out for you and the nation and the world? Should we ask the Iraqis? How about asking Valarie Plame? How about asking the families of the 3000 people or so who died because shrub arrogantly ignored warnings that we were going to be hit? How about asking the people who died under torture perpetrated by the FIRST AMERICAN PRESIDENT to perpetrate torture on other human beings? How about asking those people without jobs because of making government small enough to drown in a bath tub?
    When your people stop refering to the Democratic Party, which historically came from the DEMOCRATIC REPUBLICAN PARTY of Thomas Jefferson and Madison and others, as the “Democrat” Party, I will call the Repugnant Party the Republican Party or maybe just call it what it is, WRONG.
    How’s that for a deal?

  • James Guglielmino

    Fairly humble, actually. BS University of Connecticut, DVM Kansas State University, 37 years and still going of joyful practice of small animal medicine in metropolitan Kansas City, managed to raise four daughters….two with MA, one in Japanese, one in adult education, one about to get a MA in special education….I promise you that if you aske me what experience I have in foreign policy, I won’t tell you that I can see Missouri from my window, OK? I HAVE actually visited some foreign countries.I do read, unlike Sarah and I do know that Africa isn’t a country. Yes, I am more qualified to be Vice President than she is. You may be too. What do you think??

  • decentAmerican

    STILL no comment from the Usurper about Pvt Long’s murder in Arkansas.

    STILL no more protection for the recruiting centers, even though it is being revealed that his killer may have had other targets, and he was not acting alone.

    the Usurper is instead going on his America Apology tour. He refuses to protect our soldiers. Is this man not a monster?

    This is a video of Pvt Long’s Father, it is hard to watch, but a must see:

    http://www.blackfive.net/main/2009/06/private-william-longs-father-in-interview-with-little-rocks-katv.html

    God bless Pvt Long and his family.

  • NomNomNom

    lol, I have not actually ever agreed with any of your comments before JG but I find myself in agreement with you twice in one day.
    Palin is a member of FFL among whose stated aims is the criminalization of all abortion– including in cases to save the mother’s life– and punishment of practioners including jailing.
    she is supported as well by these nutjobs:
    Jim Dobson/Focus on the Family;
    Dennis Prager/Dennis Prager Show; Pat Buchanan; Rick Warren; Tony Perkins/ the Family Research Council; Rick Joyner/ Morningstar Ministries (NAR); even witch doctor Thomas Muthee/ Word of Faith Church (NAR)

    http://www.csmonitor.com/1999/0923/p15s1.html
    “Pondering the message of Eph.6:12 (“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world…”), they prayed to identify the source of Kiambu’s spiritual oppression, Mr. Muthee says. Their answer: the spirit of witchcraft.

    Their research into the community revealed that a woman called “Mama Jane” ran a “divination clinic” frequented by the town’s most powerful people.

    After months of prayer, Muthee held a crusade that “brought about 200 people to Christ.” Their church in the basement of a grocery store was dubbed “The Prayer Cave,” as members set up round-the-clock intercession. Mama Jane counterattacked, he says, but eventually “the demonic influence – the ‘principality’ over Kiambu – was broken,” and she left town.”
    He accused a woman of witchcraft and drove her out of town.
    Here is is praying for Sarah Palin’s finances and protection against witches.
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kj-on3kfWuE

    btw, ya’ll are aware that witchdoctors using this same belief in witchcraft are behind the murdering of women, children, and albinos by the thousands in Africa right now? (Burundi, Tanzania, Kenya, Congo, Uganda, South Africa).

    http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Albinos-Killed-And-Limbs-Sold-To-Witch-Doctors-In-Tanzania-Murder-Trial-In-Burundi-Gets-Under-Way/Article/200905415291316?f=rss

    http://english.peopledaily.com.cn/90001/90777/90855/6600163.html

    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/witch-doctors-may-have-mutilated-boy-662994.html

  • http://deleted Betsy Buzz Ross Latte

    Modern times? How old are you, twelve?

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