Alleged Cabbie-Stabber Hated Muslims, Linked to Tea Party Politician

US News • Views: 5,905

Michael Enright, the 21-year old accused of stabbing a Muslim cabdriver in a hate crime, kept a journal filled with anti-Muslim writings: Muslim cab driver Ahmed Sharif, victim in bloody attack, saw ‘so much hate’ in face of assailant.

Enright, a senior at the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, returned from Afghanistan in May after 35 days of filming a documentary about front-line troops.

When he was arrested Tuesday in midtown, Enright had a personal diary filled with pages of “pretty strong anti-Muslim comments,” a police source said.

The source said Enright’s journal equated Muslims with “killers, ungrateful for the help they were being offered, filthy murderers without a conscience.”

That comment sounds exactly like the kind of stuff you can find all over Pamela Geller and Robert Spencer’s blogs.

And right on cue, the right wing blogosphere is all screaming in unison that Enright was a “leftist,” because he volunteered as a filmmaker for a left-leaning organization, and that he was “pro-Park51,” because that organization supported Park51.

As if this illogical conclusion jumping will somehow absolve them of responsibility for creating a climate of hatred and bigotry in which violence flourishes.

UPDATE at 8/26/10 9:40:47 am:

The predictable narrative that Enright is a “leftist” is collapsing like a wet paper bag. L Magazine reports that Enright’s Facebook page featured a link (now removed, after his arrest) to Tea Party politician Greg Ball.

UPDATE at 8/26/10 10:10:09 am:

Also posted at Enright’s Facebook page:

UPDATE at 8/26/10 10:50:32 am:

To me, whether Enright is politically left or right is absolutely irrelevant. The only reason I’m bringing it up at all is to push back against the right wing’s utterly predictable knee-jerk attempt to muddy up the issue by seizing any excuse to paint Enright as a leftist.

We’ve already seen that this outbreak of bigotry isn’t confined to the right or the left. That’s not news.

But it’s obvious that the climate of hysteria, paranoia, and hatred that’s been stoked primarily by the right wing is going to push some borderline crazy individuals over the edge into violence.

UPDATE at 8/26/10 11:14:05 am:

A conflicting report about Enright’s diary from AP at the Washington Post:

NEW YORK (AP) - The man accused of slashing a Muslim taxi driver in the throat was carrying journals at the time describing his experiences in Afghanistan.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday that Michael Enright’s journals did not appear to contain anti-Muslim rants.

Jump to bottom

213 comments
1 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:18:40am

What a douche.

2 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:19:51am

*swoons!* Pammie quoted me! *gushes!* Oh, Pam... you had me at "[unintelligible]."

3 jamesfirecat  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:19:59am

You mean the guy who asked if someone was a Muslim, then tried to kill them when he found out they were didn't like Muslims? Who would have guessed?


///But remember he worked for a group that supported Park 51!

4 researchok  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:21:56am

The guy was a lunatic.

5 Killgore Trout  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:23:55am
The knife was not recovered, but cops found a leather sheath in the backseat of the cab.

This also suggests he he wasn't in a blackout. He had enough sense to hide the knife.

6 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:24:00am

He's not anti-muslim. His lawyer says so!

7 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:24:12am

re: #4 researchok

The guy was a lunatic.

That has yet to be proven.

8 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:24:41am

re: #4 researchok

The guy was a lunatic.


Right on que...
It was a Full Moon............/

9 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:25:05am

Pamela and her paramour the Poison Dwarf Robert Spencer are fuming and foaming at the mouth at me today. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

10 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:26:19am

re: #9 Charles

Your doin us proud!!

11 MarkAM  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:26:35am

Reposted from downstairs

What little evidence there is thus far suggests that Enright is at least a Tea Party sympathizer, since his Facebook page listed "Greg Ball," a northern Westchester/Putnam County Tea Party politician as one of his likes. Apparently the page has been altered since his arrest.

Screenshot and links in the comments:

[Link: www.thelmagazine.com...]

12 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:27:56am

re: #9 Charles

Sucks to be them.

13 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:29:05am

re: #11 MarkAM

Okay... how many pictures are there of this guy without alcohol in his hands?

14 garhighway  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:30:43am

re: #13 JasonA

Okay... how many pictures are there of this guy without alcohol in his hands?

One. The one where he has a shotgun instead of a drink.

15 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:31:48am

re: #13 JasonA

But...the photo with the Shotgun is really scary....
NOT!
Wish they'de remove that one....

16 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:32:02am

re: #11 MarkAM

Reposted from downstairs

What little evidence there is thus far suggests that Enright is at least a Tea Party sympathizer, since his Facebook page listed "Greg Ball," a northern Westchester/Putnam County Tea Party politician as one of his likes. Apparently the page has been altered since his arrest.

Screenshot and links in the comments:

[Link: www.thelmagazine.com...]

Yep. Apparently all the idiots who jumped to the conclusion that he's a "leftist" are now going to have egg on their faces.

17 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:32:16am

re: #11 MarkAM

Reposted from downstairs

What little evidence there is thus far suggests that Enright is at least a Tea Party sympathizer, since his Facebook page listed "Greg Ball," a northern Westchester/Putnam County Tea Party politician as one of his likes. Apparently the page has been altered since his arrest.

Screenshot and links in the comments:

[Link: www.thelmagazine.com...]

I'll bet his friends are totally stoked that their faces are being beamed around the planet in connection to him. Assuming some of them went to colleges elsewhere, they're probably telling their new friends, "Yeah, I knew him...we weren't that close."

18 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:32:56am

re: #17 darthstar

I feel bad for the babe in that shot.....

19 tnguitarist  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:33:04am

re: #16 Charles

Yep. Apparently all the idiots who jumped to the conclusion that he's a "leftist" are now going to have egg on their faces.

They'll spin it somehow. He's a plant!

20 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:33:09am

re: #13 JasonA

Okay... how many pictures are there of this guy without alcohol in his hands?

Does he have a drinking buddy who likes to piss inside mosques?

Drunken Man Yells "Terrorists," Urinates on Mosque Rugs: Report

21 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:34:40am

re: #19 tnguitarist

They'll spin it somehow. He's a plant!

For Pam Geller or Robert Spencer, or any of their supporters to suggest that he's a plant would be stupid beyond belief... there is no way they would take that tact to spin this... wait... er... nevermind.

22 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:36:09am

re: #19 tnguitarist

Like a shrub?
That's more like it!
He looks like a guy I beat the shit out of for using far to foul language around a bunch of girls...many years ago!

23 wrenchwench  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:37:35am

The people I know who have gone to Iraq and/or Afghanistan with the military come back with respect for Muslims. This doofus goes on a little embed and comes back a hater. I wonder whether he was properly screened for that embed.

24 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:39:15am

re: #23 wrenchwench

The people I know who have gone to Iraq and/or Afghanistan with the military come back with respect for Muslims. This doofus goes on a little embed and comes back a hater. I wonder whether he was properly screened for that embed.

Seriously. Just five weeks or so? My gut tells me his bigotry goes farther back then that. Just a hunch.

25 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:42:07am

re: #20 NJDhockeyfan

Does he have a drinking buddy who likes to piss inside mosques?

Drunken Man Yells "Terrorists," Urinates on Mosque Rugs: Report

These guys are giving drunks a bad name. I see a major uprising of drunks in protest over this maligning of their character...right after happy hour...and a nap.

26 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:43:43am

re: #16 Charles

So... he wasn't a plant?
/

27 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:44:34am

re: #26 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

So... he wasn't a plant?
/

Think "deep cover."

28 reloadingisnotahobby  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:45:06am

Drinking lowers the inhibitions so the TRUE Man/Woman is
revealed!
I'll call it The "Mel Gibson Syndrome".

29 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:45:42am

re: #9 Charles

Pamela and her paramour the Poison Dwarf Robert Spencer are fuming and foaming at the mouth at me today. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

Been out of touch this month, but something just made me think about the tip jar.

30 MandyManners  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:46:48am

I think of him the same way I think of that bastard who shot up that Jewish center in Seattle a few years ago.

31 lawhawk  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:47:13am

Enright is facing a whole world of legal hurt:

Mr. Sharif received more than two dozen stitches at Bellevue Hospital Center and was released. Mr. Enright was given a psychiatric evaluation there.

