Home > Thinking Right > Archives > 2006 > June > 26 > Entry
DEL.ICIO.USBreeding wannabe terrorists.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Accused wannabe terrorists, like the seven arrested Friday in an alleged plot against the Sears Tower in Chicago and a federal building in Miami, or the Georgia Tech student arrested earlier, may be the consequence of kids who grew up hearing how evil and oppressive their country is — and its institutions: government, the church, business, you name it. Greedy hypocrites all — and all pushing this country into evil adventures abroad.
So who’s surprised, then, that we see the emergence of the well-fed, well-clothed, no-worry wannabes, bored and “angry,” willing to join al-Qaida in worldwide revolution? “They were persons who for whatever reason came to view their home country as the enemy,” said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales in announcing the seven arrests.
We live in a country where immigrants are invited to have dual loyalties, where a liberal’s “highest form of patriotism” is trashing the President and the nation’s military efforts in Iraq, where being “worldly” is granting no favoritism, nor making any distinction, between dictators and democracies, or considering a room that’s too warm and terrorist butchery to be equally-condemable forms of “torture.” All the recordable anger of the Left is directed inward, not at themselves, but at this country.
There’s a reason for that. One is that we direct criticism where we think it’s heard. Nobody thinks jihadists listen — except to the extent that a Congressman John Murtha, for example, offers encouragement by pressing for cut-and-run timetables. But otherwise Murtha and others don’t preach to stone.
The other reason is that distinctions between good and evil have become blurred. We rewrite history, certainly of the last 50 years, so that yesterday’s bad guys, Malcolm X for example, are today’s heroes, while protesters who burned the flag are “nobler” than those who waved it, and every condemned killer is one lost witness or DNA test away from proving “the system” framed him. The point is that wannabe terrorists can rationalize themselves as tomorrow’s heroes, no matter the death or destruction they cause. Very dangerous.
The question today: What messages do we send or fail to send — as parents, as the media, including Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as opinion leaders in whatever profession — that tempt well-fed and sometimes well-schooled wannabes to become terrorists? And while for me there’s never been any doubt that the battlefront is here as well as abroad, do the arrests change your thinking about how we fight the war on terrorism?
Comments
By Dusty
June 26, 2006 08:21 AM | Link to this
Well, Jim, you finally got around to saying what should have been said last week. It isn’t JUST the Miami terrorists types and Hollywood that are guilty, it is also the news media such as AJC.
You tactfully omitted Luckovich.”He’s my buddy and not too heavy to carry” was what we got after his “Pot & Kettle” propaganda piece. You can carry him but he is a heavy burden to the average American citizen, one who supports the troops, the government and the President. The average American who would never burn the flag, torture or “cut & run”.
Your newspaper presented a few letters of complaint about Luckovich’s torture cartoon when there were hundreds, if not thousands, that complained. A fair assessment?
Glad to have you back in the fold, Jim. We knew you were with us but it got pretty shaky there for a while.
By Reformed Conservative
June 26, 2006 08:23 AM | Link to this
*Wooten’s Premise: The liberally-spun media-fed zeitgeist forges terrorists from a domestic pool of well fed, well clothed, worry free yet bored and angry victims of their own paradoxical ambivalence who are unable to see the moral choice in the dual nature of any observation.
Wooten’s Conclusion The cause of domestic terrorism is the natural byproduct of the wave/particle duality of nature and existence itself, aggrevated by liberals who think they can select their audience, ignoring the fact that lurking jihadists watch TV and can read.
my comment My God, he’s right. The Columbine Killers were just the beginning. The liberals in this society dont understand that words have power to mold minds and instill hate in the blank pages of any young ambivalent observer.
From now on, I’m listening to Rush Limbaugh only, and Fox news only. Anyone know when Ann Coulter’s new book comes out on paperback?
One thing: we certainly can easily spot the well fed candidates for the governor of Georgia, but the well fed jihadist is harder to spot.
By Huh?
June 26, 2006 08:32 AM | Link to this
So Mr. Wooten. Should an innocent man remain in prison? I don’t quite understand your statement regarding DNA testing. Are you saying that once someone is convicted they should stay convicted even if DNA proves them innocent? Are you saying deny them a DNA test? Obviously, based upon the rash of “convicted” rapist that have been cleared by DNA, there are innocent people being convicted of crimes. We should be applauding a method that rights these wrongs.
By Jill Henson
June 26, 2006 08:34 AM | Link to this
What the heck is Reformed Conservative talking about? Liberals have caused all this country’s problems and making fun of it is pathetic. You sir, belong behind bars. The dual nature of what? Intellectuals were the problem in Stalins era, and he knew what to do with you and your ilk. Einstein himself was a fly in the ointment of the Third Reich’s attempt to spread the peace and prosperity of the German People. We were too nice to the intellectuals and we let them get away. That wont happen this time. Newt Ginrich is going to be our next president, sir. And then you will pay. All the liberals will pay. NEWT FOR PRESIDENT IN ‘08!!!
By Zeke
June 26, 2006 08:36 AM | Link to this
Right on! All these liberals, socialist, communists and anti US so called activists, which are in reality anarchists trying to do Kruschev’s plan to overthrow us from within, want to do is make us a socialist country! Take from the successful and give to the leeches! Penalize hard work, perserverance and success! Time to change all that! Any celebrity who continues to act in this manner should be shunned! The dixie chickens found out! Start by taking the windfall money of the Hollywood elite so that they only have $30 to $50,000 per year! Then see how long they will keep up this farce!
By Bel
June 26, 2006 08:39 AM | Link to this
I want to make sure I understand you correctly. So what your saying is, “All the problems of the world is because of liberals?” Without liberals there would be world peace & nirvana on earth?
By Jill Henson
June 26, 2006 08:44 AM | Link to this
Oh, Zeke, we have plans for the Hollywood elite, their pretty faces, and those pretty clothes. They are the well clothed jihadists Jim referred to. I know it. You know it. All patriotic americans know it. We’ll see what a few years in Guatanamo next to all those other terrorists will do for the acting community. We only have to wait a couple more years till Newt takes office. But we must marshall our efforts and pace ourselves. These things must be handled delicately. We cant give our plans away too soon. Keep the faith, my fellow patriot!!!!
