Wake Up Call

[guywithmonsters]

I continue to hope that Americans will get past their outrage about the lives lost on 9/11 and stop to think why the terrorists and those who support them hate us so much. If we, as a nation, could get a handle on how we look and how we actually behave in other areas of the world we might stand a chance at stemming the violence.

But as much as I hope we can, I don't really believe we will. We're too complacent and too self-referential a society for that. Instead we will probably continue to be outraged victims of acts we can't or won't see the provocations for.

I am not saying that this type of violence is ever justified or that the death of innocent people is ever justified. I am saying that we, as a nation, aren't viewed as passive and innocent and that it is the covert actions and public policies of our government that help create the negativity. there will always be someone to rally against a people, but it's a lot easier when they consistently behave badly.

Al Qaeda plotter tells jury of his hatred for Americans from CNN.com.

Comments

[goreyboy.livejournal.com]

I know, I'm just saying we're not the innocents we'd like to believe we are and that there's more (and more likely better) ways to fight terrorism than using the military.

[mondragon.livejournal.com]

Those are both very different statements.

I couldn't help but see this:

"I continue to hope that gay people will get past their outrage about the anti-gay movement and stop to think why they and those who support them hate us so much. If we, as a minority group, could get a handle on how we look and how we actually behave we might stand a chance at stemming the violence."

Yes, the US has a lot to be ashamed of. We, who are funding these actions, are responsible. But did you read his top three reasons? Two of them were for support of Israel and for not being Muslim. You really think that these are things we have to examine, other than to say they're not acceptable reasons for terrorism?

[goreyboy.livejournal.com]

I had hoped the trial would prompt a look at terrorism and anti-American sentiment in general - he's a nut case.

I know, it wasn't clear because I had that link in there. It was more to book mark it for myself - I had wanted to grab it to really read rather than skimming after classes.

I tend to forget anyone might be reading what I'm writing, though I have gotten a lot better about marking things private that'll cause drama/more confusion.