The Manhattan district attorney charged Mr. Enright with second-degree attempted murder as a hate crime, first-degree assault as a hate crime and criminal possession of a weapon. He was arraigned on Wednesday in Manhattan Criminal Court, appearing in cargo shorts and a polo shirt, and ordered held without bail. If convicted of the top charge, he would face up to 25 years in prison.

His lawyer is going to do all he can to emphasize the drunkedness and that he didn't mean his actions - deflecting attention elsewhere.

I don't think that will get him anywhere. And don't think for a moment that prosecutors wont be looking at his online writings, musings, connections, etc., in putting together their case to prove the hate crimes portion of the crimes (which serve to add to the severity of the charges and sentencing adding one class to each of the crimes charged).

Also, Sharif got real lucky according to the EMT treating him. If the cut to the neck was slightly different, he would have died.

The Times report also notes the following:

Mr. Sharif, who lives in Jamaica, Queens, with his wife and four children, came to the United States about 25 years ago and was a cook before becoming a cabdriver 15 years ago. He said nothing of this nature had happened to him before. Recently, some passengers asked him about the center planned near ground zero, he recalled, and he replied that he was against it, that there was no need to put it there.
32 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:47:14am

So apparently, rather than being a "leftist" who "supported the mosque," it turns out he was a raving bigot and a teabagger.

Imagine my surprise.

33 Fat Bastard Vegetarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:47:53am

re: #30 MandyManners

As I would think of a Jew shooting up a Muslim center.

Bad comes in all kinds of packages.

Gotta go for a quick three hour drive.

34 skullkrusher  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:48:49am

re: #23 wrenchwench

The people I know who have gone to Iraq and/or Afghanistan with the military come back with respect for Muslims. This doofus goes on a little embed and comes back a hater. I wonder whether he was properly screened for that embed.

That could be because the people you know don't have a serious case of the cookoos :)

35 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:49:02am

Brewster man charged with attempted murder known as tolerant 'gentleman'

A 21-year-old Brewster man charged with attempted murder after he allegedly slashed the neck and face of a Muslim taxi driver in New York City Tuesday, is known for being tolerant of other cultures and religions, the executive director of a multi-faith church organization said Thursday.

Michael Enright, who is being held without bail, is accused of stabbing the taxi driver after speaking to him in Arabic.

Enright has volunteered with the multi-faith church organization Intersections International and came to the office, the director said, as recently as earlier this week.

"We were kind of shocked and heart broken that Mike would, could be -- he's obviously innocent until proven guilty -- that he may of been involved in this situation," said the Rev. Robert Chase, executive director for Intersections International.

"He's always been a gentleman here and he believes in our mission and our mission is to build bridges between lines of cultures and religion," Chase said.

I guess he didn't know him as well as he thought.

36 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:49:24am

re: #31 lawhawk

Recently, some passengers asked him about the center planned near ground zero, he recalled, and he replied that he was against it, that there was no need to put it there.

I'm mentally readying myself to scroll over this soon-to-be talking point.

37 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:50:04am

re: #30 MandyManners

I think of him the same way I think of that bastard who shot up that Jewish center in Seattle a few years ago.

My cousin was in the next building that day when he killed that guy.

38 Killgore Trout  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:51:16am

re: #32 Charles

So apparently, rather than being a "leftist" who "supported the mosque," it turns out he was a raving bigot and a teabagger.

Imagine my surprise.

Alternate reality from Malkin and Fox News....

No evidence he was a tea party supporter or Republican (despite his link to a Tea Party Republican on his facebook page) and no evidence of anti-muslim sentiment (despite his diary).

39 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:54:00am

re: #38 Killgore Trout

Even if he was a member of Code Pink, how the hell would that absolve these ranting bigots of responsibility for creating a climate of hatred and potential violence?

People who promote this kind of garbage (he was a leftist! we win!) are either flat out liars trying to trick gullible people, or just plain stupid.

40 Mr. Crankypants  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:54:10am

howdy all...this is getting uglier every day, much like the screaming harpy.

41 Ojoe  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:54:13am

It is going down hill.

We went to (insert preferred religious destination) and it was down hill both ways.

42 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:55:32am

re: #31 lawhawk

He's "just a kid" blowing off "a little steam"...no real harm done...the big question is, does he get a public defender, or does he get some good legal coverage (meaning mom and dad have the money, or some "concerned citizens group" foots the bill).

This was a hate crime. He'll do fine in Attica...though he might be advised not to ask anybody in prison if they're muslim.

43 Mr. Crankypants  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:56:10am

re: #42 darthstar

He's "just a kid" blowing off "a little steam"...no real harm done...the big question is, does he get a public defender, or does he get some good legal coverage (meaning mom and dad have the money, or some "concerned citizens group" foots the bill).

This was a hate crime. He'll do fine in Attica...though he might be advised not to ask anybody in prison if they're muslim.

Lets send him to Guantanamo.

44 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:56:10am

re: #38 Killgore Trout

Alternate reality from Malkin and Fox News...

[Video]No evidence he was a tea party supporter or Republican (despite his link to a Tea Party Republican on his facebook page) and no evidence of anti-muslim sentiment (despite his diary).

Fully committed to ideology. Those people are the most irritating, no matter if "left" or "right" or whateverthefuck. Unable to ever admit error. Unwilling to concede the slightest fault. A cadre without a party. Ugh.

45 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:56:11am
When he was arrested Tuesday in midtown, Enright had a personal diary filled with pages of “pretty strong anti-Muslim comments,” a police source said.


Cue the "how convenient" brigade...

46 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:56:29am

re: #38 Killgore Trout

"Random incident of violence?"

47 Ojoe  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:57:01am

Meeska Mooska Mosque-kateer

Let's all grow up

48 skullkrusher  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:57:21am

re: #36 JasonA

I'm mentally readying myself to scroll over this soon-to-be talking point.

it'll be used to ironically justify anti-Muslim sentiment but it is interesting nonetheless. I haven't seen any polls of Muslim New Yorkers on what they think about Park51 - I'd be curious to see their opinions.

49 Mr. Crankypants  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:57:30am

re: #26 Fat Bastard Vegetarian

So... he wasn't a plant?
/

A begonia, perhaps.

50 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:57:52am

re: #46 JasonA

"Random incident of violence?"

Isolated incident.

51 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:58:31am

re: #39 Charles

Even if he was a member of Code Pink, how the hell would that absolve these ranting bigots of responsibility for creating a climate of hatred and potential violence?

People who promote this kind of garbage (he was a leftist! we win!) are either flat out liars trying to trick gullible people, or just plain stupid.

Neither liars (because sometimes they actually believe the stuff they are spewing to be true and correct) nor stupid (because they employ their populist strategy in a very smart way), but professional bullshitters (See On Bullshit, by Harry Frankfurter).

52 deranged cat  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:58:35am

re: #32 Charles

not trying to troll you, but is there any documentation regarding that? I just like to know the sources..

53 Kragar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:58:48am

re: #41 Ojoe

It is going down hill.

We went to (insert preferred religious destination) and it was down hill both ways.

Valhalla is not downhill.

54 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:59:41am

re: #4 researchok

The guy was a lunatic.

re: #7 JasonA

That has yet to be proven.

Oh, I think the proposition that he's a lunatic was pretty well proven by his actions. The question at hand is whether all of this "Muslims are taking over!" gibbering created a climate in which he felt that acting on his lunacy would be justifiable. And whether it may spur other lunatics to violence.

55 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:59:43am

re: #50 darthstar

Isolated incident.

Nothing to see here, I suppose...

56 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:00:11am

re: #54 elbruce

re: #7 JasonA

Oh, I think the proposition that he's a lunatic was pretty well proven by his actions. The question at hand is whether all of this "Muslims are taking over!" gibbering created a climate in which he felt that acting on his lunacy would be justifiable. And whether it may spur other lunatics to violence.

I think to call it lunacy lets him off the hook far too easily.

57 Killgore Trout  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:00:14am

re: #52 deranged cat

not trying to troll you, but is there any documentation regarding that? I just like to know the sources..

yes. He's a supporter of an Anti-immigrant Republican Tea Party candidate and links to him on his facebook page.

58 Ojoe  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:00:59am

re: #53 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

OK

Here comes Brunhilda

59 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:01:08am

re: #52 deranged cat

not trying to troll you, but is there any documentation regarding that? I just like to know the sources..

The link is right there in my post.

60 CarleeCork  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:01:55am

re: #51 000G

Neither liars (because sometimes they actually believe the stuff they are spewing to be true and correct) nor stupid (because they employ their populist strategy in a very smart way), but professional bullshitters (See On Bullshit, by Harry Frankfurter).

