US

Is ‘Homegrown’ Islamic Radicalism America‘s Achilles’ Heel?

WASHINGTON (AP) — The U.S. was slow to take seriously the threat posed by homegrown radicals and the government has failed to put systems in place to deal with the growing phenomenon, according to a new report compiled by the former heads of the Sept. 11 Commission.

The report says U.S. authorities failed to realize that Somali-American youths traveling from Minnesota to Mogadishu in 2008 to join extremists was not an isolated issue. Instead, the movement was one among several instances of a broader, more diverse threat that has surfaced across the country.

“Our long-held belief that homegrown terrorism couldn’t happen here has thus created a situation where we are today stumbling blindly through the legal, operational and organizational minefield of countering terrorist radicalization and recruitment occurring in the United States,” said the report, which was obtained by The Associated Press.

As a result, there is still no federal agency specifically charged with identifying radicalization or working to prevent terrorist recruitment of U.S. citizens and residents, said the report, slated to be released Friday by the Washington-based Bipartisan Policy Center’s National Security Preparedness Group.

The group, headed by former 9-11 commission leaders Tom Kean and Lee Hamilton, laid out a detailed description of domestic terror incidents ranging from the Fort Hood, Texas, shooting spree and the attempted Christmas Day airliner attack in late 2009 to last May‘s botched truck bombing in New York’s Times Square.

Over the past year, terrorism experts and government officials have warned of the threat posed by homegrown radicals, saying terror recruits who go abroad could return to the U.S. to carry out attacks.

But the U.S., the group said, should have learned earlier from Britain’s experience. Prior to the 2005 London suicide bombings, the British believed that Muslims there were better integrated, educated and wealthier than their counterparts elsewhere.

Similarly, the U.S. believed that its melting pot of nationalities and religions would protect it from internal radical strife, the report said.

The terrorists, said the report, may have discovered America’s “Achilles’ heel in that we currently have no strategy to counter the type of threat posed by homegrown terrorists and other radicalized recruits.”

U.S. officials have acknowledged the need to address the radicalization problem, and for the first time, the White House this year added combating homegrown terrorism to its national security strategy. The plan includes a “new interagency effort that brings together key stakeholders” and continued “outreach to communities across the country,” said Ben Rhodes, the White House’s deputy national security adviser.

The FBI, meanwhile, has worked to reach out to the Somali communities, in an effort to counter the radicalization of the youth.

The report also points to an “Americanization” of the leadership of al-Qaida and its allied groups, noting that radical cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who had links with suspects in the failed Times Square bombing and the Fort Hood shootings, grew up in New Mexico. And Chicagoan David Headley played a role in scoping the targets for the Lashkar-e-Taiba attacks on Mumbai in late 2008 that killed more than 160.

Abroad, Al-Qaida, its affiliates and other extremist groups have splintered and spread, seeking safe havens in undergoverned areas of Pakistan, Yemen, Somalia and places in North and East Africa. That diversified threat has intensified as militants reach out to potential recruits through the Internet.

Assessing future threats, the report lists potential future domestic targets, including passenger jets, western or American hotel chains, Jewish or Israeli sites and U.S. soldiers, even at their own bases in America.

And it also warns that it is no longer wise to believe that American extremists will not resort to suicide bombings. As an example they point to Army Maj. Nidal Hasan, who has been charged with killing 13 people and wounding 32 in last year’s shootings at Fort Hood, saying he had written about suicide operations in e-mails, and that his attack appeared to be one.

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Online:

Bipartisan Policy Center: http://www.bipartisanpolicy.org/

Comments (73)

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  • sim
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 1:02pm

    IS ‘HOMEGROWN’ ISLAMIC RADICALISM AMERICA‘S ACHILLES’ HEEL? “Yes.”

    Report Post » sim  
  • RESTORATION1787
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:56pm

    Add your comments

    Report Post » RESTORATION1787  
  • OneRepublic4us
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:25pm

    In 5 short years we can turn the Middle East back into cave dwellers with sticks for weapons. We just need to drill our own oil until all of their governments collapse. This will also deal a big blow to South America and destroy the communist regimes there.

