Political correctness, from hypocritcal to deadly

[phk]

How many warning signs were there? How many were afraid of being called anti-Muslim? The ones that did complain say nothing was done. Now we have 13 dead. Thirteen of our military members who volunteered to protect us from people like Maj Nidal Hasan.

Last year, U.S. intelligence agencies intercepted 10 to 20 e-mails from Hasan to Anwar al-Aulaqi who was once an imam and had ties to 9/11.  The FBI dropped the case after concluding that he didn’t pose a terrorist threat. Rep. Pete Hoekstra, R-Mich recently stated “I think the very fact that you’ve got a major in the U.S. Army contacting this guy (a radical imam), or attempting to contact him, would raise some red flags.”  Hasan was also a psychiatrist, accused of proselytizing to his patients.

The AP reported "Federal law enforcement officials say the suspected Fort Hood shooter had come to their attention at least six months ago because of Internet postings that discussed suicide bombings and other threats."  Witnesses to the shooting state he screamed Allahu akbar as he fired off shots.

However others point out Major Hasan was only contacting Anwar al-Aulaqi to obtain information for a master thesis Hasan was writing.  It should be noted that Tribune Newspapers reported that soon after midnight Monday, after Awlaki’s name was publicly linked to Hasan’s, a posting on Awlaki's website was titled “Nidal Hassan Did the Right Thing.”

CNN portrays Hasan as victim.  An article on CNN.com exclaims "The bumper sticker reading "Allah is Love" was torn off and the car was keyed.  Relatives say Hasan, a U.S.-born citizen of Palestinian descent, was a "calm" individual who had been taunted after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001"  The article continues to quote family members of Hasan as they describe how victimized he was.

The CBS evening news avoided any mention of Islam or the Muslim faith.
“Today, according to the Army, a soldier opened fire...He's identified tonight as Army Major Nadal Malik Hasan, a licensed psychiatrist and drug and rehab specialist from Bethesda, Maryland.”

NBC anchor Brian Williams:
“The soldier, identified as the initial gunman here, is an Army psychiatrist, Nadal Malik Hasan. He's an officer, a major, and he was apparently armed with two handguns.”

NBC's Pete Williams insisted, “Everything about his background is rock solid, and nothing extraordinary stands out about his background.”

But the real victims are the ones who died, and the ones wounded and their family members.  One victim, a 56 year old vet who lobbied for three years to re-enlist because he felt he had a duty to protect and serve his country. He was finally granted his wish, and allowed to re-enlist.  Only to be killed by this radical.

Another victim, a 21 year old woman who was pregnant. She just returned from Iraq. Her family will never talk to her again, and will never meet their grandchild. There is also the 19 year old who was planning on proposing next month to his girlfriend before deploying to Iraq in January. Their history will never be made. And a military specialist, who has three young children, was 23. His children will not have their Daddy this Christmas.

Could this have been prevented? Are we too afraid of offending Muslims that we allowed this to happen?

[Sewer]

[Citizen James]

Oh, there's worse in the mix.   Much of the Air force is made up of Christian fundamentalists.   People who hope and pray for the end of the world - in control of a massive nuclear stockpile.   That's a disaster waiting to happen.

[dead0man]

Oh, there's worse in the mix.   Much of the Air force is made up of Christian fundamentalists.   People who hope and pray for the end of the world - in control of a massive nuclear stockpile.   That's a disaster waiting to happen.

Weird that I've spent the last 15 years in the Air Force or working for the Air Force (much of that at "massive nuclear stockpile" headquarters) and I've never run into a single person like this.  Are there Christian Fundies around?  Of course.  There are also Atheist Fundies and NASCAR Fundies and Obama voters and black guys and Catholics and Jews and Muslims and old virgins and the occasional drunk.

[Lief 🗽]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

[pogo stick]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

No. It's why 13 soldiers died.  Because  apparently it's more important to protect muslims from racism, then protect our soldiers from a radical muslim.

[JSojourner]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

No. It's why 13 soldiers died.  Because  apparently it's more important to protect muslims from racism, then protect our soldiers from a radical muslim.