Fascinating.

61 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:02:03am

re: #57 Killgore Trout

yes. He's a supporter of an Anti-immigrant Republican Tea Party candidate and links to him on his facebook page.

That's been scrubbed...no longer an applicable fact. By tomorrow afternoon, they'll have his facebook page updated to liking Rachel Maddow, George Soros, and President Obama.

62 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:02:05am

The only left wing plant I know of:

Image: marijuana_leaf.gif

63 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:02:09am

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

64 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:02:12am

re: #57 Killgore Trout

yes. He's a supporter of an Anti-immigrant Republican Tea Party candidate and links to him on his facebook page.

I'm laughing hysterically...

[Link: twitter.com...]

Seriously, I can't fucking stop!

65 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:03:36am

re: #63 Charles

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

I resent the fact that his shirt says "Irish" on it.

66 Ojoe  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:04:04am

re: #63 Charles

Very low ceiling in that room, cramped architecture to go along with it all.

67 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:04:20am

re: #56 JasonA

I think to call it lunacy lets him off the hook far too easily.

It's solely the job of the NY judicial system to decide how "on the hook" he is. I'm sure they have that matter well in hand.

The only question I'm concerned with is how "on the hook" the anti-Islam brigade is.

68 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:04:27am

re: #65 darthstar

I resent the fact that his shirt says "Irish" on it.

You know, if I were drunk that shirt might look like the Saudi flag to me.

69 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:04:41am

re: #66 Ojoe

Very low ceiling in that room, cramped architecture to go along with it all.

And he DIDN'T MAKE HIS BED!!

70 Mr. Crankypants  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:05:02am

re: #67 elbruce

It's solely the job of the NY judicial system to decide how "on the hook" he is. I'm sure they have that matter well in hand.

The only question I'm concerned with is how "on the hook" the anti-Islam brigade is.

How about a treble through both lips?

I'm sorry these people provoke me to fantasy violence.

71 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:06:13am

re: #70 PT Barnum

How about a treble through both lips?

I'm sorry these people provoke me to fantasy violence.

I think a treble hook is going a little too far...hard to imagine that without wincing.

72 Ojoe  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:06:15am

re: #69 darthstar

Guy on the right has his finger inside the trigger guard too. Moron.

73 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:06:48am

re: #63 Charles

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

There is some regional variation. A lot of lefties here in Alabama like the "Atticus Finch" model.

74 Kreuzueber Halbmond  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:06:58am

He was clearly influenced by a hateful crone and a foaming gnome. It's an increasingly common phenom.

75 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:07:18am

re: #72 Ojoe

Guy on the right has his finger inside the trigger guard too. Moron.

And an Abercrombie & Fitch shirt...he's teh ghey...

76 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:07:50am

re: #63 Charles

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

He's not far off from looking like the Star Wars kid in that pic.

77 Mr. Crankypants  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:10:23am

re: #71 darthstar

I think a treble hook is going a little too far...hard to imagine that without wincing.

How about this one?

78 Ericus58  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:10:33am

re: #63 Charles

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

You're right - they're missing the Che poster.
/

79 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:11:03am

re: #77 PT Barnum

How about this one?

That's perfect...

80 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:11:57am

re: #63 Charles

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

No it's not... that's what I was looking for in the last thread... something substantial... facts.

81 Mr. Crankypants  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:12:11am

re: #79 darthstar

That's perfect...

Reminds me of that scene in Scarface

82 Mr. Crankypants  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:13:11am

Time to go back to work....bbl

83 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:14:17am

re: #78 Ericus58

You're right - they're missing the Che poster.
/

FTFY

Abercrombie & Fail...

84 goddamnedfrank  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:14:24am

re: #73 Decatur Deb

There is some regional variation. A lot of lefties here in Alabama like the "Atticus Finch" model.

Wait for Sherrif Heck Tate to show up and shove a gun into their unwilling but uncannily adept hands?

85 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:17:50am

In the entire "guilt by association" hot-potato war going on between the left and the right over this guy, the right has a much higher bar to clear. To argue that this can in any way be the fault of the left requires them to assert some kind of specific conspiracy. Nobody on the left (that I know of) is suggesting that he's part of an explicit conspiracy on the right; just that the media climate they're creating is spurring crazies to action.

It's one thing for a paranoid to walk around thinking that the Muslims are out to get him and watching his back; but when he sees websites, TV personalities, politicians, and screaming crowds saying the same thing, it's not a far jump to see why such a crazy person might think that it's time to take some sort of real action. What was their own personal psychosis is being confirmed by crowds in the streets and serious-looking people on purported "news" channels on TV. In fact, that "it's time to take action" meme is another message that the right wing routinely engages in (see: "second amendment remedies").

86 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:18:21am

re: #84 goddamnedfrank

Wait for Sherrif Heck Tate to show up and shove a gun into their unwilling but uncannily adept hands?

Masters of the reluctant one-round kill.

87 blueraven  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:18:37am

re: #73 Decatur Deb

There is some regional variation. A lot of lefties here in Alabama like the "Atticus Finch" model.

Atticus would never post a photo of himself with a rifle. He was the sort that used guns as a defensive measure not bragging rights.

88 simoom  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:21:57am

re: #11 MarkAM

Reposted from downstairs

What little evidence there is thus far suggests that Enright is at least a Tea Party sympathizer, since his Facebook page listed "Greg Ball," a northern Westchester/Putnam County Tea Party politician as one of his likes. Apparently the page has been altered since his arrest.

Screenshot and links in the comments:

[Link: www.thelmagazine.com...]

Just as further confirmation, here are a couple posts on LGF about the link yesterday, including a screen cap:
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

The link seems to have been removed, yesterday, sometime between ~noon and ~11PM PDT.

89 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:23:24am

Trying to link this idiot to any party is a huge reach. Granted his facebook links to a Tea Party politician. How many friends and causes do you think he has linked on Facebook?

Having said that the adults in the blogosphere and political universe should consider very carefully how their words and actions will influence the more impressionable among us.

90 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:24:44am

re: #89 DaddyG

Trying to link this idiot to any party is a huge reach. Granted his facebook links to a Tea Party politician. How many friends and causes do you think he has linked on Facebook?

Having said that the adults in the blogosphere and political universe should consider very carefully how their words and actions will influence the more impressionable among us.

Fortunately he survived, so we'll get to ask.

91 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:25:37am

OT:
Former IAEA Inspector Warns Iran Can Build Atomic Weapon

A former nuclear inspector for the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is warning that Iran already has the capacity to produce a nuclear bomb.

Olli Heinonen revealed the information in an interview with the French Le Monde magazine on Thursday.

According to Reuters, quoting the interview, Heinonen was an expert on Iran’s nuclear program during his tenure as the deputy director-general of the IAEA, heading the agency’s nuclear safeguards arm.

The Finnish official said the Islamic Republic currently possesses three tons of low-enriched uranium which has the potential to be used in building an atomic bomb.

Interviewed just prior to stepping down from his post this August for personal reasons, Heinonen said, “In theory, it is enough to make one or two nuclear weapons. But it makes no sense to go all the way to the final step, when one only has just enough material for two weapons.”

That's very bad news it he's right.

92 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:25:44am

re: #88 simoom

Just as further confirmation, here are a couple posts on LGF about the link yesterday, including a screen cap:
[Link: littlegreenfootballs.com...]

The link seems to have been removed, yesterday, sometime between ~noon and ~11PM PDT.

Is he still linked to The Beatles and Goodfellas?

93 MarkAM  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:26:21am

re: #88 simoom
Thanks. I missed that in the comments. I'm almost exclusively a lurker here, but I thought it was important to point out. Glad Charles saw fit to front page it.

94 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:26:54am

re: #90 Decatur Deb

Fortunately he survived, so we'll get to ask.

I'm sure his friends are lining up for CNN interviews so they can talk about what a great guy he is and how he wouldn't hurt a flea...or how they barely knew him and please, could you not show this on national TV?

95 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:27:31am

To me, whether he's politically left or right is absolutely irrelevant. The only reason I'm bringing it up at all is to push back against the right wing's attempt to muddy up the issue by painting Enright as a leftist.

We've already seen that this outbreak of bigotry isn't confined to the right or the left. That's not news.

But it's obvious that the climate of hysteria, paranoia, and hatred that's been stoked primarily by the right wing is going to push some borderline crazy individuals over the edge into violence.