    Report Post » OneRepublic4us  
  • jblazak
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:24pm

    American’s (and the rest of Israel) have forgotten the first Commandment “Thou shall have no other gods before Me”. They have let everyone’s god in and have forgotten their own God. God separated Britain and the commonwealth countries, America and Judah from the rest of the world and their gods for a reason! God through His people were to show the rest of the world that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob was the only God by which His vast blessings of national greatness and rich possessions could be given. We have all shamefully let our Great God and Father down through the cowardly guise of TOLORANCE to other gods. Our God is a jealous God. All the sacrifices and blessings He has made and given us somehow is not enough for His spoiled rotten children.

    Report Post » jblaze  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 1:04pm

      Are you denying that Muslims are monotheists? I am confused as to what your point is.

      By the way, speak for yourself. I do not need any silly preaching on an internet comment board to remember G-d. I am sorry that your faith seems to be in crisis–mine is quite intact.

      Report Post »  
    • Sunny
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 2:06pm

      Publi.. I agree on wanting evidence and research but when a person is giving their opinion, calling for evidence and research is beyond a base for debate. I understand you feel you are superior to most but you called my opinion “BS”.. Therefore, you attacked my opinion and dissolved any chance for a rational debate. You would not be debating anything here but yourself and your own views. And mind you, that is an Alinsky tactic..

      Report Post » Sunny  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 3:19pm

      Sunny,

      I don’t feel that I, in any way, “dissolved any chance for a rational debate.” You are, of course, free to respond if you do not feel that my taking issue with your repeated use of “PC” as a strawman was just. Instead, you have decided again to harp on this fantastical between myself and Alinsky–a stance that allows you to conveniently ignore the points I was attempting to make.

      So respond to my points if you think that your argument, opinion or whatever it was has been mischaracterized. For example, you seemed to have to misguided opinion that I lacked faith in Americans. I was happy to clear that up for you. Don’t worry–my feelings were not hurt.

      I did not realize that you are so sensitive that your concerns about a vast conspiracy involving terrorism, the Constitution and the President of the United States can’t be challenged. I don’t feel myself superior–I just want to see informed opinions.

      Report Post »  
  • idefine
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:24pm

    I hardly call adult imagrants to the USA “home grown”. It is just the media trying to say, look, we have homegrown American terrorist. Parnts American, grown up in america, kids grown up in america, integrated into society, that is home grown.

    Report Post »  
  • TaterSalad
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:11pm

    Now would be a great time for everyone to get involved and have one of the biggest Pig Roasts in this countries history and here is why. It will give new meaning to having some “Pigs in a Blanket”!

    http://exposingliberallies.blogspot.com/2009/10/general-pershing-on-terrorism.html

    Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 1:01pm

      I see. This is the solution–spreading unsubstantiated rumors. You are really showing the terrorists what it means to live in a free country.

      Report Post »  
    • Joseph
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 1:06pm

      Amen PubliusPencilman

      Report Post »  
  • wingedwolf
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:08pm

    There can be no doubt that islam makes for strong opinions and lively discussions. If I may inject some reason: Certainly one wouldn’t think that, after being born in the great USA, living and being educated here, that suddenly at some pre-determined age, the “radical fundamentalist islamic gene” just kicks in and a terrorist breaks free from it’s shell! They are being born HERE, bred HERE, and made into America-haters HERE, in mosques HERE. As I have said before and will continue to say, where are these so-called moderate muslims? There are a very few on TV and I believe they are sincere, for they are certainly exposing themselves to danger just by speaking aloud against the evil in their midst. I pray for their safety and survival and that of their families. But the real fight, if there is to be one, will only be fought when good people stand up IN THE MOSQUES and demand that the culture of violence be abolished from those places and that the clerics begin teaching peace and tolerance instead of hatred of everything not muslim. That is the reality people seem to be missing, either knowingly or not. Keeping your heads in the sand with your eyes wide shut will not change a thing or win over one heart or mind. Outside influences will never stop the culture of violence which is so very prevalent in islam. It will have to come from inside those mosques, just like the hatred, vitriol and deadliness did. That wasn’t born from the quoran. That was born of some freaks who got together in some mosque and decided that they could make people believe that was how the quoran is to be interpreted so that they could convert the world to islam and present it in triumph to allah. That evil was born inside the mosques and that is where the fight must be to end it. Unless and until these “peaceful, moderate” muslims begin standing up inside those mosques and demanding something different, this will continue and get worse. You have been warned.

