What The Holy Hell Is Going On?

[walrus]

CBS is reporting that the Arab nationals have ties to baggage handlers at Logan.

[streaker]

This thing, I fear, is going to become worse before it gets better.

I know that many of us are angry and want to strike out at the villians (or their ethnic race) involved regardless of our political alliance.

From a personal standpoint my family is very anxious because we live amongst the largest Middle Eastern population in the country. Matter of fact, I have new neighbors that seem to be decent Arabic people. 99% claim that their beliefs do not condone religious zealot fanatical actions. Still, tensions here may run high. I hope people keep perspective and support the efforts of our rescue workers, support the victims and their families in a positive manner and leave the judgement and vengence to our government.

Still, I hope the government and its employees begin to take a tougher stance on admitting foreigners into this country and enforce these so called tougher security measures. We have been soft, ignorant and even arrogant for much too long.

[gophergutz]

Some others that will really suffer from this terrorist act are Arab-Americans. They could be the finest of people, but those ultra-wacko's that strap tnt to themselves and walk into a shopping mall are painting a bid image of them. You could be the most un-racsist person in America, and your still going to give any Arab (America loving or not) a second look. Its just a sad deal all around. I can't imagine the pain and harrassment that good and decent Arab-Americans are going to experience in the next few weeks/months.

[Da Big Bad Cow]

im certainly not proposing a witch-hunt against those of middle eastern descent or denying that many of them are good people, because they are....but you have to keep in mind that these fanatical psycho terrorists dont all live in tents and carry around machine guns....at least not the ones in this country. the people that live in boston or around the country with ties to bin-Laden look and act just like normal decent citizens.

[Tom Foolery]

My friend and co-worker, whom I sit right next to at work, is Arab-American and originally from Iran at that. He is a decent, hard-working man no different than you and I. He has the same fears as the rest of us. He is an <B><I>American</I></B>.

Here's an interesting note: a female co-worker of mine, who is at off-site training, called me when she heard what was happening at the Westin. She then proceeded to ask me "Is he still there? Well, you never know about <I>those</I> people". This is what I am afraid is going to happen to those in his situation.

[Jim W]

gophergutz,

People misuse the term racism a lot and I think this is a good time to clarify the appropriate terms.

What you're describing is not racism, it's prejudice. Racism is believing another race is physically inferior to another. Bigotry is intolerance to other races/views/religions/etc but not necessarily believing that they are inferior. Prejudice (pre-judge) is a dislike/hatred for a group based on prior experience.

People see arab terrorist acts, other arabs celebrating, etc. and become fearful of or hateful towards arab people. That's prejudice.

Sorry if that was off track. It just bugs me when people misuse those terms.

[Scott Murphy]

I agree that our response should not include attacks or retaliation against innocent Muslims and/or Arab-Americans.

Our responses should be directed against those, of any faith or background, who support terrorists. There are a number of cells in this country who provide logistics, support and other assistance to foreign terrorists. Those are the ******** who should be hunted down and dealt with accordingly.

[streaker]

I understand, Cow. I would think we Americans are going to look the other way now when the racial profiling of Middle Easterners takes place. It's the unknown percentage of scum that are utilizing our laws against us to protect them (even if they are not citizens)- so how do you find them? Do you pull all the green cards and start deporting? When are you considered an American? Do you violate their rights because they are Middle Eastern?

Do you stop immigration?

It's a moral dilemma considering that is how our ancestors got here.

This is the very fear that bin Laden wants- the things that will destroy what our country was built on. Notice that this coward doesn't do his own work. He, Milosovic and Hussein are truly the modern day Hitlers of our world.

[Kieron]

Originally posted by Badgers1
The Arabs were supposed to have a scheduled celebration in Milwaukee this weekend with over 10,000 people and broadcast worldwide. This has been cancelled by the Arab leaders in the area. I could just imagine the potetial problems if they hadn't cancelled it.

This was supposed to be Palestinian awareness week on campus, but in light of yesterday's events they called it off, I think. Apparently the group had tents on one of the lawns as part of their teach-in and an assistant crew coach who was recruiting next to them basically told them to eff off. Hopefully none of the arab students on campus will have to deal with some dumb-***** going off at them.

[Bomber]

FBI Guy just said that NO arrests have been made. I guess they have just brought people in for questioning.

[Jenna]

Jim just called me, He had to leave his apartment. He is doing well

I gave him all your best wishes, He said he will be in touch with me again. I will keep you posted

[HankWP]

... glad to hear that Jenna...

Henry.

[Tom Foolery]

Here's an interesting story on just how good those pilots were...


http://slate.msn.com/code/explainer/explainer.asp?Show=9/11/2001

[The Sicatoka]

Kieron:

I'm quite aware of Palestinians this week .... not sure if I like everything I've heard.

Nice spin control by Yasser Arafat to donate blood ....

[nate91b]

I think we need to take the gloves off and be the nasty ones for once. This business of not getting dirty sure is a way to promote these kind of attacks. Can anyone say "carpetbombing?" I mean, lets lay a nice carpet of 500lb bombs on whoever is to blame-whatever country is allowing this.

For those that are afraid of the terrorists getting more enraged... congratulations, you lose. Terrorists rule by fear and you caved in. Buck up, lock arms, and encourage our leaders to show an American version of terror that has never been seen in human history. Whoever dares to kill an American needs to see what terror is all about!!!

Our freedom and way of life was clearly attacked and there is no room for 2nd place in this one guys. It's either more dead Americans or we get brutally and fanatically tough. For those of you who are afraid, thank your armed forces for volunteering to do the fighting and dying for you. Consider yourselves lucky that that is what democracy is about-being able to live in peace. This is the greatest country on earth.

No more B.S. let's rile our military up for awhile and when we find the target, lets stand back and let them loose. God have mercy on whoever did this.

[NCAA watcher]

CNN reports that a passenger on Pennsylvania plane called relatives, was told that two other planes had been crashed into NY. He put down phone, took vote of the men on the plane, and they decided to storm the hijackers. That cellphone technology probably saved the Capital building or the White House.

[Jim W]

Wow, that's truly amazing. I can't fathom the horror so many thousands of people went through.

CNN is also reporting that NATO has invoked Article Five of its charter which means that NATO countries will allow and support any relatiatory strikes by the United States.

[Jim W]

BTW, the vote was unanimous.

[Badgers1]

Those people on the flight are true heroes and should be remembered as such. They may of saved thousands of lives and destruction.

[Ralph Baer]

Building #5 of the WTC just collapsed. I guess that it was just a matter of time.