96 gehazi  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:28:53am

re: #48 skullkrusher

it'll be used to ironically justify anti-Muslim sentiment but it is interesting nonetheless. I haven't seen any polls of Muslim New Yorkers on what they think about Park51 - I'd be curious to see their opinions.

If I was a Muslim cab driver in NY, I'd almost certainly tell anybody I even remotely suspected of being in the hate brigade that I didn't think the cultural center needed to be there.

97 MarkAM  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:29:01am

re: #89 DaddyG

He listed Ball as one of his likes. I think it's suggestive of his political stance, and Ball is the only political figure so listed.

98 Kragar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:29:50am

re: #96 gehazi

If I was a Muslim cab driver in NY, I'd almost certainly tell anybody I even remotely suspected of being in the hate brigade that I didn't think the cultural center needed to be there.

I'd feign disinterest as I drive the bastard the long way to whereever he was headed.

99 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:30:13am

On the face of it this looks like someone with mental illness who was acting out against the "enemy de jour". Yet another reason why the anti-Islamic propaganda is so dangerous and ill advised.

100 simoom  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:30:33am

re: #89 DaddyG

Trying to link this idiot to any party is a huge reach. Granted his facebook links to a Tea Party politician. How many friends and causes do you think he has linked on Facebook?

I agree in so far as thinking it gives any deep understanding of his politics. But it is useful as pushback against the silly Right-blogosphere narrative that Enright is some sort of Uber-Liberal who assaulted the cabbie as a king of false-flag smear of the Anti-Mosque folks. It's hard to picture a real died in the wool progressive promoting a shrilly anti-tax, anti-immigrant tea party politician.

101 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:30:34am

re: #94 darthstar

I'm sure his friends are lining up for CNN interviews so they can talk about what a great guy he is and how he wouldn't hurt a flea...or how they barely knew him and please, could you not show this on national TV?

He's already been to court, and I hope they have a nice, speedy, talkative trial.

102 Ojoe  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:30:59am

re: #95 Charles

Indeed.

Words find their actors.

Thomas Becket went down in just such a way.

103 harlequinade  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:32:29am

re: #32 Charles

The sad thing is that the raving right won't have to disprove that he can be linked to one of theres, they just have to say "He's a leftist" enough.

As soon as people on the left try and debate this issue, they'll have to have someone on the right - to balance out an interview - who will say "He's a leftist" over and over again. And the lie will be seeded.

Like we've said here in the past week - why aren't the Democrats pointing out the stuff that Jon Stewart is every night. He's practically writing their campaign ads for them.

I think I may have wandered from my point there. So - bringing it back: Facts may not matter to the raving right and the cable news cycle, shouting loudest will probably win the day.

104 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:34:26am

re: #100 simoom

I agree in so far as thinking it gives any deep understanding of his politics. But it is useful as pushback against the silly Right-blogosphere narrative that Enright is some sort of Uber-Liberal who assaulted the cabbie as a king of false-flag smear of the Anti-Mosque folks. It's hard to picture a real died in the wool progressive promoting a shrilly anti-tax, anti-immigrant tea party politician.

That makes sense. I just wonder if it is worth playing them at their own game.

105 simoom  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:34:48am

re: #100 simoom

I agree in so far as thinking it gives any deep understanding of his politics. But it is useful as pushback against the silly Right-blogosphere narrative that Enright is some sort of Uber-Liberal who assaulted the cabbie as a king of false-flag smear of the Anti-Mosque folks. It's hard to picture a real died in the wool progressive promoting a shrilly anti-tax, anti-immigrant tea party politician.

Sheesh -- typos galore (king = kind, died = dyed) :P

106 Ericus58  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:35:20am

Former Bush campaign manager flips on gay marriage

[Link: news.yahoo.com...]

"The news that former Bush-Cheney campaign manager Ken Mehlman is now openly gay and will fundraise and strategize for the campaign to legalize gay marriage is a stunning reversal. During Mehlman's tenure as head of the Republican National Committee and as an adviser to the 2004 Bush campaign, Mehlman helped spearhead some of the most aggressively anti-gay initiatives in American politics.

Though his sexuality was something of an open secret in Washington circles, in his public career Mehlman worked on , beginning with the proposed 2004 constitutional amendment to outlaw gay marriage.

Back in 2004, gay marriage was still a very effective wedge issue that the Republican Party used to generate high voter turnout in a tough election year, despite Vice President Dick Cheney's public disagreement with the strategy."

107 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:36:12am

re: #103 harlequinade

The Daily Show segment on the Tennessee Mosque almost made me pee myself last night. "Achmed! They know about the training camps!" Priceless.

108 skullkrusher  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:36:50am

re: #96 gehazi

If I was a Muslim cab driver in NY, I'd almost certainly tell anybody I even remotely suspected of being in the hate brigade that I didn't think the cultural center needed to be there.

no doubt - I'd still be interested in seeing the Muslim NYer perspective on this... anonymous polling I suppose :)

109 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:37:20am

re: #105 simoom

Sheesh -- typos galore (king = kind, died = dyed) :P


I can't respect a man who doesn't know how to spell a word more than one way. -Samuel Clements

110 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:37:24am

re: #106 Ericus58

Former Bush campaign manager flips on gay marriage

[Link: news.yahoo.com...]

"The news that former Bush-Cheney campaign manager Ken Mehlman is now openly gay and will fundraise and strategize for the campaign to legalize gay marriage is a stunning reversal. During Mehlman's tenure as head of the Republican National Committee and as an adviser to the 2004 Bush campaign, Mehlman helped spearhead some of the most aggressively anti-gay initiatives in American politics.

Though his sexuality was something of an open secret in Washington circles, in his public career Mehlman worked on , beginning with the proposed 2004 constitutional amendment to outlaw gay marriage.

Back in 2004, gay marriage was still a very effective wedge issue that the Republican Party used to generate high voter turnout in a tough election year, despite Vice President Dick Cheney's public disagreement with the strategy."

Now I don't want anyone claiming anymore that there are no high profile Republicans in favor of gay marriage.... you're wrong... wrong... wrong... this RINO is in favor of gay marriage :)

111 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:37:58am

re: #96 gehazi

If I was a Muslim cab driver in NY, I'd almost certainly tell anybody I even remotely suspected of being in the hate brigade that I didn't think the cultural center needed to be there.

If I was a Muslim cab driver in NY, I wouldn't pick up anyone I even remotely suspected of being in the hate brigade. Just drive on by.

112 iossarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:38:38am

re: #110 Walter L. Newton

Now I don't want anyone claiming anymore that there are no high profile Republicans in favor of gay marriage... you're wrong... wrong... wrong... this RINO is in favor of gay marriage :)

For all his myriad faults Cheney was probably as open to this issue as it was possible for him to be. Which is to say, not very.

113 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:38:52am

re: #106 Ericus58
The the Neo-con poster child was for gay marriage while the open secret closeted gay man ran a campaign against it. That brings new meaning to the phrase:

Politics makes for strange bedfellows.

114 webevintage  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:39:51am

It's all the fault of those progressive blogs:

Today on Fox News, right-wing blogger Michelle Malkin discussed the incident and argued that the real story is not about the hate crime, but rather, the progressive blogosphere. “Something really ugly happened,” she said. “Time and again, when something like this happens — any random incident of violence — there are people on the left with a knee-jerk impulse to indict the right.” As evidence, Malkin pointed to comments left on ThinkProgress:

MALKIN: Within an hour of this thing happening, people not really knowing fully who the perpetrator was and as details did come out, you know, this is no right winger, there’s no evidence whatsoever that he’s identified with the Tea Party and yet if you look at the comments and headlines of some of these blogs, let me read some. [...]

[T]he bilge spewing commenters at ThinkProgress immediately indicted Newt Gingrich, Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, and yes, right here it says, “Thanks Fox.”

[Link: thinkprogress.org...]

115 harlequinade  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:40:25am

re: #107 DaddyG

It was brilliant. And the whole "A mum"/"The Imam" :D

116 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:40:34am

re: #111 elbruce

If I was a Muslim cab driver in NY, I wouldn't pick up anyone I even remotely suspected of being in the hate brigade. Just drive on by.

I was saying yesterday that NYC cabbies should just stop picking up single white guys for a while...just to be safe. The impact on Wall Street would probably be significant.