    Report Post » wingedwolf  
  • OneRepublic4us
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:00pm

    Why isn’t the American Government and for that matter all of us DEMANDING that the American Muslim community police their own? If they protect and promote terrorists or in any way aid and abet them they should be held accountable and prosecuted for treason!!! Any organization that receives financial aid from anyone related to terrorism is responsible and should have their assets seized.

    Report Post » OneRepublic4us  
  • RobR
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:56am

    Only if we drop our guard allowing it to cripple us. I believe, starting with the new Congress in January, the whole discussion, on this topic, will pivot to what is best for real Americans, not the 1.5 muslims of the world or northern Europeans, as well it should .

    Report Post » Barack Must Go  
  • natstew
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:11am

    Why does it take so long for comments to be posted?

    Anyway, here’s more; Internment camps won’t work, or better yet, they’ll work like they did in Israel, creat more terrorist. They must be deported or killed. islam must be wiped off the face of the Earth if there is to be peace.

    I’m working my brain to see how islam fits into the Book Of Revelations. Being as we can’t wipe islam off the face of the Earth, maybe the final return of Jesus Christ will be the solution. In the meantime we must do everything we can to fight against the spread of this evil, Satan led cancer.

    Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 2:58pm

      This is splendid. I think I’ll save a copy of this particular post for when someone tries to argue that Islam is a religion of violence, unlike Christianity which is all sweetness and light. It is usually these people who are the ones promoting violence against someone.

      Report Post »  
  • PubliusPencilman
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:11am

    How interesting. An article on homegrown terrorism that makes no mention of the Oklahoma City Bombings, the Columbine shootings or the Unabomber. I suppose this might distract from the narrative that we want to create in which terrorism is equated with Islam.

    So yes. Homegrown Islamic terrorism is certainly a concern. So what would be our solution? To marginalize the Muslim minority and treat them with hate and suspicion? Sure–that’s always worked before. Typically when people find their rights being challenged, they instantly become model citizens. Right?

    publiuspencilman.blogspot.com

    Report Post »  
    • Freedomwatcherguy
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:43pm

      Publius,

      Most of us posting here our skepticism as to the motives of the GZ mosque developers don’t fall into the category of haters. Rather do we see evidence of a real threat and a disturbing effort to characterize those of us who question the builders’ motives as haters and bigots rather than a careful analysis of the issues to determine whether there is merit to the idea that this may be something much more than a question of religious tolerance or freedom of worship. PC seems to me to be functioning as a sort of secular religion that forces its adherents to frame every issue in relation to its cherished tenets to the exclusion of every other criteria. This, in my opinion, produces a form of blindness that can be dangerous. Your postings on this matter, in my view, reveal this blindness. But don’t take my word for it. I respectfully suggest that you read Andrew MsCarthy’s writings such as Willful Blindness: a Memoir of Jihadand, and see if they help put this into perspective. He is not some politico commentator or axe-grinder but a real veteran of the trenches in the struggle against Islamic terror. Then get back to me.

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 7:57am

      You see folks, FreedomWatcherGuy’s response was perfectly reasonable and actually responded to my argument. If everyone posted like this we might actually have a productive discussion.

      Thanks for referring me to this resource, although I doubt I’ll have a chance to read it anytime soon. I still think, however, that this issue of PC is undeniably a red herring, and a highly political attempt to associate blindness with liberalism. PC has to do with the terms of debate, not the actual facts as their are objectively presented–what you often term “PC” is an honest and I think necessary attempt to separate the terrorists from those in the Muslim community that are our best allies against this threat.

