I know some will discount this, but whatever. It's long
https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publica ... -shootings
Shootings
- Ritterskoop
- Posts: 5728
- Joined: Thu Oct 11, 2007 10:16 pm
- Location: Charlotte, NC
Re: Shootings
That was a good read, thank you. You might like to check out The Sunday Long Read, an emailed list each week of this kind of longform journalism.
I have two comments on this piece.
One, I am grateful that they said "half-staff" and not "half-mast," which is rarely appropriate unless there is a boat under your cemetery or parking lot. There actually is one situation like this at Arlington, a boat underground, but anyway.
Two, I was curious about the distinction some folks make about whether an attack is or is not terrorism. Aren't they all terrorist, in that the perpetrator is trying to gain power through fear? Or does "terrorism" imply (for some people) that the bad person is a particular color, because for me, the bastard that shot up the church in Charleston is a fucking terrorist, end of argument. Not saying his name.
Oh, and observation #3 - I liked the way they talked about how some presidents and administrations, as long as they could, tried to draw attention to the heroes or would-be heroes in the shootings, rather than saying the names of the bad guys. The cop who did our talk on workplace shootings went two hours, describing several of the bigger-known events, and never said any of their names. It was fantastic.
I have two comments on this piece.
One, I am grateful that they said "half-staff" and not "half-mast," which is rarely appropriate unless there is a boat under your cemetery or parking lot. There actually is one situation like this at Arlington, a boat underground, but anyway.
Two, I was curious about the distinction some folks make about whether an attack is or is not terrorism. Aren't they all terrorist, in that the perpetrator is trying to gain power through fear? Or does "terrorism" imply (for some people) that the bad person is a particular color, because for me, the bastard that shot up the church in Charleston is a fucking terrorist, end of argument. Not saying his name.
Oh, and observation #3 - I liked the way they talked about how some presidents and administrations, as long as they could, tried to draw attention to the heroes or would-be heroes in the shootings, rather than saying the names of the bad guys. The cop who did our talk on workplace shootings went two hours, describing several of the bigger-known events, and never said any of their names. It was fantastic.
If you fail to pilot your own ship, don't be surprised at what inappropriate port you find yourself docked. - Tom Robbins
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At the moment of commitment, the universe conspires to assist you. - attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
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At the moment of commitment, the universe conspires to assist you. - attributed to Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.
- Beebs52
- Queen of Wack
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Re: Shootings
I, personally, think terrorism has nothing to do with color, ethnicity. It is just terrorism.
Well, then
- Bob78164
- Bored Moderator
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Re: Shootings
For me, what makes it terrorism is whether the attacker is using terror in an effort to accomplish a political goal. I don't think the crazy who shot up Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was a terrorist. I just think he was sick. --BobRitterskoop wrote:Two, I was curious about the distinction some folks make about whether an attack is or is not terrorism. Aren't they all terrorist, in that the perpetrator is trying to gain power through fear? Or does "terrorism" imply (for some people) that the bad person is a particular color, because for me, the bastard that shot up the church in Charleston is a fucking terrorist, end of argument. Not saying his name.
"Question with boldness even the existence of a God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear." Thomas Jefferson
- Beebs52
- Queen of Wack
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Re: Shootings
Don't forget social, religious and criminal terrorism.Bob78164 wrote:For me, what makes it terrorism is whether the attacker is using terror in an effort to accomplish a political goal. I don't think the crazy who shot up Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School was a terrorist. I just think he was sick. --BobRitterskoop wrote:Two, I was curious about the distinction some folks make about whether an attack is or is not terrorism. Aren't they all terrorist, in that the perpetrator is trying to gain power through fear? Or does "terrorism" imply (for some people) that the bad person is a particular color, because for me, the bastard that shot up the church in Charleston is a fucking terrorist, end of argument. Not saying his name.
Well, then