By Jill Henson
June 26, 2006 08:50 AM | Link to this
Yes, Bel. That is our manifesto. The Pentagon recently issued a scientific report labeling “Gay” as a brain disease, possible contagious. I have faith in the joint chiefs of staff, for whom our dear president is commander in chief, and I have to trust that irrefutable finding. We get rid of, or convert the liberals, and global peace and prosperity is possible. Newt in ‘08. He’s the key. Donate. Communicate. Address your local churches. Contant Ralph Reed. Donate. Donate. We need at least 500 million dollars to do this right. Get on the phone now. Everyone must do their part. Organize night marches with torches, so that the beautiful light of truth will shine in the darkness of the liberal hell we are trying to heal. HEAL! HEAL! HEAL!
By Jim (not Wooten)
June 26, 2006 08:52 AM | Link to this
Jill Henson’s comments scare me. I hope she is just being sarcastic. If not, it looks like a full-fledged Neo-Nazi has posted to this site.
By just passing through
June 26, 2006 08:53 AM | Link to this
Terrorism stems from disenfrancisment, not the “liberal media”. People who feel left out of opportunity, education, advancement and society seek to be seen, heard and felt and some will resort to any means available — including violent actions.
If you shine a light on an ugly problem that has been lurking in the dark fringes of a society, that isn’t the cause of the ugly problem. It just makes it visible. Once visible, you can take steps to correct the problem.
I guess it’s just way too easy to blame the “liberal media” and hope the problem would go away, and everyone will be happy and healthy and well educated and informed — just like Jim and his cohorts on this blog.
If only those “home grown terrorists” were just more patriotic, more conservative, more responsible, more like Jim it would all be ok but that evil “libral media” won’t let them fester in that dark corner that is their existance, will it? Don’t shine any lights on the problem, just make them more like Jim and his little buddies at Fox News then it will all go away.
I think I’ll remain part of the opposition, Jim, you reminded me why you can never trust the neo-cons in this country. They ultimately want everyone to look, think, act and be just like them (or, more corretly, as they perceive themselves to be).
I need a shower after reading your garbage today. Just reading it leaves a layer of grime, I can only imagine what it does to someone who wrote it.
By Dusty
June 26, 2006 08:56 AM | Link to this
Reformed Conservative,
You have never beeen a conservative, much less reformed. Behold!! We have here a liberal escapee from academe who is quoting his latest psychodelic term paper. We are so impressed.
By golly, I will burn a Coulter book, shake Murtha’s hand, purchase a Luckovich “drawing”, vote for McKinney, and give Kerry another medal for bravery in France.
Come over tonight, We are having a hot dog roast over a burning flag. You’ll love it. Bring your protest signs. There’s still room on the front lawn. And don’t forget the passwords, “Bush did it!”
By Bernie
June 26, 2006 09:00 AM | Link to this
Do you really expect people to believe this drivel? Insinuating that the torure this administration has sanctioned is nothing more than keeping prisoners in “a room that’s too warm”? Or the clearly racism comment about Malcolm X and immigrants? Your white privledge allows you the luxury of this twisted world view. In case you haven’t noticed from your sweet smelling, climate controlled, white bread world what’s painful obvious to those of us living here in the real world; the enemy has been identified and the enemy is WE THE PEOPLE. ALL POWER TO THE PEOPLE!!!
By Reformed Conservative
June 26, 2006 09:01 AM | Link to this
D’OH!
By Van
June 26, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Bernie,
You appear to be a young idealist. You have had everything given to you growing up and now have to finance it yourself.
Life is hard for anyone that has worked their entire life and is now enjoying the fruits of their labor.
I started working 41 years ago, I have raised two children, both college grads and employeed. Yes. I have earned my white bread.
Bernie, the only way for you to survive is to get a job and work your a$$ off until you retire. This is the secret of our society, if you want it bad enough, the work for it hard enough. Nothing will be handed to you without massive amounts of strings attached.
Live free, think for yourself, and foil the plans of the tyrants.
Now ask yourself, who are the tyrants, the people that want other people to experience a democratic society or those that want to keep everyone under their thumb, like Saddam, or militant extremeist.
By Mike
June 26, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Jim, As always, you make absolute sense. Thanks! And keep up the good work. Mike
By Janine
June 26, 2006 09:11 AM | Link to this
Such a short memory, Mr. Wooten. THere have always been dissenting voices in America…and louder than they are now… Have you forgotten the 60’s and 70’s? And then there were no Rush Limbaughs and Hannitizers bombarding us daily with the opposite view i.e..how wonderful the president is and how right the war is, etc.. and how it’s really okay to load those young people with hideous debt for this pursuit…. And as for viewing their country as “the enemy”….not nearly as many young people today are of that ilk as there were during the Viet Nam war. You have taken a very complicated situation and tried to simplify it by assigning blame to those who do not share your opinions. There are many factors that contribute to domestic terrorism….among them…ACCESS.. through the internet, to others who feel as they do… as well as access to “how to” instructions……Less oversight by adults..more of them are busy pursuing their own “self fulfillment” [read that money]….And as for your statement that our institutions..”.government, the church, business” pushing us into “evil adventures abroad”….it’s hard to explain why we pick Iraq to invade/”save” when other Arab countries did much more to hide, support, and finance Osama’s 9/11. Young people are now and have always been susceptable to causes that are anti-establishment..and to say that these few examples you mention represent the mindset of today’s youth if outrageous. However…..WHen close to 70% of the American people disapprove of what’s going on today….their voices are going to be heard.
By Rednecks - America's Al Qaeda
June 26, 2006 09:13 AM | Link to this
@ Jill,
Newt is way too intellectual for the Wooten crowd. They will only be happy when Bush crowns himself Emperor of North America. He’s the Great Decider.
By Southern Democrat
June 26, 2006 09:17 AM | Link to this
I had thought that this blog might be one of the last bastions of civil, political discourse on the Net. Today’s post reveals that Mr. Wooten would prefer for it to be just another rallying camp for the far right; which is fine, he has earned the right as a journalist to dictate the tone of his own blog.
This particular posting, however, makes me immeasurably sad. I do not have the energy left to attempt to dissect the misconceptions, flawed logic, and xenophobia it represents.