117 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:40:38am

Reporter: Blue Dog Dem joked that Pelosi might "get sick and die"

...Blue Dog Dem Bobby Bright of Alabama has raised this to a new level, joking to constitutents that Pelosi might "get sick and die" before he has to support her again for Speaker, a local reporter tells me.

The Montgomery Advertiser reports that Bright, who is under fire for supporting Pelosi for Speaker in the past, joked to some voters that Pelosi might fall ill and pass away. The Advertiser only paraphrased Bright's remarks.

So I called the reporter, Cosby Woodruff, and he gave me Bright's actual quote.

"He had been asked a question from the audience about his support for Pelosi," Woodruff told me. "He said, `Let's wait until that comes up. He listed a long list of reasons why Pelosi might not run for Speaker of the House."

"The last one was, `heck, she might even get sick and die,'" Woodruff told me.

That's a pretty fucked up thing to say about the Speak of the House.

118 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:41:44am

I feel for Mehlman somewhat. There are always personal compromises to be made in professional life but to have actively worked on something so opposed to ones personal values and nature... That must have been one heck of a case of cognitive dissonance he had going on.

119 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:42:56am

re: #116 darthstar

I was saying yesterday that NYC cabbies should just stop picking up single white guys for a while...just to be safe. The impact on Wall Street would probably be significant.

I'd probably pick up a guy wearing a decent suit. But t-shirt and jeans? Hell no.

120 sagehen  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:43:13am

re: #17 darthstar

I'll bet his friends are totally stoked that their faces are being beamed around the planet in connection to him. Assuming some of them went to colleges elsewhere, they're probably telling their new friends, "Yeah, I knew him...we weren't that close."

And how about his friend in the military, the one who's the reason he embedded with that particular unit.

That guy's in Afghanistan. Right now. As we speak.

121 Ericus58  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:44:16am

re: #110 Walter L. Newton

Now I don't want anyone claiming anymore that there are no high profile Republicans in favor of gay marriage... you're wrong... wrong... wrong... this RINO is in favor of gay marriage :)

This is the part that caught my eye also:

"Back in 2004, gay marriage was still a very effective wedge issue that the Republican Party used to generate high voter turnout in a tough election year, despite Vice President Dick Cheney's public disagreement with the strategy."

I don't have the time atm to research Cheney's public positions from 2004 until now. Has he said his view on gay marriage?

122 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:44:28am

re: #117 NJDhockeyfan

Reporter: Blue Dog Dem joked that Pelosi might "get sick and die"

That's a pretty fucked up thing to say about the Speak of the House.

Wish y'all would stop whoppen on mah AL2 representative. Do you realize I'm going to have to vote for this clown?

123 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:44:29am

re: #114 webevintage

She is correct about the knee jerk blame game. The problem is she doesn't see that she is as much at fault if not more than any of her political enemies. Its like when the lamp hits the floor and all the kids who were playing in the living room suddenly weren't the ones that were throwing the ball.

124 shades  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:44:46am

Crap! Now I have to burn my Irish Yoga t-shirt.

125 Kragar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:45:17am

re: #111 elbruce

If I was a Muslim cab driver in NY, I wouldn't pick up anyone I even remotely suspected of being in the hate brigade. Just drive on by.

I think there are actually laws on the books which require cabbies to stop for fares or they can be accussed of discrimination.

126 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:46:05am

re: #122 Decatur Deb

Wish y'all would stop whoppen on mah AL2 representative. Do you realize I'm going to have to vote for this clown?

Who is he running against?

127 skullkrusher  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:46:07am

re: #118 DaddyG

I feel for Mehlman somewhat. There are always personal compromises to be made in professional life but to have actively worked on something so opposed to ones personal values and nature... That must have been one heck of a case of cognitive dissonance he had going on.

agreed - we can get all over the guy for his hypocrisy and Vichy-esque attitude towards the GOP/homosexual community relationship though he must've gone through a helluva time with denial, rationalization, all that. Too bad the guy didn't do the right thing when he had some say but I'd imagine he had a hard go of it - internally at least.

128 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:46:23am

re: #118 DaddyG

I feel for Mehlman somewhat. There are always personal compromises to be made in professional life but to have actively worked on something so opposed to ones personal values and nature... That must have been one heck of a case of cognitive dissonance he had going on.

The company he worked for had different accounts and different projects. He was filming front-line troops in Afghanistan. Whatever documentaries Park51 ordered from them were done by different people, and I doubt if he had any contact with those. However, he very well might have been aware that his employers also worked for Park51 at the same time.

129 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:47:10am

re: #120 sagehen

And how about his friend in the military, the one who's the reason he embedded with that particular unit.

That guy's in Afghanistan. Right now. As we speak.

I really hope the press doesn't continue down the facebook path. I've got a marine with very right wing causes linked to my Facebook because he's the son of a friend. That does not mean I advocate all of his causes (in fact I don't link to causes as a general policy). Facebook is a tenuous link at best, especially for kids who will link to any number of hundreds of friends and causes just to have the biggest freinds list around.

130 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:48:00am

re: #126 NJDhockeyfan

Who is he running against?

One of Sarah's momma grizzlies, Roby.

131 darthstar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:49:11am

re: #120 sagehen

And how about his friend in the military, the one who's the reason he embedded with that particular unit.

That guy's in Afghanistan. Right now. As we speak.

That guy's got a new set of friends, with whom he's probably bonded fairly closely as he's gone through basic training with them and now relies on them to keep him alive (and vice versa). I suspect that realization probably made Enright feel a little "left out" on his return to the US...if only he'd been courageous enough to enlist with his buddy...

132 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:49:23am

re: #129 DaddyG

I really hope the press doesn't continue down the facebook path. I've got a marine with very right wing causes linked to my Facebook because he's the son of a friend. That does not mean I advocate all of his causes (in fact I don't link to causes as a general policy). Facebook is a tenuous link at best, especially for kids who will link to any number of hundreds of friends and causes just to have the biggest freinds list around.

Would you still link him if these "right wing causes" ventured into white-power KKK sort of stuff?

It's a personal choice who you actively associate yourself with or whom you are actively distancing yourself from. I don't think it's wrong to be held responsible for personal choices.

133 iossarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:49:35am

re: #128 elbruce

The company he worked for had different accounts and different projects. He was filming front-line troops in Afghanistan. Whatever documentaries Park51 ordered from them were done by different people, and I doubt if he had any contact with those. However, he very well might have been aware that his employers also worked for Park51 at the same time.

Different guy. Mehlman is the gay ex-RNC chairman, not the lunatic cab-slasher.

134 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:49:44am

re: #128 elbruce

The company he worked for had different accounts and different projects. He was filming front-line troops in Afghanistan. Whatever documentaries Park51 ordered from them were done by different people, and I doubt if he had any contact with those. However, he very well might have been aware that his employers also worked for Park51 at the same time.


I was addressing the gay GOP campaign manager with my comments. Sorry that wasn't more clear.

I have much less sympathy for the cabbie slasher - although I suspect some mental illness or substance abuse is not out of the question in his case.

135 Ericus58  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:50:25am

re: #129 DaddyG

I really hope the press doesn't continue down the facebook path. I've got a marine with very right wing causes linked to my Facebook because he's the son of a friend. That does not mean I advocate all of his causes (in fact I don't link to causes as a general policy). Facebook is a tenuous link at best, especially for kids who will link to any number of hundreds of friends and causes just to have the biggest freinds list around.

"In other News....
It's being reported that the social website Facebook has been under extreme traffic today. Apparently users are busy deleting their friends list...."

136 deranged cat  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:50:30am

also, sorry for not reading stuff. ill be sure to read the post before asking questions next time :P

137 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:51:07am

re: #130 Decatur Deb

One of Sarah's momma grizzlies, Roby.

You have a tough choice. I don't know who Roby is but this guy who said about Pelosi `heck, she might even get sick and die' ain't gonna help him gain votes in the election.

138 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:52:25am

re: #137 NJDhockeyfan

You have a tough choice. I don't know who Roby is but this guy who said about Pelosi `heck, she might even get sick and die' ain't gonna help him gain votes in the election.

I wish you were right. He said it to protect his Blue Dog base.

139 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:52:40am

re: #132 000G

Would you still link him if these "right wing causes" ventured into white-power KKK sort of stuff?

Heck NO! But as far as I know the Tea Party politician he linked wasn't espousing KKK and white-power.

It's a personal choice who you actively associate yourself with or whom you are actively distancing yourself from. I don't think it's wrong to be held responsible for personal choices.

