In Orlando, round up the usual suspects
"That … that particular ideology," the FBI agent said.
What to do? Or say? The agent, describing the "domestic terrorism incident" in Orlando, in which 50 people were killed by Omar Mateen, could not bring himself to say "Islamic extremism."
And who can blame him? Pointing out that fact would malign every Muslim in the world, and make a mockery of U.S. foreign policy. We all know Obama's overtures abroad have softened jihadist hearts toward America. No, the reason for this attack lies elsewhere.
Not with the patrons of the gay club. We all know homosexuality is neither immoral nor perverse. A gay club would hardly be decadent enough to attract the wrath of a practitioner of the religion of peace.
No, the blame for this carnage falls on guns and the NRA. Those who insist on their right to protect themselves merely foment violence by their recalcitrance.
And why Florida? Surely it is no coincidence that Florida is a coastal state, one of the first to be inundated by the rising ocean should climate change remain unchecked. Possibly the gunman had been driven to despair by the prospect of planetary flooding. And the guns were there, too easily available for knives and mallets to be considered as alternative weapons.
We should ask ourselves as well whether Mr. Mateen was a social conservative, the sort who "clings" to guns and religion and, less and less so, his faith in government.
What of the police? Were their motives entirely professional and pure as they responded to the massacre?
Finally, could any of Donald Trump's rants have triggered this gunman's homicidal rampage? Hate begets hate. Katie Couric ought to check some of her past interviews with Trump, and see if she can edit a few.
Round up the usual suspects before Casablanca goes underwater.
Alexander Lee
West Chicago