      By the way–your assertion that Andrew McCarthy’s book is somehow nonpartisan is not helped by the fact that it has a blurb by Rush Limbaugh on the cover.

      By the way,

      Report Post »  
  • natstew
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:59am

    As long as there are muslims in America there will be ,“homegrown” islamist terrorists. If you research the history of islam you’ll find that it is an evil, anti Christian organization that calls for world conquest by what ever means works. It is truely a tool of Satan.
    islam is a system of slavery. Only the ones at the top have freedom, and then only if they “play by the rules of islam”, in public.
    I’ve racked my brains for a peaceful solution and have found that there is none, islam itself prevents a peaceful solution. Peace to islam means surrender and compliance with sharia law, in other words surrender to slavery.
    islam is the greatest threat to civilization in the history of Mankind. Your, “peaceful”, muslim neighbor is either ignorant of true islam or is practicing deceit to defeat as called for in the koran.

    Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:31am

      What crazy method of empirical research leads you to such conclusions that Islam is “evil” and a “tool of Satan”? I don’t believe there is any kind of function within the study of statistics that reveals “evil” in any given set. Let’s see… mean, median, mode… and Satan.

      If you want to make a theological argument, go ahead, but don’t pretend that it is based on any kind of objective or scientific stance. You should know, however, that your conclusions are wholly unpersuasive.

      Report Post »  
  • mtnclimberjim
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:44am

    In the current state of affairs in iraq and afganistan. Why should one more troop die over there? They are not protecting our freedoms fighting over there. The muslim counties will never change. We will never win their hearts and minds. Bring our troops home. Lets see if these freaks of islam want to make a fight over here Secure our borders with our military. Time to circle the wagons. (I suppose there will be some dumb ass that thinks that was a racist statement) I don’t give a rip about the afgans or the iraqis. They have always killed each other and always will. Quit trying to kill with kindness and take them out!!!! It’s war.

    Report Post » mtnclimberjim  
  • ConsiderThis
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:43am

    My American friends – look north to Canada.
    Of the ten provinces, Ontario is the most populous, Canada’s economic engine and the destination of an ever-increasing number of immigrants from all over.
    In 2005, our peaceful Muslims had a proposal to allow for Sharia family law tabled in the Provincial legislature. Thanks to some observant people who took to the streets that was killed – but it hasn’t gone away!
    A couple weeks ago, the peaceful Muslims began lobbying for HONOR KILLINGS to be separated from murder in the criminal code! Why you might wonder? My guess is that once separated it can be dealt with differently, most likely in their own cultural communities. (And all over the world we’re seeing what Sharia law has in store for women).
    We are assured that won’t happen but the point is the so-called peaceful Muslims want Sharia law and they’re going to keep pushing.
    Be very vigilant because who wants to live next door to a situation where you know the women are treated as second-class citizens (at best).

    Report Post »  
  • TattooQ
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:27am

    Lets see… John Walker Lindh , Adam Gadhan , Amir Al Alawki , and several Jihadists who were looking to fly off to Somalia to link up with Al Shabaab come to mind . How many examples of homegrown jihadists do we need to know “Houston ( and everywhere else) , we got a problem ” ?

    Report Post »  
  • Joseph
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:23am

    Not a good time to be a Muslim in this country,every action now will be watched. It’s like what happened to the Japanese days after Pearl Harbor my aunt said. These extreamist and the Sharia supporters are going to hurt the moderates. But it will show the moderate Muslims how they really care for them, just like the administration in Washington.

    Report Post »  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:43am

      Joseph, with all due respect, who is it you consider a moderate? If these people are really sincere in their belief against the culture of violence, why in the name of anything holy aren’t they standing up in these mosques and DEMANDING, not asking, not begging, but DEMANDING that the culture of violence and hatred of other cultures and religions cease being taught in them? I understand that it would be death to do that in iran. But this is not iran. When I see and hear that they are standing up, loud and proud in their own mosques and demanding that the peaceful religion’s peaceful clerics begin teaching only of a culture of peace, I will believe. Until then I will not be lulled into complacency while they’re shoving something unpleasant up our collective @%#$. Get head out from sand.

      Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • Joseph
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 1:02pm

      wingedwolf,

      I would consider the one’s in the Black Robe Brigade, the Imams speaking out againt the extreamist and risking their lives in doing so, and other schloars. Perhaps you should look at Nazi Germany, Many of these poster compair Islam to it. And we know what happened to the people that spoke out against the Nazi’s. Or lets take it a bit forward in time. Selma Alabama? Perhaps you may be blinded by anger and rage not to see any Good Muslims. I mentioned the Japanese because many people saw all “Japs” as they put it as animals and subhuman. One Phraise used was, “Slap the *** Right Off of the Map” This is a pleasant part of our history, isn’t it wingedwolf ?

      Anyone that wishes to justify their stand in blind hate fueled violence is not a Christian, or an a American, but this is my oppinion and I’m a minority here, I can see that. Go ahead wingedwolf, become that in which you hate. Then you can be the master and then become the victumizer. I’m sorry for you and will pray that you may see more clearly

      Report Post »  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 3:52pm

      “IF” there were any such thing as “Moderate” much less “Peaceful” Muslims, they would have long ago policed their own ranks and ALL the so-called “Extremist” Muslims would be in prison or better yet rockin it on out with their 72 virgins. ISLAM is NOT a RELEGION of any sort. IT IS a TOTALTARIAN POLITICAL movement, bent on world domination. Just as Osama Bin Laden opined that every American Taxpayer was the Enemy of Islam, we best come to realize it works in the opposite direction just the same. The only GOOD MUSLIMS are the ones that are no longer, by whatever method, in the United States of America. This includes the Imam that resides in the White House currently.

      Report Post »  
  • red penny
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:00am

    When will we learn that “STUPIDTY” is a terminal disease?

    Report Post »  
  • ozmanrulez
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:39am

    WOW,how long till we have Muslim internment camps?

    Report Post »  
    • Rob
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:44am

      Will we be allowed to mix them in with the people in the illegal alien camps… or are you bleeding hearts going to insist on seperate camps?

      Report Post »  
    • wingedwolf
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:34am

      Rob, 1st there will have to be a commission convened to make that decision. Then the unions will have to be consulted about who to hire to build the camps. Once the camps are built, the ACLU will be suing to get satellite TV and high speed internet into the camps. Then the EOOC will have to come in to make sure the camps will be staffed according to government quotas. After that, ACORN will be appointed to enable those inducted into the camps to set up housing and distribute welfare and food stamps.

      Report Post » wingedwolf  
    • GOTT-EM-MAUSER
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:06pm

      Actually the ONLY big HOLDUP is determining just the RIGHT porportions of each, so the FIRES don’t go out on their own.

      Report Post »  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 1:08pm

      You think that’s how it will go down WingedWolf? Of course, things won’t get that far because your hated liberal groups will actually stand up for the rights of the minority that are guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Consequently, these are the same people who will stand up for you when they try to send you to a camp for crazy bigots.

       
  • Rob
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:07am

    There are now more mosques in France than churches, there are now more mosques in ENGLAND than churches, sharia law is LEGAL in England now… we have conflicts with islam that we never even would have thought of before.. it is here now, and the weak, politically correct liberals and RINOs are intent on letting it happen… we are doomed.

    Report Post »  
  • wpwilder
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:59am

    ‘Homegrown’ islamic radicalism is America‘s achilles’ heel ONLY if we try to fight it while being “politically correct”. Political correctness in many ways is America‘s achilles’ heel.

    Report Post »  
    • EqualJustice
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:20am

      SOOOO TRUE! The only ones allowed to be OFFENDED are the majority, middle class, tax paying, legal US Citizens! Sad… Let’s take our country back, please. Why do so many of those who come here because of our lifestyle and our freedoms, then try to CHANGE things? We must remember WHO WE ARE ALWAYS!

      Report Post » EqualJustice  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 2:56pm

      Specifics?