I will answer the ultimate question, however, before bidding this blog adieu (does anybody know of one where Dems & G.O.P.’ers can get together and offer real solutions to our problems?), and that is:
As a former teacher of Georgians, as someone who has lived in Washington, D.C., New York, and whose place of employment was on the list of Miami targets, do I feel safer today than I did on September 12, 2001? The answer is, without hesitation, NO.
If you do not think that this Administration has failed you in virtually every way and that we ALL need to figure out how to do better, then I do not know what it will take for you to wake up. I hope that someday soon, we can move past the Clinton-Bush era of incompetent leadership, diminish partisanship, stop pointing fingers, and start solving problems.
By Vet
June 26, 2006 09:22 AM | Link to this
Jerry Oliver of the U.S. Army, who has just returned from Baghdad, writes:
?I have just returned home from “Operation Iraqi Freedom”. I spent 5 months in Baghdad, and a total of 3 years in the U.S. Army. I was recently discharged with Honorable valor and returned to the States only to be horrified by what I’ve seen my country turn into. I’m now 22 years old and have discovered America is such a complicated place to live, and moreover, Americans are almost oblivious to what’s been happening to their country. America has become “1984.” Homeland security is teaching us to spy on one another and forcing us to become anti-social. Americans are willingly sacrificing our freedoms in the name of security, the same Freedoms I was willing to put my life on the line for. The constitution is in jeopardy. As Gen. Tommy Franks said, (broken down of course) One more terrorist attack and the constitution will hold no meaning.?
By Janine
June 26, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
AMEN, Southern Democrat!
By Our Kids
June 26, 2006 09:23 AM | Link to this
An Army private, still in Iraq and wishing to remain anonymous, writes:
?I would like to tell you how difficult it is to serve under a man who was never elected. Because he is the president and my boss, I have to be very careful as to who and what i say about him. This also concerns me a great deal… to limit the military’s voice is to limit exactly what America stands for… and the greater percentage of us feel completely underpowered. He continually sets my friends, my family, and several others in a kind of danger that frightens me beyond belief. I know several other soldiers who feel the same way and discuss the situation with me on a regular basis.?
By Mother Goose
June 26, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Imagine if Mother Goose wrote our news stories……..
The never-bashful Tony Snow’s white lies about the Sleepy-celled Chicago Seven dwarfs all previous spin doc’s lies concerning the unhappy situation of the witchhunt for domestic terrorists who might attack the big apple next.
cut one
The Iraqi Parliament passed a law offering amnesty to all illegal immigrants in the US and calling for a withdrawal timetable for US troops from the Rio Grande and New Orleans.
cut one
Wait a minute, was there an apple in the snow white story? Wasn’t that sleeping beauty? Darn it! I always get those two mixed up!
By Bernie
June 26, 2006 09:24 AM | Link to this
Van, Spoken like a true capitalist pig. Hey, but thanks for the patronizing and paternal advise… I’m sure you’re well meaning. Please do try to avoid the depression that comes with trying to win at this rigged game. I hear either Zoloft or Prozac works pretty well, but try like hell to avoid the suicidal tedencies. Oh and don’t take it out on the wife and kids, or the dog, please.
By Synergy
June 26, 2006 09:35 AM | Link to this
Wooten is entirely well suited for tabloid journalism. There is no effort to even try to understand an opposing POV. His is a take no prisoners style of argumentation. As far as Jim is concderned, he’s right and we’re wrong. Wooten is a legend in his own mind. I love spirited debate, but this is a complete waste of time for even a minimally informed citizen who is concerned with where our society is headed.
By just passing through
June 26, 2006 09:41 AM | Link to this
Southern Democrat — well said. Perhaps Jim gets a bonus per post, that would explain his pandering to the lowest form of neo-con with this blog topic.
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 09:43 AM | Link to this
We were all well chastised by Jim, circular logic or not, sir. I think we do go too far in threatening the opposition during blogging debates. Many bloggers make terrorists threats against fellow blogging americans in a time of war, and I’m not sure, but I think that’s a felony. What’s remarkable, is that these threats come from bloggers who have identified themselves via their e-mail address, so that one phone call to the FBI could result in dozens of arrests. (If the FBI ever enforced existing laws enacted since 911)
By getalife
June 26, 2006 09:49 AM | Link to this
Jim,
After reading you are friends with Mike and stood up for him I will no longer call you wingnut Wooten.
As for today’s topic, it only takes a handful of people angry with our government to pull off an attack here. Unfortunately, due to W’s foreign policies there are millions of people angry with our government.
By Harold
June 26, 2006 09:50 AM | Link to this
WANNABEES is right. How wonderful that our homeland security department rounded up a bunch of complete losers for running their mouths.
These guys would have been lucky to terrorize America with stealing hubcaps without getting shot by a feisty granny.
They pledged allegiance to Al Qaeda, and Al Qaede hit “DELETE” “DELETE” “DELETE” “DELETE”
How about rounding up some Communists? Those are the real troublemakers. We forgot all about them since the 1950s but they are still out there feverishly plotting our destruction!
By Edward
June 26, 2006 09:56 AM | Link to this
To Jim and all his like-minded folks:
What’s your alternative?
Are we to never criticize America? I mean, all your straw men/jokes aside (I can’t tell which they are—either way, they’re disingenuous), is the rule that we are never allowed to question the government? Never allowed to criticize what we see as poor choices by our elected officials?
You suggest the end of democracy.
Oh, and where were you when the Republicans were blasting Clinton over Kosovo?
http://mediamatters.org/items/200405030001(http://mediamatters.org/items/200405030001)
By Debbie
June 26, 2006 10:02 AM | Link to this
Just goes to prove that Islam is NOT a peaceful religion. http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 10:07 AM | Link to this
Bush’s speeches after 911 gave me comfort. Why, he was Lincolnesque in the way he vowed to hunt and destroy Al Queda. I knew then the right man was president. Then Afghanistan: I cheered as our B52 pounded the defensive lines of the Taliban and was heartened when we had Osama and AL Queda surrounded. We had only to reach out and grab them.
Somehow, (google it yourself), OBL slipped away with Al Queda intact.