Well here's your chance, Skippy, to use teh internetz to tell the whole world how you would have prevented it.  Please...enthrall us with your rhetorical acumen...

[Scam of God]

As always, making sure the lone Muslim doesn't get their feelings hurt is more important than protecting the lives of American soldiers.

All hail the Soviet Union of Christian Republiks!

Christianity uber alles!

Uber alles in die Welt!

[k-onmmunist]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

No. It's why 13 soldiers died.  Because  apparently it's more important to protect muslims from racism, then protect our soldiers from a radical muslim.

[The Mikado]

As always, making sure the lone Muslim doesn't get their feelings hurt is more important than protecting the lives of American soldiers.

All hail the Soviet Union of Christian Republiks!

Christianity uber alles!

Uber alles in die Welt!

It's "In der Welt," I believe.

EDIT:

I will say, in the most positive thing I've said about you all night, that posting those lyrics led me to spend the rest of my evening with one of Papa Haydn's most beautiful compositions, so thanks for that.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8imMC61f3zQ

[Хahar 🤔]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

No. It's why 13 soldiers died.  Because  apparently it's more important to protect muslims from racism, then protect our soldiers from a radical muslim.

I think you'll understand why I regard you as a brainless moron.

[Mechaman]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

Why are they not allowed to say racist or bigoted things in the first place?
I can understand the military's actions in this case and I agree with this observation:

Oh, there's worse in the mix.   Much of the Air force is made up of Christian fundamentalists.   People who hope and pray for the end of the world - in control of a massive nuclear stockpile.   That's a disaster waiting to happen.

But I find it entirely hypocritical to be a nation that has it written in our Bill of Rights the Right of Free Speech yet if someone says something that soooo offends the sensitivities of someone under our ever growing nanny state their right to free speech can banned.

[dead0man]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

Why are they not allowed to say racist or bigoted things in the first place?
I can understand the military's actions in this case and I agree with this observation:

Oh, there's worse in the mix.   Much of the Air force is made up of Christian fundamentalists.   People who hope and pray for the end of the world - in control of a massive nuclear stockpile.   That's a disaster waiting to happen.

The "massive nuclear stockpile" isn't controled by the non-existent Christian Fundies with a death wish that run the Air Force, it's controlled by the CINC just like always.  If either of you have proof the USAF is made up of mostly Christian Fundies with a death wish I'd love to see it.

[k-onmmunist]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

No. It's why 13 soldiers died.  Because  apparently it's more important to protect muslims from racism, then protect our soldiers from a radical muslim.

I think you'll understand why I regard you as a brainless moron.

Likewise. It's also an excuse for the state to stamp on freedom of speech rights.

[Хahar 🤔]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

No. It's why 13 soldiers died.  Because  apparently it's more important to protect muslims from racism, then protect our soldiers from a radical muslim.

I think you'll understand why I regard you as a brainless moron.

Likewise. It's also an excuse for the state to stamp on freedom of speech rights.

I do believe the topic is about America, not Britain. If it were referring to the latter, your hysteria, though still deeply amusing, would have a slightly larger base.

[k-onmmunist]

1. I'm not in 'hysteria'
2. Alright then, I was thinking of Britain.

[Mechaman]

"Political correctness" is just an excuse for racists and bigots to complain that they're not allowed to say racist or bigoted things.

Why are they not allowed to say racist or bigoted things in the first place?
I can understand the military's actions in this case and I agree with this observation:

Oh, there's worse in the mix.  Much of the Air force is made up of Christian fundamentalists.  People who hope and pray for the end of the world - in control of a massive nuclear stockpile.  That's a disaster waiting to happen.

The "massive nuclear stockpile" isn't controlled by the nonexistent Christian Fundies with a death wish that run the Air Force, it's controlled by the CINC just like always.  If either of you have proof the USAF is made up of mostly Christian Fundies with a death wish I'd love to see it.