Agreed. But I don't think most young people think these things through as they link to friends on Facebook. It just doesn't indicate the same level of commitment or connection as joining a real (meat world) club or providing material support for a political party or campaign.

140 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:56:26am

re: #28 reloadingisnotahobby

Drinking lowers the inhibitions so the TRUE Man/Woman is
revealed!
I'll call it The "Mel Gibson Syndrome".

In Vino Veritas as they say

141 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:56:34am

re: #139 DaddyG

Heck NO! But as far as I know the Tea Party politician he linked wasn't espousing KKK and white-power.

I was not suggesting that he was. I was trying to convey the message that it can be a reasonable action to distance yourself from a person for the beliefs they propagate, even if this person happens to be a relative or a friend of a relative or whatever the social relation.

Agreed. But I don't think most young people think these things through as they link to friends on Facebook. It just doesn't indicate the same level of commitment or connection as joining a real (meat world) club or providing material support for a political party or campaign.

Sure enough. But I think with 21 (!), as in this case with this very alleged-stabber, I think it's perfectly fine to hold him accountable for his own actions.

142 Virginia Plain  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:57:34am

If you have a Facebook account, you can change your privacy settings so that they are airtight to people outside your friends list. Go under directory information, and change who can see your friends list from "Everyone" to "Friends only".

143 Killgore Trout  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:57:49am

Another conflicting report...

NYC mayor meets with Muslim cabbie who was stabbed


- The man accused of slashing a Muslim taxi driver in the throat was carrying journals at the time describing his experiences in Afghanistan.

A law enforcement official told The Associated Press on Thursday that Michael Enright's journals did not appear to contain anti-Muslim rants.

The official says an empty bottle of scotch was found in a bag Enright was carrying, along with the journals. The official says the journals described his experiences embedded with U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

144 Charles Johnson  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:59:08am

Remember, this guy was 21. Other photos on his Facebook pages mainly show him drinking, partying, and acting stupid. I doubt politics was his main focus.

If I didn't know he was from upstate New York, from the pictures I'd think he was a hillbilly.

145 Kragar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:59:10am

Bah, I've never had a problem with my Facebook security settings. Its so easy.

146 Kragar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 10:59:58am

re: #144 Charles

Remember, this guy was 21. Other photos on his Facebook mainly show him drinking, partying, and acting stupid. I doubt politics was his main focus.

If I didn't know he was from upstate New York, from the pictures I'd think he was a hillbilly.

Upstate New York is a bunch of hill billys.

147 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:00:15am

re: #31 lawhawk

Enright is facing a whole world of legal hurt:

His lawyer is going to do all he can to emphasize the drunkedness and that he didn't mean his actions - deflecting attention elsewhere.

I don't think that will get him anywhere. And don't think for a moment that prosecutors wont be looking at his online writings, musings, connections, etc., in putting together their case to prove the hate crimes portion of the crimes (which serve to add to the severity of the charges and sentencing adding one class to each of the crimes charged).

Also, Sharif got real lucky according to the EMT treating him. If the cut to the neck was slightly different, he would have died.

The Times report also notes the following:

Let me state for the record. This guy is a scum bag and likely has some mental issues.

That being said, I still have a problem with "hate" crimes. I feel like if you stab someone, with intent to do harm, should it matter whether it was because you hated them personally or because they were part of a group? Also, requiring "hate" as an aggravating circumstance opens the door to "thought" crimes since hatred is a state of mind. Murder with intent should be 1st Degree Murder, regardless of what your intent was.

I'm fine with this guy facing charges of Attempted Murder in the 1st Degree and giving him the max on sentencing because of the aggravating circumstances, not in the charges.

148 KansasMom  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:00:34am

Is that an old picture?
I know he's a young guy at 21, but in the pic he looks about 15.
Maybe it's that ridiculous pose that does it.

149 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:00:46am

re: #144 Charles

If I didn't know he was from upstate New York, from the pictures I'd think he was a hillbilly.

How are "hillbilly" and "upstate" contradictory terms?

150 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:01:15am

re: #143 Killgore Trout

Another conflicting report...

NYC mayor meets with Muslim cabbie who was stabbed

Very odd.

151 MarkAM  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:01:18am

re: #135 Ericus58

Just to be clear Ball was not on his friends list; he was listed as one of his "likes," along with a few other things: Brewster, NY, Landline TV (a comedy production company,) The Luke Pier Foundation (deals with Marfan's syndrome,) and "Rushing the person who just landed a banger" (whatever that means.)

His likes are not about his friends and associates (I've got plenty who don't share my politics;) it's about what his personal interests and beliefs.

152 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:01:37am

re: #144 Charles

Remember, this guy was 21. Other photos on his Facebook mainly show him drinking, partying, and acting stupid. I doubt politics was his main focus.

If I didn't know he was from upstate New York, from the pictures I'd think he was a hillbilly.

The Hank Williams Line starts at the Tappan Zee bridge.

153 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:01:59am

re: #144 Charles

Remember, this guy was 21. Other photos on his Facebook mainly show him drinking, partying, and acting stupid. I doubt politics was his main focus.

If I didn't know he was from upstate New York, from the pictures I'd think he was a hillbilly.

Upstate New York is hillbilly country. I've been spending much of the month in Sullivan County, at the southern edge of the Catskills and it would double for Appalachia, no problem.

154 Kragar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:03:11am

re: #153 Cineaste

Upstate New York is hillbilly country. I've been spending much of the month in Sullivan County, at the southern edge of the Catskills and it would double for Appalachia, no problem.

Nothing but banjo duelling and hog calls from hillside to hillside.

155 Killgore Trout  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:03:18am

re: #150 000G

Very odd.

Early details are often sketchy. There also might be legal issues about leaking some evidence until after a trial.

156 MandyManners  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:03:25am

That's right. Only gap-toothed idiots from Appalachia can be ignorant, drunken bigots.

157 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:04:23am

re: #154 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Nothing but banjo duelling and hog calls from hillside to hillside.

True, though ironically, we're in Bethel which is the site of the original Woodstock festival.

The area is now split between hillbillys and chasids. It's very odd.

158 iossarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:04:46am

re: #156 MandyManners

That's right. Only gap-toothed idiots from Appalachia can be ignorant, drunken bigots.

Never ceases to amaze me how everyone thinks it's OK to disparage poor white people.

159 Kragar  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:05:24am

re: #156 MandyManners

That's right. Only gap-toothed idiots from Appalachia can be ignorant, drunken bigots.

Well, there is Texas and Arizona...

160 Artist  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:05:27am

Mother's in full on wingnut mode. Complete with parroting Fox News talking points, making racist statements about the president, him being Muslim, claiming his real name is Barry, sekrit socialist terrorist, etc.

It's absolutely infuriating.

161 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:05:27am

re: #156 MandyManners

That's right. Only gap-toothed idiots from Appalachia can be ignorant, drunken bigots.

I have spent some time in Albany County and adjacent areas and I can say that the people over there are very proud of their advanced clacking-teeth morse communication.

//

162 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:05:39am

re: #153 Cineaste

Upstate New York is hillbilly country. I've been spending much of the month in Sullivan County, at the southern edge of the Catskills and it would double for Appalachia, no problem.

Right... hillbillies in brand spanking new Anacrombie (sp?) tea shirts... sure. Those boys aren't hillbillies, or country boys, not by a long shot.

163 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:05:45am

re: #156 MandyManners

That's right. Only gap-toothed idiots from Appalachia can be ignorant, drunken bigots.

No, but they're more likely to wear straw cowboy hats and pose with a 12GA.

164 Artist  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:06:26am

re: #160 SteelPH

Forgot to point this out as OT.

165 KansasMom  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:06:32am

re: #144 Charles

Remember, this guy was 21. Other photos on his Facebook mainly show him drinking, partying, and acting stupid. I doubt politics was his main focus.

If I didn't know he was from upstate New York, from the pictures I'd think he was a hillbilly.

Sounds like the kind of responsible guy that should be trusted to embed with our troops in Afghanistan.
/

Seriously, the pictures are probably more telling than the FB 'likes' or 'friends'. Some people will 'like' a politician's page because that is the only way you can comment on one of their posts. Probably not the case here, but trying to determine most people's political stances based on their FB page is unreliable.

166 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:06:45am

re: #138 Decatur Deb

I wish you were right. He said it to protect his Blue Dog base.

If that's how the Blue Dog Democrats feel about one of the major leaders of their party, the Dems have major problems.