Then came Iraq, and Bush was correct, the mission was accomplished quickly. The mission to occupy Iraq and stop any possible future WMD attack from Iraq on the west, and topple Saddam. THE Mission was accomplished.
And BUSH does deserve credit for that
Now, we have a three year occupation to protect a free people electing a free government which will negotiate justice and allocate national resources in Iraq.
If we stay the course, logically, then the occupation will end.
The insurgency is a natural byproduct of any new nation. We had vigilantes after the revolution, and after the civil war, and we have them now. No country is free of insurgents. History tells us so.
So the real threat is the newly elected Iraqis themselves who are now insisting that we set a timetable for withdrawal and offer amnesty to the insurgents before we have finished staying the course.
When our former enemies turned allies become our enemies again, then we have to turn allies with former enemies and become aligned with the insurgency to force the new Iraqi government to let us stay the course, and then we’ll turn enemy again to our former ally, the insurgents, and stay the course.
It’s simple and clear to me. I dont want to hear any more guff about his topic from liberals and traitors.
I said no more guff
By Janine
June 26, 2006 10:09 AM | Link to this
Mr. W…..Your comment that domestic terrorism of the kind uncovered in the last couple of months may be the consequence of young people growing up hearing “how evil and opressive their country is”…..DID YOU FORGET../.that is how millions of children grew up during the MLK error….all children…not just black children. MLk and his contemporaries spoke eloquently and often about the evils and oppression in the USA…and their struggle is still in the forefront in Social Studies and American History classes in all of our schools…..public and private!!! Before women got the right to vote….they expounded on oppression in the USA…. MR. WOOTEN….SURELY YOU SEE THAT YOUR COMMENTS TODAY ARE OUTRAGEOUSLY OFF TARGET!
By jbmlaw
June 26, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
It surely would be nice to hear a leftist condemn the purported terrorism plan, rather than instantly defend the purported terrorists. Instead the focus of the left seems to be to deny the obvious, and to attack the protectors. If, in addition to the standard platitudes about a presumption of innocence, the leftists would give some statement of social standards, we would have more confidence in the judgment of the leftists.
Such is as it always has been - Sacco and Vanzetti, Hiss, the Rosenbergs. No murder by a leftist, and no treason, is great enough to prompt condemnation by those who oppose freedom.
By Bush Sheep
June 26, 2006 10:10 AM | Link to this
If the freedom of speech is taken away then dumb and silent we may be led, like sheep to the slaughter.
George Washington
By Janine
June 26, 2006 10:16 AM | Link to this
I have not read any of the comments here that condone the terrorism plans, JMBLAW….Just comments taking issue with the reasons for them that Mr Wooten has come up with…
By Dusty
June 26, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this
Southern Democrat and other refugees from the DNC,
Why don’t you spruce up this discussion by offering us some Democratic Success Plans for the country? Some DEMOCRATIC IDEAS?
Now remember, Democrats, these are NOT original, ideas or “planks”: *Bush Sucks!! Bush Lies!!Cut’n’Run, Chaney Lies, Rove Lies, Snow Lies, We Support the Troops Who Torture, Get Gitmo, We Support Cuba, I’M SCARED Group, Burn the Flag & Save the Country Group, the Dastardly Dissent Group, and the Support the Miami Terrorist Group.
Now, Democrats, think of something new and different. None of the above will pass as ideas or goals. Got it?
Reformed Conservative,
??D’OH?? I’m still impressed. Is that French?
By DID I MISS SOMETHING?
June 26, 2006 10:30 AM | Link to this
I haven’t seen, read, or heard a liberal defend the Miami Terrorists, but for some reason the right-wingers keep saying the liberals are defending these home-grown terrorist, are the right-wingers lying?
Someone provide a Link or quote from a Democratic Politician that supports these Miami Terrorist and I’ll stand corrected!
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 10:32 AM | Link to this
The Chicago Seven’s plans included procuring binnoculars, boots, and bullet proof vests, and an army.
So you get this, JBMLAW, the real next 911 wont be perrpetrated by morons. All it takes is one man willing to die stepping on an airliner, somehow getting through the screens. It takes the subtle observation of crowd flow logistics and knowing where to stick a monkeywrench in a rube goldberg chain of events. We have to hope that W has set the think tanks in motion imagining all the scenarios from chemical/nuclear plants to sports arenas, to airlines to trains and even to traffic jams where thousands of cars are all stopped and vulnerable to a handful of armed attackers. Real terrorists are probably unstoppable. Maybe if we had 135K troops set around the nation training and practicing emergency response to any conceivable attack instead of thrashing around in the desert in a god forsaken continent……W once asked all americans to call in attack scenarios to the CIA and FBI for consideration of it’s viability and possible defense remedies. Remember that?…..Man, if that’s all we got, then pass the bong, roast the marshmellows and play the guitar cause I would have never guessed 911’s logistical plan ever in a million years…. and apparently neither could the FBI or the CIA.
Dont you just love the “I knew this would happen” clowns now in charge? I knew it! Listen to me!! Everybody to get from street! EMERGENCY! EVERYBODY TO GET FROM STREET!
By Harold
June 26, 2006 10:33 AM | Link to this
-The Otherside Lounge -Abortion clinics -The 1996 Olympics -The Oklahoma Federal Building -WTC towers
All blown up by Religious Right Wackos.
Every one of them.
Not by liberals. Not by Democrats.
The Religious Right is the clear and present danger in the USA, whether it’s Christians or Muslims.
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
emergency!! Everybody to get from street!!
Emergency!! Everybody to get from street!!
By Harold
June 26, 2006 10:37 AM | Link to this
Churches and Mosques both must be infiltrated by the agents of the NSA. This is where the architects of our destruction plot their deeds. Religious Freedom is going to destroy America if we do not stamp it out. We either surrender all other freedoms to maintain religious freedom, or we punt on religion and maintain our important freedoms.
By MBA in ATL
June 26, 2006 10:39 AM | Link to this
Dusty — Sun Tzu in the Art of War —
an Untenable position shall not be held to the last man, instead create your options under more favorable conditions to sustain your ultimate goal
Perhaps if we are more clear on the actual goal in Iraq — Saddam is on trial, they have an elected government. Now we appear to creating conditions for a permenant US occupation in Iraq, perhaps a middle east colony?