      Report Post »  
  • wpwilder
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:55am

    PostProgressiveAmerican
    “I should point out that I am the son of an immigrant and have a very diverse family which includes immigrants from all over the world.”

    90% of Americans come from immigrants. LEGAL immigrants built this country from the ground up.

    Report Post »  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:58am

      Absolutely.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • Rob
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:09am

      I am tired of all this immigrant crapola… sure, my family came here a hundred and fiftey years ago or so… but I have NO connection of anykind to anyplace except the United States of America… I am NOT an immigrant.

      Report Post »  
    • 30moves
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:12am

      Agreed!

      I might add that America was built by legal immigrants that wanted to be Americans because they admired our laws and freedoms.

      They even learned to like baseball and apple pie! :)

      Report Post »  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:09am

      Rob,

      My mother is an immigrant and she gets offended when anyone refers to her as anything other than an American…the last time I made a comment to her (jokingly) on the topic, the replied that she is a better American than I am because she is here by choice, not by chance of birth. After some thought, I had to agree with her. Being American is more about the philosophy, values and principles, not the location of birth. I welcome all immigarnts that want to be American, to be free.

      Poorly worded again, sorry.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:39am

      WPWILDER,

      Then I assume you fully support attempts to ease restrictions of LEGAL immigration, so that more immigrants can legally experience what it means to live in a free country.

       
    • wpwilder
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 4:18pm

      PubliusPencilman,

      That will depend on which “restrictions of legal immigration” you are talking about.

      Report Post »  
  • Texas Patriot
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:33am

    One talking head I heard yesterday said that there was no common thread among the terrorist any longer.

    Well the common thread is that they are all Muslim, they were and are all led into terrorism by an Iman, and those Imans teach their hate out of a Mosque.

    No all Muslims are not hate mongers, but do not let Political Correctness lull you into apathy America.

    Report Post »  
    • Sunny
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:26am

      You are absolutely correct Texas, and I posted this as a reply to another story on Blaze..

      The more PC we become when it comes to the religion of Islam, the more we set ourselves up to be used and taken advantaged of..i.e; the GZ mosque. They are using our own constitution against us and our POTUS is helping them. We need to get real about radical islam and face it for the real threat it is, rather than cowering to every threat they make reference their religion… and to me, those threats are terrorism, plain and simple.

      Report Post » Sunny  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:36am

      Explain exactly how the problem is “political correctness.” You’ve admitted yourself that not all Muslims are violent extremists–is this considered a surrender to PC? Does following the Constitution mean that you are a slave to PC? Does not participating in rhetoric that marginalizes a minority group within this country constitute bowing to PC? Does not supporting the institutionalization of racist and discriminatory practices in a free country mean that you are surrendering to the unholy god of PC?

      Frankly, your fear of PC is BS.

      Report Post »  
    • Sunny
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:39am

      Publi, you are questioning everything and wanting evidence…A follower of Alinsky per say?

      Report Post » Sunny  
    • Sunny
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:52am

      Also Publi, your blogs reiterate your lack of faith in Americans and I noticed the Alinsky tactics the minuet you started attacking people for their beliefs.. Too bad they are not YOUR beliefs. You would not have to be here, setting us straight and having to reply to OUR ill conceived comments. But such is the life of liberal blogging..

      Report Post » Sunny  
    • PubliusPencilman
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:55pm

      God forgive that we base any of our arguments on evidence and rational thought. I know little about Alinsky and I prefer to think of myself more of an adherent to the concept of disinterestedness that was so important to the founding of this country.

      I appreciate you visiting my blog, but I’m afraid that you jumped to the wrong conclusion. I have great confidence in Americans, and that is precisely the reason why I have faith in the idea of an open and lively debate. Those who throw around false labels and prefer to dismiss those that disagree with them as liberals, progressives and Alinskyites are the opponents of free debate.

      I am a proud American, born and raised, and you would prefer to ignore me than to deal with the rather important issues that I raise. What does that say about YOUR faith in Americans?