167 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:07:55am

re: #166 NJDhockeyfan

If that's how the Blue Dog Democrats feel about one of the major leaders of their party, the Dems have major problems.

Yup, but we call it "coalition-building".

168 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:08:46am

re: #167 Decatur Deb

Yup, but we call it "coalition-building".

Ha!

169 iossarian  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:09:50am

re: #166 NJDhockeyfan

If that's how the Blue Dog Democrats feel about one of the major leaders of their party, the Dems have major problems.

I'd say it's more a general problem that there are parts of the US where, in order to get elected, you have to say that everyone from San Francisco is a godless pervert.

170 Gus  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:10:29am

Poison Dwarf! :)

171 Varek Raith  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:11:26am

re: #167 Decatur Deb

Yup, but we call it "coalition-building".

Just do what the right does;
Kick 'em out!11!1

172 NJDhockeyfan  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:11:28am

re: #167 Decatur Deb

Yup, but we call it "coalition-building".

The Dems have problems in other states too. Here's one from my state demanding Geithner be fired.


Perriello joins in call for Geithner's ouster

Embattled freshman Rep. Tom Perriello (D-Va.) has called for Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner to be fired, joining a push started by House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) in a Tuesday speech on the economy.

173 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:12:38am

re: #162 Walter L. Newton

Right... hillbillies in brand spanking new Anacrombie (sp?) tea shirts... sure. Those boys aren't hillbillies, or country boys, not by a long shot.

You've clearly never been to western new york.... I think the nearest Abercrombie is 70 miles away in Scranton, PA.

174 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:12:43am

re: #142 Virginia Plain

If you have a Facebook account, you can change your privacy settings so that they are airtight to people outside your friends list. Go under directory information, and change who can see your friends list from "Everyone" to "Friends only".

That is rule #2for my children if they want a facebook account. Rule #1 is Dad is your first friend.

175 Ericus58  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:13:26am

re: #144 Charles

Remember, this guy was 21. Other photos on his Facebook pages mainly show him drinking, partying, and acting stupid. I doubt politics was his main focus.

If I didn't know he was from upstate New York, from the pictures I'd think he was a hillbilly.

???
whoa....

176 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:13:55am

re: #172 NJDhockeyfan

The Dems have problems in other states too. Here's one from my state demanding Geithner be fired.

Perriello joins in call for Geithner's ouster

I agree with him and Boehner--but I want Geithner replaced by Robert Reich.

177 DaddyG  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:14:16am

re: #153 Cineaste

Upstate New York is hillbilly country. I've been spending much of the month in Sullivan County, at the southern edge of the Catskills and it would double for Appalachia, no problem.


Appalacians might have a problem with being compared to Yankees. /

178 SilentAlfa  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:16:19am

I think we should Gellerize any link posted that in any way relates to muslims, just 'cause.
re: #143 Killgore Trout

Another conflicting report...

NYC mayor stabs Muslim cabbie

Also has anyone heard of people calling Muslims "[bigoted word]s"? This seems to be becoming the new fad among islamophobes

179 Walter L. Newton  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:18:43am

re: #173 Cineaste

You've clearly never been to western new york... I think the nearest Abercrombie is 70 miles away in Scranton, PA.

I was fucking born and raise in the tri-state area. I love how a lot of you folks see a fucking buck-tooth conservative behind every cowboy hat. Boy, talk about stereotyping. I live in the Rocky Mountains, a very rural are. There are tons of folks that live up here that lot like a picture plate out of some "Country Boy Annual" who are more liberal than you could ever think of being.

This is a big, wide, country and not every bow-legged cowboy is some sort of right wing bigot.

Get real... it's not all Hollywood or crappy-assed reality TV.

180 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:20:54am

re: #129 DaddyG

I really hope the press doesn't continue down the facebook path. I've got a marine with very right wing causes linked to my Facebook because he's the son of a friend. That does not mean I advocate all of his causes (in fact I don't link to causes as a general policy). Facebook is a tenuous link at best, especially for kids who will link to any number of hundreds of friends and causes just to have the biggest freinds list around.

I understand what you're saying, but people do need to be aware that their social networking reflects on them. Just look at all the people who have lost jobs over it.

181 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:21:17am

I think the primary influences are:
1. 21-years-old
2. Alcohol
3. Separation from friends/acquaintances in Afghanistan (possibly with some being injured there.)

About #1. Doing fraternity volunteer work I dealt with groups of 18-21 year-old engineering/science students repeatedly. Intelligent young adults with bizarre and often contradictory view points about society, politics, and responsibility. And often very short-sighted about the last, especially when it interferes with immediate gratifications such as drinking.

And often loyal to their social groups to a fault since they haven't quite caught on to how they can (and are) manipulated by others.

182 sagehen  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:22:19am

re: #121 Ericus58

This is the part that caught my eye also:

"Back in 2004, gay marriage was still a very effective wedge issue that the Republican Party used to generate high voter turnout in a tough election year, despite Vice President Dick Cheney's public disagreement with the strategy."

I don't have the time atm to research Cheney's public positions from 2004 until now. Has he said his view on gay marriage?

He's many times said he's in favor of it. Even on the campaign trail in 2004, when he had to add "that's something the President and I disagree about."

183 Mocking Jay  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:23:10am

re: #179 Walter L. Newton

I was fucking born and raise in the tri-state area. I love how a lot of you folks see a fucking buck-tooth conservative behind every cowboy hat. Boy, talk about stereotyping. I live in the Rocky Mountains, a very rural are. There are tons of folks that live up here that lot like a picture plate out of some "Country Boy Annual" who are more liberal than you could ever think of being.

This is a big, wide, country and not every bow-legged cowboy is some sort of right wing bigot.

Get real... it's not all Hollywood or crappy-assed reality TV.

Oy. You are completely right. People seem to forget that NY had a Republican governor not too long ago, and he actually did a pretty decent job of it. Surely someone in the city voted for him...

184 drewas  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:23:35am

Enright mentions on his FB page that he is a fan of Frank McCourt, author of Pulitzer Prize winning "Angela's Ashes," a book featured on Oprah's Book Club list for nearly a year. There is no right-wing, gun-toting Tea Partier that I know that would ever admit such a thing.

185 Decatur Deb  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:25:31am

re: #184 drewas

Enright mentions on his FB page that he is a fan of Frank McCourt, author of Pulitzer Prize winning "Angela's Ashes," a book featured on Oprah's Book Club list for nearly a year. There is no right-wing, gun-toting Tea Partier that I know that would ever admit such a thing.

Irish Pride angle.

186 Fozzie Bear  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:25:38am

re: #63 Charles

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

That picture reminds me of this kid.

187 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:26:03am

re: #147 Cineaste

That being said, I still have a problem with "hate" crimes. I feel like if you stab someone, with intent to do harm, should it matter whether it was because you hated them personally or because they were part of a group? Also, requiring "hate" as an aggravating circumstance opens the door to "thought" crimes since hatred is a state of mind. Murder with intent should be 1st Degree Murder, regardless of what your intent was.

The thing is, as with organized crime, there are other causal factors connecting groups of hate crimes together. In either case, there are other people out there increasing certain types of crime. That makes it harder to fight those crimes unless there's more money available for both investigation and prosecution of those crimes. In terms of organzied crime, that's RICO and racketeering laws. If every hate crime is treated as an isolated incident, then they're not likely to get enough attention to stop the potential wave of violence it can lead to. Think "Mississippi Burning" for an example of how things can get when hate crimes are treated as if they were run-of-the mill crimes.

As I mentioned, the main intent of such laws is to make more money available for investigation and prosecution. But (at least when applied concurrently) hate crime charges set a higher minimum for sentencing than may otherwise be applied. For instance, there isn't much jail time for just punching somebody. But if you punch them because of their race or religion, it doesn't only hurt them, but also helps to foster a climate of violence against people of that race or religion. That can lead to more violence, e.g. "Cletus got two weeks in jail for punching a [insert epithet here], that sounds like a fair trade to me..."

And hate crime charges aren't solely based on what you're thinking. In order to apply, the person has to indicate that their bigotry is a factor at the time of the attack, by doing or saying something that makes the connection clear.

188 garhighway  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:28:12am

re: #63 Charles

This isn't exactly standard leftist behavior, either:

Image: ZZ76EB6F35.jpg

Although he is doing a sort of Colbert-ish thing with his eyebrows.