This appears to be an untenable territory and an unwinnable war. we either stay forever, supporting the puppet regime we have created or we decide our troops are more important than saving face.
By viktor
June 26, 2006 10:41 AM | Link to this
Liberals, the enemy within? Absolutely. They are a greater threat to our security than any jihadist. They hide behind their “disenfranchisement,”less fortunate,” “poor,” and “freedom of the press” crapola. They breed terrorism from within and without. What do you think the islamist radicals think about gay marriage, the ERA, Godless public institutions, personal conscience ethics? Now they are fomenting hate from within their own ranks. I say of with THEIR heads!
By Janine
June 26, 2006 10:44 AM | Link to this
My Granddaddy once told me TO BEWARE when a leader of ANY country starTs claiming that he haS gotten a plan from God…or that God has approved his plan, or that God is on his side, or that another nation is Godless…..WATCH OUT….NOTHING GOOD CAN COME OF IT AND REAL FREEDOM IS ON IT’S WAY OUT!!!
By jbmlaw
June 26, 2006 10:46 AM | Link to this
Did I Miss, when you say “Democratic Politician,” do you include Cindy Shiite or the Jersey Harpies? (wink)
By Janine
June 26, 2006 10:47 AM | Link to this
We all are aware of the theocracies of the worl…but…I HAVE HEARD MR. BUSH DECLARE GOD’S SUPPORT ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION….SCAREY!!!!
By Van
June 26, 2006 10:52 AM | Link to this
Jim Wooten,
I give you the majority of the posters to this blog as to what is wrong with America today. No one cares about the whole. Everyone is worried about there own little sphere.
By Janine
June 26, 2006 10:53 AM | Link to this
Harold…..history proves you right…nothing good ever comes of Religion and Government getting in bed together. The issue with the Bush administration …as well as some of the potential candidates for 2008 .. that is most dangerous is their pandering to the religious right…nothing diminishes freedom more than thinking that God is supporting your cause…
By Janine
June 26, 2006 10:58 AM | Link to this
WHOA, MR. WOOTEN….Did you not ask for “comments” on your opinion? Not all, but most posters have done that….I am not getting your last comment about “no one cares about the whole…” WHat do you see as the “whole” that we’re missing…?ANd what do you see as our “own little sphere” that we are concentrating on>????
By What!?!!!?
June 26, 2006 11:05 AM | Link to this
So Timothy McVey was a leftist in his principals? Last time I checked, it was the government he blamed, not the MSM. Never mind that jihadists and terrorists tend to come from the militant far right, it’s the media’s fault. Fox news and conservative talk radio are part of the MSM, so can we cut out the MSM hysteria? If you haven’t noticed, Republicans are the ones in control of our government, so they share equal if not more blame. Or would that shed negative light on conservatives and the Republican Party, a no-no in your column.
By Mr. White
June 26, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this
We rewrite history, certainly of the last 50 years, so that yesterday’s bad guys, Malcolm X for example, are today’s heroes BAD GUY??? This article (opinion) proves Malcolm words oh so true…
By Dusty
June 26, 2006 11:08 AM | Link to this
MBA in ATL
So…SunTzu was the original “cut’n’run” phiosopher? Was that his nom de plume for Murtha?
If you think we want to stay in Iraq just for American fun and games, your masters degree should have been in Occult Visions. You certainly see something I have never seen.
Americans want their troops home so bad you can taste it. But we do not desert the people we have promised to help establish freedom. You know. The HONORABLE thing to do. Check your figures, MBA.
By Big Sphere
June 26, 2006 11:13 AM | Link to this
Yes, Dusty is right, for pete’s sake! Make the media STOP disseminating any information that doesn’t come straight from Rove’s talking points! If it ain’t from the White House or GOP leaders, it will not be printed, it will not be said, and it will not be spoken or thought by ANY private citizens anywhere! That’ll teach those un-‘murican leftie bedwetters to shut up and agree with our fearless, God-chosen leader, no matter how many soliers come home in boxes! There. Thank you Dusty for your insightful solution!
By MBA in ATL
June 26, 2006 11:14 AM | Link to this
Dusty — what you suggest is that this is somehow a tenable situation. I suggest that this is creating a colony — not necessarily a bad proposition from a business stand point, controlling your supply lines and costs can be an excellent thing.
Sun Tzu principles guide actions towards greatest possible gain, not “cut and run”. Is it just easier for you to decide anything you don’t agree with falls into your “off limits” category or do you just not comprehend the concept of cost/benefit analysis?
By Did I Miss Something
June 26, 2006 11:22 AM | Link to this
I’m still waiting on a link or some type of proof that a Democrat has come to the defense or support of the Miami Terrorist……….
………..crickets………………
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 11:24 AM | Link to this
Dear MBA in Atlanta, your comment questions the definition war. Is Iraq a war or not?
Dear viktor: you keep making the left’s most salient point: Q “What do the terrorists think of Gay Marriage? the ERA? godless public institutions and public conscience”? A The same thing the right thinks about it! Congratulations you’ve achieved consensus with the jihadists.
Dont comment for the right unless you can fortify a conservative plank.
AL Gore is looking for campaign volunteers, sir. Shall I give them your name??
By Jeff
June 26, 2006 11:25 AM | Link to this
jbm,
my God, we’re agreeing???? How can this be????
Harold,
Your 10:37 post scares the living sht out of me! In the words of Franklin: “Those who would trade freedom for security deserve neither.”*
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this
Dear did i miss something: W used crickets to catch that fish he talks about that was bigger than those fish even get (if he believed in biology and evolution).
By Van
June 26, 2006 11:31 AM | Link to this
The Question -
What messages do we send or fail to send — as parents, as the media, including Hollywood and the entertainment industry, as opinion leaders in whatever profession — that tempt well-fed and sometimes well-schooled wannabes to become terrorists?
Fill the head of a student with the garbage that Mr. Murtha is spitting out and you will have a terrorist. “American presence in Iraq is more dangerous to world peace than nuclear threats from North Korea or Iran, Rep. John Murtha, D-Pa., said to an audience of more than 200 in North Miami Saturday afternoon.”