But there are very Christian people in the Air Force who are around weaponry who believe the end of the world will happen and will welcome it with open arms. Now I probably wouldn't go as far as saying that those weapons they possess are all nuclear, but you guys still let them handle dangerous weapons when they worship a religion that tells people to be excited about the afterlife and death and the end of the world. In other words it has little difference from Islam.

[Scam of God]

The Right has its very own brand of political correctness, and it's typically more extreme than anything the Left uses. For instance, if I call a Southerner an "inbred" or a Christian a "Zionist", I am immediately lambasted by the same morons who will then turn around and pretend to champion individualism by denouncing political correctness.

EDIT: Or soldiers, as dead0man will doubtless prove momentarily.

[Mechaman]

The Right has its very own brand of political correctness, and it's typically more extreme than anything the Left uses. For instance, if I call a Southerner an "inbred" or a Christian a "Zionist", I am immediately lambasted by the same morons who will then turn around and pretend to champion individualism by denouncing political correctness.

EDIT: Or soldiers, as dead0man will doubtless prove momentarily.

Don't you dare say anything bad about the troops man! They are so brave and courageous, fighting for our freedoms and liberties! So what if they are just the Almighty State's lapdogs who instead are used to satisfy the oil hungry appetites of the State's corporate masters?

[dead0man]

But there are very Christian people in the Air Force who are around weaponry who believe the end of the world will happen and will welcome it with open arms. Now I probably wouldn't go as far as saying that those weapons they possess are all nuclear, but you guys still let them handle dangerous weapons when they worship a religion that tells people to be excited about the afterlife and death and the end of the world. In other words it has little difference from Islam.

Well apart from the all the instances where USAF Airman have launched weapons at bad guys in the hopes of starting WWIII do you have anything else factual?

Ok, the snark isn't necessary I guess.  Lets break this down.

But there are very Christian people in the Air Force who are around weaponry who believe the end of the world will happen and will welcome it with open arms.

I've never met anyone who desires the end of the world and I like I've said before, I've been working with the USAF since Dec 1994, most of that time at StratCom.  Hell, I didn't even meet any of these people in my 21 years going to a Southern Baptist church (although I did meet a lot of weirdos in both places)

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Nobody anywhere has singular control of any nuclear weapon, very few people have singular access to non-nuclear weapons.  Most people in the USAF never go anywhere near a weapon larger than an M16 or Beretta 9mm.

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Maybe, I don't know that nor am I in any position to judge.

There are no crucifixes in the Global Operations Center.  I've heard the word "Jesus" before out there, but only after somebody smashes there thumb in a desk or something.  Apparently a lot of people were persuaded it would be wise to go to church on Sunday mornings in Basic Training and they certainly heavily suggested we all go when I was there, but I didn't and never got sh**t for it.  Yeah, I heard a few prayers when I was in at events that really didn't require a prayer (promotion ceremonies and what not), but even then they were the exception, not the norm.  Never once was I ever prostylized to, although a very nice guy invited me to his church when I was stationed in Florida.  Obviously all that is anecdotal, but I bet it's more evidence than anybody else here has on the matter.  Yeah, the coach at the Academy was a tool a few years ago what with "Jesus Football Team" thing and yeah, we doubtlessly spend more than we need to, but honestly, there is no Christian Death Complex in the United States Air Force.  It's more likely we are hiding UFOs somewhere and that idea is laughable.

[Scam of God]

I wonder if dead0man understands the irony? An alleged "libertarian" who earns his pay from the Federal government serving a bloated military funded on the taxpayer dole which is currently engaged in two illegal and unjustified wars of interventionism and whose main reason for existence it is to provide income to the defense industry?

[Mechaman]

But there are very Christian people in the Air Force who are around weaponry who believe the end of the world will happen and will welcome it with open arms. Now I probably wouldn't go as far as saying that those weapons they possess are all nuclear, but you guys still let them handle dangerous weapons when they worship a religion that tells people to be excited about the afterlife and death and the end of the world. In other words it has little difference from Islam.

Well apart from the all the instances where USAF Airman have launched weapons at bad guys in the hopes of starting WWIII do you have anything else factual?

Ok, the snark isn't necessary I guess.  Lets break this down.