      Report Post »  
  • mara123
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:12am

    Our Achilles’ Heel are the Idiots in Washington.

    Report Post » mara123  
    • motomatt
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:32am

      Mara-no….our Achilles heel is the idiots in America that voted for the idiots in Washington. Obama is not as much the problem as the almost 70M Americans that were so easily duped to vote for Hope and Change. And it’s a LOT easier to vote someone out of office than it is to fix stupidity and ignorance.

      Report Post »  
    • Dodsfall
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:38am

      You are correct. Which ones have done more damage to the country?

      Report Post » Dodsfall  
    • Cemoto78
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:34am

      motomatt, your words ring so true. If voters would actually become engaged with issues rather than if the person telling them what they want to hear and giving them a “tingle up their leg”, we would be so much better off.
      One of the biggest reasons our borders have not been secured is due to greed, corruption, and the elitist class thinking they could get more votes. This is so disgusting. Living in Arizona for the past 20 plus years I have seen such a change in the make up of the state. Thus, when our legislature and Governor decide to do something about this invasion, the feds do everything possible to keep the doors open. To allow illegal behavior, such as illegal immigration, makes a mockery of our supposedly being a nation of laws. Both political parties are implicit and enablers of this. The boiling point is coming closer and closer. To make matters even worse, we go after a state that wants to protect it’s citizens but allow, or turn a blind eye, to sanctuary cites and states. This really makes ones head hurt.

      Report Post » Cemoto78  
  • PostProgressiveAmerican
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:11am

    Our immigration policies are the primary cause, especially the one I like to call “Friends and Family” which was determined to be fraught with fraud and is now being reinstated and expanded (http://www.jihadwatch.org/2009/05/obama-reinstating-immigration-program-that-has-brought-24-suspected-jihadists-into-the-us.html).

    Combine that with a reluctance to squash Islamic radicalization in this country and, well, we will eventually have to pay the piper….and we are (http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Pages/AmericanAttacks.htm).

    Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:24am

      Having lived in Texas for 33 years I witnessed the invasion from the south because of the OPEN border policies. This policy you are talking about is another very good point and observation about what this article is about. It used to be that the only way you could immigrate to this country is if you could contribute to our nation. America was looking for talented immigrates and had strong rules of entry. Now we have NO rules of entry and the very “Government Stupid” that makes our laws is NOT enforcing them for VOTES. Now if that is not SPECIAL INTEREST then what is. Both of your beloved parties are guilty as charged. We have two ethics trials going on. Some of us are waiting for the first TREASON trial to take place. Maybe the Wiki-leaks TRAITOR could be the first and then we look into the 545 people past and present that have betrayed WE THE PEOPLE !!!

      Report Post »  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:38am

      I should point out that I am the son of an immigrant and have a very diverse family which includes immigrants from all over the world. The immigrants in my family are all leagal (including the hispanics) and are the most vocal supporters of stopping the flow of illegal immigrants, much more so than I.

      “Not Violent, Not Racist, Just Not Silent Anymore.”

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • 79USMC83
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:00am

      I grew up in the deep south ans saw the racial conflicts then moved to Texas. I have many friends of all backgrounds. One family member has adopted two BEAUTIFUL kids from Guatemala. Former sis in law married a Hispanic American. This country is the MOST NON-Racial in the world. The media and others act like America was the ONLY country that had slavery. Name ONE Europe country that has elected a black Prime-Minister?? Thanks for pointing out reality. God Bless You and your family. My family came over fleeing TYRANNY in the 1700′s. Even the Indians Immigrated here!! But when you have put in place a Government and have borders you have to control population growth. You do that through Immigration.

      Report Post »  
    • Independent Tess
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:30am

      Glad you mentioned feelings of legal immigrants about those who are illegal. I always felt like I would be royally p***** to see someone who slipped in given amnesty after all the hard work I had gone through to earn my citizenship!

      Report Post » Independent Tess  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 9:56am

      First thing we need to do is control the borders and enforce the law.