Tell people a lie often enough and they will believe it. America is evil, America is a terrorist country, America is listening in on your phone calls to grandma - all these are lies, but the empty headed lefties believe it. I bet they even believe we bombed the World Trade Towers, the USS Cole and the African US Embassies ourselves.
By Jeff
June 26, 2006 11:32 AM | Link to this
Oh, and in regards to Malcolm X:
I’ll refer you to the movie Xmen 3: The Last Stand. You see, the X-men series has always been about racial equality. When they started out, Professor X was based on MLK and Magneto was based on Malcolm X. Magneto is CONSTANTLY saying that humans need to be eradicated so that mutants can rule - by any means necessary, one of Malcolm X’s oft said phrases. Professor X works with the humans to achieve real equality. Magneto just wants his group to reign supreme and give to the humans what the humans have been dishing out.
I ask you now: Who is the terrorist? Who has the better motives? Who is right? Explain.
Answers there tell me exactly how you feel about true racial equality…
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 11:35 AM | Link to this
Jeff, this sounds like a job for underdog!
By Weatherman
June 26, 2006 11:36 AM | Link to this
Has anyone stopped to think that ONE storm can take out more people than those killed by terrorists in the entire history of this planet?
By jbmlaw
June 26, 2006 11:41 AM | Link to this
Dear Jeff,
I frighten many people that way - I am one of those libertarian types. Government does only three things well: (1) kill people, (2) steal freedom, and (3) steal property. So long as its efforts are directed only at those who would otherwise do the same on an individual basis (after all, big government does not want the competition), I support the government. I generally assign “deprivation of freedom” as a socialist trait.
By M.Roberson
June 26, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this
The Jim Wooten Dictionary, Revised Edition
Patriot: (pat-riot); to avoid war by going AWOL in Alabama; to send men and women to war without ever experiencing it yourself; to declar victory in the face of a worsening situations; to say NO to flag burning and dangerous Mexican immigrants.
By jbmlaw
June 26, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
Dear Weatherman,
No storm has ever deprived any individual of his freedom. We do not target terrorists because they are killers, although that would be sufficient reason; we target terrorists because their purpose is to inhibit freedom.
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 11:48 AM | Link to this
Dear Jbmlaw: Your comment said three things in order: 1you support the government, 2you dont support, and 3you do support.
I’m got a concussion trying to follow along. Man Down! “I’m okay!”
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 11:54 AM | Link to this
Dear jbmlaw: No storm every stole no freedom no how? You must not have been around for the storm of criticism of Luckovich’s Terror Cartoon. The poor sod was last seen in the exectutive bathroom here at the AJC newsroom staring in the mirror mumbling “Draw what you know draw what you know draw what you know…”
Poor sod.
By KC
June 26, 2006 11:56 AM | Link to this
Terrorism is the fault of Liberals? Really? Interesting. What else is our fault? Inflation? Herpes? Unwanted body odor? Get a grip on reality. Terrorist are the most CONSERVATIVE people on earth, who arise from the most CONSERVATIVE (typically religious) backgrounds. Does that mean that Republicans in this country caused the worlds terrorism problem? Uh, no. How about…NO POLITICAL PARTY OR WORLDVIEW IN THIS COUNTRY HAS A THING TO DO WITH IT! Christ almighty when will people stop trying to blame a political philosophy for each and every evil in the world and accept that bad folks do bad things because they WANT to.
Have a great day everybody.
By To: Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 11:58 AM | Link to this
“To announce that there must be NO criticism of the President, or that we are to stand by the President Right or Wrong, is not only UNPATRIOTIC and SERVILE, but is Morally TREASONABLE to the American Public.”
Former Republican President, Theodore Roosevelt
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this
Dear KC: you forgot “v**** itch”, as another neo-con plot. Remember, the neocons will not allow young women healthcare even if it might detect cervical cancer because any attention you draw to the v**** would necessarily result in a crack ho, and there’s no disputing that fact, jack.
Newt for president in ‘08.
By Ann
June 26, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
I usually do not answer blogs, but this one struck me as being offensive. Mr. Wooten, no one breeds (no let me clarify this one word), no one gives birth to wannabe terrorists. You give birth to a child that you hope will become a useful member of our society. You can raise your child the very best you can, in a moral and christian enviroment and yet they may still turn out to be angry and violent. Please choose your title with a little bit more thought. I am a mother and I did not breed a child, I gave birth to a child.
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 12:06 PM | Link to this
Where’s a big stick when thou needest and deserveth one?
SHAKESPEARE
By Moderate Republican
June 26, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this
What happened to our shared Republican views on “personal responsiblity”?
Are we to assume that these nitwits in Miami bear no responsiblity for their actions and thus it is all the fault of our society?.
As a moderate Republican (not many of us around down here) I foolishly thought that this blog might actually provide some thoughtful assessment or insight into the issues. Boy was I wrong. Sigh.
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
Ann is right. Bunker Hill was actually Breed’s Hill. We breed horses and they in turn give birth to Ann Coulter. Nice job, Ann. (no relation)
By Dusty
June 26, 2006 12:10 PM | Link to this
Big Sphere aka Big Square,
Are your twisted suggestions the ideas for Democrats? Take every word that doesn’t spell liberal and twist it into hate squeals? Keep trying, Biggie. You’ll have a decent idea one of these days.
MBA in ATL.
Th equation Concept of Cost Benefit Analysis in this war should equal FREEDOM. Your figures seem to be off again.
By RFSOsInRevolt
June 26, 2006 12:11 PM | Link to this
Governments throughout this country are actively and effectively creating and encouraging “home grown” terrorists by their increasingly worthless, unfair, illegal, and immoral attacks against people who are Registered “SEX OFFENDERS!!!!” and their families. That may p** you off or you think it’s worth it or you think it’s no big deal, but I promise you that it is real and it is a big deal. I’ve talked to literally thousands of Registrants over the past decade and I see this more and more clearly and deeply.
An analogy about what the government is doing is that these Registrants did something wrong (most of them anyway) and the government punished them. But now these people are not doing anything wrong, they are living just like everyone else, and the government has backed them into cages and is repeatedly poking them with sticks for no reason. Many of these people (in Georgia, it’s not “many”, it’s “most”) fully and successfully repaid their debts to society years ago, over a decade in some cases.
