Since yesterday, I’ve been thinking about the events that occurred in Boston, watching and reading online. Between the rumors, facts, interviews, tweets, Facebook posts, etc., my mind is on overload and these are but a few thoughts that my brain has come up with.
Note: this is not meant to provide facts about the case nor updates on the investigation. For that, go to CNN.
Misdirected efforts
To say “misdirected efforts” is just a nice way of saying that people can be idiots (and in this case, CNN too). Here we are dealing with a pair of exploding bombs at a large public event and people are getting their panties in a bunch because President Obama’s response didn’t include the word “terror”.
It’s pathetic that there are those who wish to throw in a political jab at a time when politics should be – at the very least – set on the proverbial back burner. (While writing this, I see that the President called this an “act of terrorism”. Hopefully that’ll shut a few people up.)
Our government at work.
Chicago Tribune, April 16, 2013
I am amazed that the Boston bombing was the first such attack on American soil since 9/11. I fully expected similar bombings and suicide attacks to be common in the last 12 years. There have been none. Nada. Zip.
For that, a big thank you to the men and women who protest us and our way of life on a daily basis: the military, police and fire departments, the alphabet agencies (CIA, FBI, DHS, etc.) and the leadership provided by both President Bush and Obama. I can’t imagine the the coordination involved and the resources needed to stop similar events over the span of a decade or more.
Gotta love Blackhawks’ fans
Chicago Blackhawk fans cheer and clap during the Star Spangled Banner. It’s not meant to be offensive, but rather show appreciation for what the flag, our troops, and our country stand for. (There are other reasons and versions behind the history of the cheering during the anthem, but that’s another blog for another day…)
Yet it seems as if tragic events make the national anthem at a Blackhawks game more special, the appreciation to our troops and country stronger, and our collective voices saying ‘fuck you’ to those responsible that much louder.
The National Anthem at the United Center, April 15, 2013 preceded by a moment of silence for the victims of the Boston bombings.
Poorly planned or lucky?
The two bombs that went off were two of either four or five. Meaning: two or three other bombs failed to detonate. Was this a sign of poor execution by the bombers? Or did we just get lucky? This is important when trying to determine the sophistication of those responsible. The reports of ball-bearings being included in the bombs shows, on some level, precise planning on the part of the maker.
Additionally, why were the bombs exploded at a time where there were less people around the finish line of the marathon? If maximum damage and carnage is the goal of such an event, the timing now becomes questionable.
USA!
Finally. While it’d be nice if Americans were nice, hell even cordial, to each other all the time, nothing brings us all together than when someone messes with one of our own. As in the aftermath of 9/11, the immediate out pour of support for those in Boston has been amazing. The front cover of today’s sports section of the Chicago Tribune (see above) is but just one example.
I just feel so sad about this. I hope they get to the bottom of it sooner rather than later. Thanks for your thoughts.
It’s probably a loner as the bombs weren’t sophsitacated and groups usually wouldve taken credit by now. And loners are not easy to find and defend against… just hope there won’t be any copycat bombs (which is a concept I have difficulty understanding).
One more thing along this line. I have long advocated tougher legal immigration laws and a no tolerance policy for illegal immigration. This video had a lot to do with how I now feel about ‘coming to America’ and how the American Dream must be considered in terms of economic reality:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=LPjzfGChGlE#!
Interesting video – though I’d love to hear any counter arguements to it…
My Marine Corps MOS (Military Occupational Specialty) went I went to inactive status gives me some insight into the Boston terror event. NO question this was terror — the question is who did it — domestic or foreign?
For those of us who experienced the Oklahoma City tragedy in 1995, I was quick to blame Arabs. Yes, I know that was pre-911 but the 1993 World Trade Center was bombed by the now imprisoned Blind Sheik so there was a logical reason in my mind to think terror. The Blind Sheik promised to try again — and the worst happened on 911.
Assuming the conflicting news reports finally boil down to bombs surrounded by shards of glass, BBs, barbed wire fragments and other similar items, it is safe to say that almost anyone could be responsible so the prudent course is to let the investigation unfold. It seems the authorities are handling the matter expeditiously and will find the culprits. Instead of life in prison, I would hope the public comes to realize that WE ARE IN WW THREE and the perpetrators should be hanged in public in Copley Square.
This kind of terror, whether by knives, guns or explosives will not stop deranged groups or individuals from inflicting damage so all this political talk about anti-gun laws is bogus and intended to influence the weak-minded to make emotional and not rational decisions.
I surf by TV remote and the Net for complete news information so I can make my own decisions and not rely on any one agenda driven source. As to CNN, I can only take the emotion-driven Piers Morgan for only minutes at a time. I am kinda waiting for him to plead for laws to ban explosives … or has he already done that?