Shooting at Seattle Federation, July 28, 2006
What I can't seem to understand is why this story did not make national headlines. This past Friday at 4:30pm, a lone gunman forced a 13 year old girl at gunpoint to let him into the building where the Jewish Federation in Seattle is located.
The gunman is a Pakistani American, who grew up in the tri-city area in Washington. He comes from an affluent family, did well in high school and aspired to be a dentist. Lately, he had alerted local safety patrol officers when he exposed himself to some women at a shopping mall. The week prior to the shooting he was in court facing charges of indecent exposure .
So, after receiving an ordinary parking ticket this past Friday, he proceeds to force his way not the Jewish Federation offices, where he shot 6 people. One woman died, the rest have gunshot related injuries. amogst those injured is a pregnant woman. The woman at the front desk called 911 and in a taped conversation, we hear Mr. gunman make references to the situation in the middle east, in addition to his general angst with normal society.
apparently, he chose his target by going online and looking for Jewish organizations in the area. Even if this is a one time deal committed by a lone gunman, it is obvious to me that this is a hate crime.
NWCN.com News for NW Cable News This is the only news source that carries this story on the internet. I am not sure why this wasn't picked up by the national syndicates. Especially considering the current state of affairs across the world right now.
~~~~~
While I am uneasy with the amount of destruction that is currently overwhelming Lebanon, I support Israel's military campaign against Hezbollah, Hamas and Jihadists. For the first time in my conscious memory, Israel is committing herself to defending her citizens and her borders. She is taking initiative instead of quietly taking the abuse by Hezbollah and Hamas. Its like a child who is terrorized by a bully who finally learns karate. After years of hinding over lunch money, trinkets and getting punched in the jaw, the kid can now stand up for herself.
What worries me is that the general conflict reduces moderates. In conflict everyone must show their true colors, everyone must pick a side. Being moderate only signifies a passive support of one's beliefs. And for those who are alienated, discontent, impatient or hurt may now have the inclination to align themselves with those who are active, and those who are more active, are probably more dangerous.
The Seattle case is an isolated tragedy. Or is it? Although we can make inroads in influencing ideology, dogman and general perceptions amongst the world's population, Western society cannot eliminate all of the reasons why people align themselves with terrorists. But I think it would be prudent of this country and its media to publicize these random acts of hatred in order to declare that these acts are not tolerated. We must declare these crimes for what they really are: anti-Semitic, racist, despicable tragedies that we will not tolerate in our midst. As Israel is doing right now in the middle east, we have to stand up for ourselves and tell the world that these acts are wrong and will not be tolerated. Otherwise, how often will these incidents have to occur? Shame on the national media.
posted by kaenahora at
3:19 PM
7 Comments:
ive been wondering that all morning!
its so scary to see things escalate, so hard to know how much to react.. but in a case like this i think its clear that americans (and the news) should be outraged.. this isnt just some little corner store hold up!
4:31 PM
It's interesting how most Arab nations are taking the moderate stance on this war. They fear choosing extremes out of fear of condemnation and because Israel is truly in the right.
Also, I don't think its beyond worry that this war will debase the "moderate" civilians in Arab countries, particularly Lebanon, who will are being affected by the war. This can only serve to incite hate amongst the common folks. Nevertheless, Israel must fight on.
8:03 PM
nemo, for once we are in agreement (feels nice, for a change!).
Although I hear that Egypt, Jordan and the rest of the moderates are starting to feel the heat and demand a ceasefire. While they had originally expressed understanding towards Israel's position, they are starting to get ansy with the increased numbers of Israeli deaths.
11:23 PM
The US news generally speaking (most of the time) does not take the pro-Israel side. If it this piece of news was being discussed in the national media, a lot more people would be against the US's plans for cease-fire, and question Bush's roadmap plan (which is techinically still on the table).
Maybe we should actually do something about this (I know you personally are busy until after Tisha B'Av), but maybe we should call up the news stations. We can discuss how terrible this is amongst ourselves, but unless anything proactive is done, what's the point?
1:31 AM
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1:35 AM
By the way, quite a few more news sites post it on the internet. Like MSNBC and BBC, just do a google search.
1:37 AM
Yes, it's good to agree! Maybe I'm in a nine-days Ahavas Yisroel mood. LOL
Hate to sound like the accusatory Jew, but we all know that all the Arab countries hate Israel. At the beggining there was nothing to say because Israel was provoked, but slowly but surely the true nature of these countries is gonna come out. They'll take any excuse, whether it's "disproportionate" force or excessive death toll, to begin condemning Israel. I think some countries might also be a little scared; Jordan and Egypt would probably prefer not to start beef with Israel at this point in time.
BTW, I did hear mention of the Seattle shooting here in Australia, but of course, not on the scale that you'd like it pushed. The communal security group here is a little concerned these days though. There's tons of Lebos here.
5:38 AM
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