Currently, there are well over 1 million people in this country who are actively being disenfranchised in this manner. This includes many, many children who are being taught that the United States is not exactly the moral standard of the world. They are also being taught that they should not trust law enforcement or any part of government. They are being taught that their politicians are just a different type of criminal.
It would not surprise me in the slightest to see the next Timothy McVeigh or World Trade Center attacker come from the Registered ranks. They are becoming that anti-American. I know some burn the American flag today. I hear more and more of these people contemplating killing people. I have heard many say they’ve considered suicide but they plan to take a bunch of people with them. Just and only because the government will not leave them alone after they’ve repaid their debt to society.
As for me personally, I just don’t care. I don’t care what happens to this country and certainly not to Georgia. I stopped worrying about or helping people about 6 years ago. Haven’t given a dime to charity since then. I will help no one with anything. I pray the illegals take over Georgia and I am doing what I can to help them. Once the United States starts its financially implosion, I’m just going to leave. There are plenty of decent places on Earth. Good luck to you though. I’m sure the religious hypocrites are going to keep right on self-righteously harassing the great unwashed Registrants. Just like Jesus would do.
By Harold
June 26, 2006 12:16 PM | Link to this
Harold says there is no freedom in religion, so giving up “Freedom of Relgion” means only “Giving up Being Controlled By Choice.”
Freedom of religion is not an actual freedom.
By Retroactive Flashback
June 26, 2006 12:19 PM | Link to this
Dear Moderate Republican. Your premise is in your conclusion. Your question pretends that the issue is “Society is to blame for not only the terrorists, but also their lack of ‘taking responsibility”
You also construct a parallel premise that there’s a default to societal blame if one doesn’t claim personal responsibility.
Worse, you assume a consensus of the GOP platform’s stance on “personal responsibility”.
The reason you find this blog uninformative is because your mind is structured to think in terms of circular logic.
Seems a shame.
By getalife
June 26, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this
Van,
I am glad you brought Mr. Murtha up.
Please read this link and see who voted for the draft and what he said
I think it is time to reintroduce this bill to another vote.
Put up or shut up.
By NS
June 26, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this
The point is that wannabe terrorists can rationalize themselves as tomorrow’s heroes, no matter the death or destruction they cause. Very dangerous.
Kind of like the rationalizations President Bush and his cabinent are currently making concerning the war in Iraq?
Over 2500 of our troops killed. Tens of thousands of Iraqi civilians have been killed. Death and destruction.
And how do those supporting the war gloss over (or, in the case of the Iraqi death toll, completely ignore) these numbers? Why, we’ve rationalized everything out. Our original reason for going to war (WMDs) turned out to be hogwash. So Mr. Bush’s strategists instead thought of another angle and championed Mr. Bush as a hero who was bringing democracy to Iraq.
Yes, we’ve come up with dozens of hero-like rationalizations concerning Iraq, the biggest of which is that we’re making the world safer. Well, we aren’t, say the experts (see: not Fox News). At least we’ve given freedom to the Iraqi people then, right? If freedom equates to a modern-day civil war, well, yes, we’ve given them that.
I agree with you, Mr. Wooten. Being a legend in your own mind and doing whatever is necessary to justify the means is a very dangerous thing.
By concerned citizen
June 26, 2006 12:39 PM | Link to this
I guess we should all just shut up and agree with everything our government does, just so we can be as patriotic as Mr. Wooten. I’m sorry, but that’s what happened in Germany after WWI. People looked the other way while Hitler and his Nazi thugs made their moves. I’m not an apologist for my government. I’ll support them when they do the right thing, but I refuse to give them a rubber stamp to do as they please, just so I can fit in with Wooten’s definition of a patriotic American. I bet Wooten’s rhetoric is what it sounded like in the colonies back in the 1770’s among those who supported the King. “Oh no, don’t criticize the King.” How can we expect our children to learn right and wrong, if all we ever do is give a pass to our government when they invade a country unprovoked and lie to us about the reasons why and the evidence supporting the reasons? But I guess if two men aren’t allowed to marry and those darn flag burners are thwarted, I should just drink the Kool-Aid and put my “W” sticker on my SUV. You rightwingers make me sick.
By Big Sphere
June 26, 2006 12:54 PM | Link to this
Concerned Citizen,
It’s not fair to bring up Nazis when talking about modern fascists. Nazis are SOOOOO last century! I think Fidel Castro gives us a much better example of the kind of control that VAN and DUSTY are advocating the government take over education, media, entertainment, and the right to vocalize one’s opinion. Don’t you think, Mister Wooten? Castron is still in control after all these years! The school chidren in Cuba think their leader is infallible. If only we had that kind of dedication here!
By justmeagain
June 26, 2006 01:04 PM | Link to this
Let’s not forget the word “alleged” when you refer to these boys in Miami. We invaded another country and are loosing thousands of young solders to defend our country’s values which believe “a person is innocent until proven guilty”. Or has everyone forgotten that? Maybe we just can’t keep it straight. After all our president and the US Intelligence lead us to believe that we had bombs pointed right at us. But now it’s turned into a democracy issue. That is, as long as we agree with the democracy.
Was it the US Intelligence that found these boys Miami? We all know what kind of mess the US Intelligence has gotten us into so far! I for one am very skeptical.
By Moderate Republican
June 26, 2006 01:05 PM | Link to this
@ Retroactive Flashback:
I’m sorry, did you say something?
By justmeagain
June 26, 2006 01:14 PM | Link to this
Big Sphere.
Don’t kid yourself. Nazi’s exist in the United States today. And it was a very fair comparison. When I see these little boy soldiers on TV being interviewed about why they are at war, and they have no answer but “my commander & chief said it’s the right thing to do” I think – so this is the way Hitler got started.
By MClark
June 26, 2006 01:29 PM | Link to this
It’s easy to feel disenfranchised in America. Does this excuse these home-grown terrorists? No. Does it help explain their actions? Perhaps. It’s hard not to miss the bombardment of negativity and vitriol that spews forth from the mouths of commentators and media personalities. Am I agreeing with JW? No, absolutely not. Why? Because, he’s filtering this problem and his reaction to it only through the lens of his partisan values. The truth lies elsewhere.
