The recent act of domestic terrorism that has occurred in Tucson, Arizona is the latest by a group of radical extremists that few want to speak about openly: Crazy White Men. As we continue to ignore the warning signs of this group of domestic terrorists, the lives of a great number of Americans are put in danger. Instead of patting down women like Meera Shankar, India's ambassador to the United States -- more resources need to be directed towards stopping America's real terrorists: Crazy White Men. Until mainstream America comes to grips with this group, they will continue to run rampant and commit the senseless and despicable violent acts as we’ve just witnessed. It’s unfortunate that Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, D-Arizona, is in critical condition. It’s heartbreaking that 9-year-old Christina Taylor Greene has lost her life. It’s gut-wrenching that a federal judge, John M. Roll, with 40-years of service to his country dies as a victim of domestic terrorism. But if mainstream America continues to deny the existence of this group of inside extremists more innocent lives will be lost and we will all live in a state of heightened terror.
Let's be clear, the alleged gunman, Jared Loughner, 22, is in custody and must suffer the consequences of his mis-guided actions. But I can't help but wonder if officials could have intervened in this man's life before he flew over the edge. There were numerous opportunities. He tried to enlist in the US Army and was rejected. He was arrested by police three times. And yet even with this criminal record, he was still able to purchase a firearm "legally" and then go on the most horrific shooting spree in recent memory. Would a Black man have been able to do the same thing? A Muslim? We know the answer.
According to Pima County Sheriff Clarence Dupnik, Arizona is America’s “mecca for racism and bigotry”. He added, “Let me say one thing, because people tend to pooh-pooh this business about all the vitriol that we hear inflaming the American public by people who make a living off of doing that,” the sheriff said during a press conference. “That may be free speech, but it’s not without consequences.”
The fact that none of this man’s social media friends tipped off authorities is sad. But to portray Loughner as a “lone wolf” is ludicrous. Read the comments section on sites like huffington post, CNN, USA Today, and of course FOX “news” and you will know immediately that the thoughts expressed in the YouTube site of Loughner are echoed by any number of Crazy White Men online.
This is the climate that has been allowed to permeate across America. The election of President Barack H. Obama we now know was the tipping point. Of course the lagging economy, weak educational system, and even the large number of people without health-care play a part in what we are now witnessing.
But when this group is encouraged by paid commentators that reach millions of people on a daily basis we’re creating a potent environment for domestic terrorism against those of us who are more civil in nature. Many have been warning Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and the darling of the Tea Party, Sarah “Just Reload” Palin about the recklessness of their commentary. Palin (or her staff) were busy scrubbing her website following the assassination attempt on Representative Giffords. The Congresswoman's name and District were on a map with cross-hairs hosted on Sarah Palin's website. Unfortunately their effort is in vain. It's too late for yesterday's victims now. The genie is out of the bottle.
Hopefully this can become a teachable moment and we can avoid the next tragedy.
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