      After that, we can provide a form of amnesty: 6 months to apply for a permanent visa or a work visa…after that, prosecute and deport. Afterall, why would we reward criminal behavior (illegal immigration) with citizenship? And why give it to migrant workers that do not necessarily even want it (that’s what Green Cards are for).

      I personally believe that giving people something for nothing, whether it be citizenship, homes or money (welfare) destroys the inherent value of the item. If you earn it, you will value it and respect it.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • natstew
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 10:43am

      Progressive Americans are the ones who have allowed our immigration policies to become a national disgrace, and to a lesser degree all of us for electing these self serving embiciles to “serve” us.

      Report Post »  
    • ProgressivesLoveAmerica
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:55pm

      No, homegrown Islamic radicalism is absolutely NOT “America‘s Achilles’ Heel.”

      That’s just more fear mongering Talking points.

      Muslim radicals are composed of losers who need to get a hobby or become more involved with more constructive outlets for their energy. Look at Nidal Malik Hasan. All that guy needed was wife. Instead, he takes out his frustrations on his fellow men & women in uniform while using his Muslims religion as some kind of stupid excuse.

      As for Somali youth, they need to be integrated into American society. They need to take up hobbies normal American you would take up.

      We need to stop treating this like some kind of war & start treating it like a social problem that deals with crime. It’s a criminal issue. It’s a social issue.

      There’s no need to over-react. First, think rationally, then act rationally.

      Report Post » ProgressivesLoveAmerica  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 13, 2010 at 4:30am

      Wow. Wives and hobbies to counteract terrorism? A social issue? Just WOW.

      I would argue that the problem is much deeper, much more fundamental. I would argue that the tenants of Islam, when accepted as written, are diametrically opposed to the those of the West, the US and Judeo-Christian philosophy upon which our societies are based.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
  • 79USMC83
    Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:06am

    This is a very touching article about Marine L/Cpl Christopher Blake Rodgers who was laid to rest yesterday on Sept.11, 2010.

    The media and the world are focused on a Pastor in Florida and now a few Americans out of 300 million citizens seeking their 15 minutes of fame for burning a book. Oh and lets not forget the media wants badly to know what FREAKING PARTY these despots belong to. Are they Tea Party or Far-Left Loons. These nuts have been in the news longer than the Fort Hood JIHADIST was. You want to talk about homegrown JIHADISTS. The elephant in the room that no media wants to discuss . It is the KORAN and SHARIA LAW MUSLIMS that make the JIHADIST. Not book burnings,western policy about some phony Palestine state or now the debate about a Mosque being built.

    Read this and weep like I did because this MARINE is a true PATRIOT protecting yours and mine FREEDOM OF SPEECH.

    At least read to the fourth paragraph about why he joined the MARINES. At eleven years old he realized America was being ATTACKED.

    http://www.griffindailynews.com/view/full_story/9441421/article-Marine-Lance-Cpl–Christopher-Blake-Rodgers-May-4–1990—Sept–1–2010-Griffin-residen

    Report Post »  
    • PostProgressiveAmerican
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 8:33am

      Thank you for passing along the story of this brave young American – I cannot express enough the mixed feelings I have of graditude, respect and sorrow that I feel. I am privy to many of the incident reports from overseas and I die a little inside each time I read about another young American who gave his or her life so that the rest of us can remain free.

      To have our soldiers on the front line to face the threat head-on is understandable and required; but to have our Politicians allow the threat in the back door is unthinkable.

      I am sorry if my words do not properly convey my feelings on this issue.

      Report Post » Post-Progressive American  
    • marksman234
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 11:14am

      My brother knows the family and I think they were acquaintances although they were in different units. its been very hard on them. I’ve heard that he was a great Marine. My family has been taking it hard when we hear news like this because it could be my brother next. God bless our Marines and all our troops serving over seas. May they one day bring an end to the evil that is being committed in the name of God.

      Report Post »  
    • PeterBreitholtz
      Posted on September 12, 2010 at 12:49pm

      Everybody’s worried about stopping terrorism. Well, there’s a really easy way: stop participating in it.
      ~Noam Chomsky

      Report Post »  
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