The truth is that this great Country is divided and into three camps. The extreme right, who spew hate, call names, slander, misuse the name of God for political gain, lie, and fiddle while they sell our Country piece by piece to the Chinese. Then there is the extreme left, who whine, slander, refuse to put forth cogent arguments, point fingers of blame without looking within, lie, and continue to exist without a backbone.
If you fall anywhere to the left of “the Right” you are accused of being somehow less than American. Any dissent allows the so-called conservatives to declare open season on you, regardless of the true depth of your patriotism or any evidence thereof based on service to your Country.
On the other hand, if you fall anywhere to the right of “the Left” and you are considered something less than intelligent. You are accused of “drinking the kool-aid”, pandering, and by inaction allowing this administration to take us straight to hell.
Find yourself to the right of the left and the left of the right and both sides attack you for being a “fence sitter”. Of somehow lacking any courage of conviction or critical decision making ability because you refuse to join “their team.”
But if you notice, I said the Country was divided into three camps. Who is the third? The third is where I personally believe that most Americans reside: firmly in the middle; the land of the true Moderate. These are people who are: • fed up with abuses of Government spending but still see the need for a social safety net. • who ardently believe that judges should not legislate but who are unwilling to label a judge an activist just because the decision went the other way. • who believe that abortion is a tragedy but that it is not the most pressing issue of the day and believe that somewhere, somehow there must be a compromise with which we can all live. • who believe that war is a necessity of a free society, but at the same time see that Government transparency and openness is essential in its deliberation and most important in its conduct.
People who are tired of gay marriage debates, flag burning amendments, contrived cries of racism, and portrayals of the only President we’ve got, like him or not, as an idiot. These issues are seen by the group in the middle for exactly what they are: straw men. Pretty baubles to distract Americans and “buy” votes while real issues are ignored and we sink further and further.
I know tons of Republicans and conservatives. None of them are ignorant, redneck, or less intelligent than average. I know a ton of Democrats and liberals. None of them are elite, less than patriotic, or believe that America is the root of all evil. So how is it that when I read these posts I get the impression that all the right is ignorant and all of the left is evil? It’s because the vast middle has allowed political debate to be co-opted by extremists on both sides. Name-calling and finger-pointing has replaced true political debate. The people demonizing everyone who does not think just like them are not true Republicans or Democrats. It’s time we stood up and took back our parties. Aren’t Republicans tired yet of false conservatives selling out the history of the party. Aren’t Democrats tired yet of extreme liberals placing them in such an indefensible position and selling out their party as well?
It’s time to wake up, compromise, and vote for good men and women, the best candidates, not people with the correct little letter after their name. Its time to place the extremes back on the fringes where they belong.
By Van
June 26, 2006 01:33 PM | Link to this
Big Sphere
Boy are you off base.
Conservatives do not feel the Government has any right to be involved in Education, the Media or Entertainment.
Regarding National Socialism, Nazi’s or Fascism, Who is it advocating full control of everything, the left. Who is advocating a universal health care, the left. Who wants schools to teach only what the Feds say, the left. The lefties want the Feds to control it all, no individual rights, just collective rights.
You don’t like, No Child Left Behind? That is a bill submitted by Ted Kennedy, a far leftie.
Conservatives believe in a small federal government, not what we have now.
By Amelia
June 26, 2006 01:38 PM | Link to this
Excellent MClark. Very well said. Get rid of the zealots and extremists and maybe this country can go in a positive direction.
By Janine
June 26, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
What a cogent analysis, MCLARK…TAKE HEED, MR. WOOTEN…TAKE HEED AND LEAD THE WAY!!
By John Locke
June 26, 2006 01:41 PM | Link to this
There’s nothing sensical about Jim’s rants, though it is admittedly all too common. He recites an already tired commentary used by many other conservatives to hinder all possiblity at self-examination, understanding, and growth. Mr. Wooton, critics are not the problem. Our leaders are not infallable. Telling your country’s citizens to place blind trust in the government, and encouraging jingoistic approval is unamerican. “Liberal” is not an insult especially when uttered by a neoconservative. To borrow from one of your heroes, we will wear it as a badge of honor.
By Big Sphere
June 26, 2006 01:43 PM | Link to this
Don’t kid yourself. Nazi’s exist in the United States today.
Justmeagain, Um…. I was being sarcastic, and you’re right. I met some Nazis in Kansas. Creeeeeeeepy! I was outta there quick!
Van, I DO support a smaller federal government… like the ONE WE USED TO HAVE! One that needs warrants to do wiretaps and track bank records, and one that honors the right of due process for the accused, one that stays out of personal, private decisions such as whom to marry or whether to abort, one that has checks and balances, wherein the Legislative branch makes laws and oversees the other branches as opposed to simply rubber-stamping the administration’s every move to violate the law and Bill of Rights and then demanding the arrest of (the one or two) reporters who tell the truth. I thought your problem was with dissent. If not, what IS your problem, Dude? Oh, never mind, that’s right. You hate everybody.
By R@
June 26, 2006 01:58 PM | Link to this
MClark - I like your style and thanks for trying to keep this blog civil. I have to disagree with your statement: “It’s because the vast middle has allowed political debate to be co-opted by extremists on both sides. Name-calling and finger-pointing has replaced true political debate.”
I don’t believe the middle has allowed anything to happen. I believe they know very well that the extreme ends of both right and left do not represent middle America. Yes, “name-calling and finger-pointing” has replaced political debate but it is not middle America’s fault. It is the fault of people who profess to be civil servants when they are actually professional political hacks who love to hear themselves talk and yap. It is the media that continuosly fails to write or talk about the issues - in depth. I honestly don’t believe they have the intelligence to do so and they think middle America is stupid and can’t comprehend the depth of big issues - they are dead wrong.
Middle America is not stupid. They know the yappers are extremists and I believe most of what these career politicians and media outlets yak about goes in one ear and out the other. Middle America is seeking the truth everyday - they are not as dumb as these yakkers think they are.
And one day, when we decide to term limit all federally elected positions (Senators, Representatives, Judges - as we do the President [for reasons!]), honest and open debate will return - but not until then. When the average middle American can serve their country as a civil servant, the voice of middle America will return to the political scene. I hope I live to see that day.