But there are very Christian people in the Air Force who are around weaponry who believe the end of the world will happen and will welcome it with open arms.

I've never met anyone who desires the end of the world and I like I've said before, I've been working with the USAF since Dec 1994, most of that time at StratCom.  Hell, I didn't even meet any of these people in my 21 years going to a Southern Baptist church (although I did meet a lot of weirdos in both places)

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Nobody anywhere has singular control of any nuclear weapon, very few people have singular access to non-nuclear weapons.  Most people in the USAF never go anywhere near a weapon larger than an M16 or Beretta 9mm.

You must be logged in to read this quote.

Maybe, I don't know that nor am I in any position to judge.

There are no crucifixes in the Global Operations Center.  I've heard the word "Jesus" before out there, but only after somebody smashes there thumb in a desk or something.  Apparently a lot of people were persuaded it would be wise to go to church on Sunday mornings in Basic Training and they certainly heavily suggested we all go when I was there, but I didn't and never got sh**t for it.  Yeah, I heard a few prayers when I was in at events that really didn't require a prayer (promotion ceremonies and what not), but even then they were the exception, not the norm.  Never once was I ever prostylized to, although a very nice guy invited me to his church when I was stationed in Florida.  Obviously all that is anecdotal, but I bet it's more evidence than anybody else here has on the matter.  Yeah, the coach at the Academy was a tool a few years ago what with "Jesus Football Team" thing and yeah, we doubtlessly spend more than we need to, but honestly, there is no Christian Death Complex in the United States Air Force.  It's more likely we are hiding UFOs somewhere and that idea is laughable.

In my defense dead0man, most of these evangelical christians don't go around broadcasting that they are excited the world is going to end or have huge golden crosses everywhere, but a tenet of Christianity is a belief that Jesus will return one day and take the faithful up to Heaven while the End of the World occurs and that Christians should welcome this day.
So purely on the basis of ideology they welcome death. Same as the Muslims, just some of them are more open about it.
So think about it, on the surface Christianity and Islam presents about the same value of skepticism for a nonbiased source. Taking each religion's views on how invaluable life really is compared to the so-called "afterworld" I would be equally skeptical of both.

[Mechaman]

I wonder if dead0man understands the irony? An alleged "libertarian" who earns his pay from the Federal government serving a bloated military funded on the taxpayer dole which is currently engaged in two illegal and unjustified wars of interventionism and whose main reason for existence it is to provide income to the defense industry?

I don't even have a job I'm such a libertarian badass. The only money the state will get from me this year is sales tax bitches.

[Scam of God]

In my defense dead0man, most of these evangelical christians don't go around broadcasting that they are excited the world is going to end or have huge golden crosses everywhere, but a tenet of Christianity is a belief that Jesus will return one day and take the faithful up to Heaven while the End of the World occurs and that Christians should welcome this day.
So purely on the basis of ideology they welcome death. Same as the Muslims, just some of them are more open about it.
So think about it, on the surface Christianity and Islam presents about the same value of skepticism for a nonbiased source. Taking each religion's views on how invaluable life really is compared to the so-called "afterworld" I would be equally skeptical of both.

This is precisely the argument I use when I say that I believe Christianity is a nihilistic religion: its very metaphysics demand that its adherent devalue this world, "the world, the flesh and the Devil", in favor of some Beyond. It empties meaning out of this existence and into another.

[dead0man]

In my defense dead0man, most of these evangelical christians don't go around broadcasting that they are excited the world is going to end or have huge golden crosses everywhere, but a tenet of Christianity is a belief that Jesus will return one day and take the faithful up to Heaven while the End of the World occurs and that Christians should welcome this day.
So purely on the basis of ideology they welcome death. Same as the Muslims, just some of them are more open about it.
So think about it, on the surface Christianity and Islam presents about the same value of skepticism for a nonbiased source. Taking each religion's views on how invaluable life really is compared to the so-called "afterworld" I would be equally skeptical of both.

Ok, but that doesn't mean they have a giant "itchy trigger finger" on the nuclear arsenal.