189 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:28:27am

re: #179 Walter L. Newton

I was fucking born and raise in the tri-state area. I love how a lot of you folks see a fucking buck-tooth conservative behind every cowboy hat. Boy, talk about stereotyping. I live in the Rocky Mountains, a very rural are. There are tons of folks that live up here that lot like a picture plate out of some "Country Boy Annual" who are more liberal than you could ever think of being.

This is a big, wide, country and not every bow-legged cowboy is some sort of right wing bigot.

Get real... it's not all Hollywood or crappy-assed reality TV.

oh take it down a fucking notch Walter. I lived in the rockies too. And I've worked in south Texas and Tennessee and a shit-load of other places. I know the world is a big place with lots of different people. Everyone's comments are clearly just in a lightly joking manner on this one.

And what does "more liberal than you could ever think of being" - I mean Walter, aren't you the crazy old coot always screaming "don't try to tell me what I'm thinking, I can speak for myself". You should take two deep breaths, get a glass of water and take your meds, then go for a nice walk in the country and come back to play with the other boys & girls. k?

190 Feline Emperor of the Conservative Waste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:28:35am

re: #184 drewas

Enright mentions on his FB page that he is a fan of Frank McCourt, author of Pulitzer Prize winning "Angela's Ashes," a book featured on Oprah's Book Club list for nearly a year. There is no right-wing, gun-toting Tea Partier that I know that would ever admit such a thing.

Aside:
I read both _Angela's Ashes_ and _Tis_.

I felt bad partway through the former because I caught myself *wanting* McCourt's parents to die due to the way their actions were essentially destroying the family, the children's lives, and squandering opportunity after opportunity. Watching the train wreck happen and being stuck there helpless. And I knew that these were representations of real people, and not fictional characters. (That they were already deceased didn't matter either.)

191 sagehen  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:29:05am

re: #147 Cineaste

Let me state for the record. This guy is a scum bag and likely has some mental issues.

That being said, I still have a problem with "hate" crimes. I feel like if you stab someone, with intent to do harm, should it matter whether it was because you hated them personally or because they were part of a group? /blockquote>

Yes.

If you hated them personally you committed the violent action against that person. One crime.

If it's because they're part of a group, then it's a violent crime against that person and a threat directed to everybody else in the group. Two crimes.

192 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:29:39am

re: #183 JasonA

Oy. You are completely right. People seem to forget that NY had a Republican governor not too long ago, and he actually did a pretty decent job of it. Surely someone in the city voted for him...

New York City had a Republican mayor for fucks sake... Don't paint us residents of the big city as nothing but liberal elitists who've never met someone with a conservative bone in their body...

193 (I Stand By What I Said Whatever It Was)  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:30:23am

re: #185 Decatur Deb

Irish Pride angle.

Lots of Irish and German heritage in Upstate New York.

194 sagehen  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:31:18am

re: #176 Decatur Deb

I agree with him and Boehner--but I want Geithner replaced by Robert Reich.

I want him replaced by Sheila Bair (currently head of FDIC).

195 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:34:41am

re: #187 elbruce

The thing is, as with organized crime, there are other causal factors connecting groups of hate crimes together. In either case, there are other people out there increasing certain types of crime. That makes it harder to fight those crimes unless there's more money available for both investigation and prosecution of those crimes. In terms of organzied crime, that's RICO and racketeering laws. If every hate crime is treated as an isolated incident, then they're not likely to get enough attention to stop the potential wave of violence it can lead to. Think "Mississippi Burning" for an example of how things can get when hate crimes are treated as if they were run-of-the mill crimes.

As I mentioned, the main intent of such laws is to make more money available for investigation and prosecution. But (at least when applied concurrently) hate crime charges set a higher minimum for sentencing than may otherwise be applied. For instance, there isn't much jail time for just punching somebody. But if you punch them because of their race or religion, it doesn't only hurt them, but also helps to foster a climate of violence against people of that race or religion. That can lead to more violence, e.g. "Cletus got two weeks in jail for punching a [insert epithet here], that sounds like a fair trade to me..."

And hate crime charges aren't solely based on what you're thinking. In order to apply, the person has to indicate that their bigotry is a factor at the time of the attack, by doing or saying something that makes the connection clear.

You make some excellent points and I hadn't thought about the attention/funding angle. That being said, I'm not sure that I am completely comfortable with jerry-rigging the legal system to increase funding like that. I would also submit that with RICO and Racketeering those are extensions of conspiracy-type charges, they make it easier to extend the net of a single crime to a larger group, or to extend the punishment to a larger set of assets.

I think a reverse way of looking at my objection might be to ask 'why is one murder worth more punishment than another'? Isn't that really devaluing the life of the person not hated because of their creed?

I'm not vehemently opposed to hate crimes, certainly, and you make a perfectly compelling argument for the statutes.

196 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:37:22am

re: #191 sagehen

If you hated them personally you committed the violent action against that person. One crime.

If it's because they're part of a group, then it's a violent crime against that person and a threat directed to everybody else in the group. Two crimes.

If I murder someone because they have money, aren't I creating a threat to everyone who has money?

If I murder someone because they are from another town, aren't I creating a threat to everyone from that town? But geography, as far as I know, won't qualify for the "hate-able" standard.

Just food for thought.

197 brownbagj  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:37:56am

Of course this is a conspiracy by the left.

If they can get a sekrit Muslim in the presidency, surely they can find someone to stab a Muslim cabby in NY.

//

It is hard for me to believe that in this country of so much enlightenment, that conspiracy theories get the huge traction that they do. But they do.

Makes me think the human race isn't all that advanced and just a little global adversity is going to be hell for us all.

198 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:51:24am

re: #195 Cineaste

I think a reverse way of looking at my objection might be to ask 'why is one murder worth more punishment than another'? Isn't that really devaluing the life of the person not hated because of their creed?

Murders don't exist in a vacuum. Greater enforcement of those that can be deterred or prevented, i.e. those that aren't truly "isolated incidents" may be necessary to deter or prevent others.

The job of the judicial system (IMO) isn't to give people what they deserve or to uphold some abstract principles of justice. Ultimately, the role of judicial system is merely to do what is necessary to maintain an ordered and civil society, while respecting individual liberty as much as possible. To try to give people what they deserve is mere revenge; on the other hand, to try to judge the actual worth of certain lives or ideologies against others would be exceeding its authority by a vast degree.

So we split the difference: some intents for crime require more of a deterrent effect because there are a lot of other people out there who may be harboring the same intent, and who need to get the message.

199 elbruce  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:53:26am

re: #197 brownbagj

Makes me think the human race isn't all that advanced and just a little global adversity is going to be hell for us all.

If you look back to what people were saying after the close of WWI, it seems like everybody was hailing how civilized we'd become, looking forward to the end of war forever, and heralding the dawn of an enlightened age in which barbarism would be a distant memory. And look how that turned out. I don't know if we'll ever be able to stop shocking ourselves with how horrible we can be.

200 Yashmak  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 12:11:13pm

Here's a quote from a commenter named "conservoman" over at Malkin's blog, from comments on this topic:

"I hate Islam and I’m proud to hate it. Islam is a disgusting, vicious, nasty, vile religion to be treated with contempt.

I hate its laws, I hate its dress-code, I hate its punishments, I hate its world views I hate everything about it.

People need to get over the idea that it’s somehow “wrong” to hate a religion or a belief system. "

Nah, Spencer and Geller aren't getting any traction . . .no influence. Heh.

201 Cineaste  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 12:16:39pm

re: #198 elbruce

The job of the judicial system (IMO) isn't to give people what they deserve or to uphold some abstract principles of justice. Ultimately, the role of judicial system is merely to do what is necessary to maintain an ordered and civil society, while respecting individual liberty as much as possible. To try to give people what they deserve is mere revenge; on the other hand, to try to judge the actual worth of certain lives or ideologies against others would be exceeding its authority by a vast degree.

I grant that and, again, excellent points. But couldn't one argue an equal protection issue here which is that then groups that don't qualify as "hated" aren't provided the same legal remedies to crimes committed against them? It's a bit of a reductio ad absurdum argument but interesting thought game.

202 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 5:40:48pm

re: #65 darthstar

I resent the fact that his shirt says "Irish" on it.

Yeah. I want to smack him. For that. In addition to having him arrested for second-degree attempted murder.

203 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 5:42:13pm

re: #73 Decatur Deb

There is some regional variation. A lot of lefties here in Alabama like the "Atticus Finch" model.

Atticus would never have taken a picture posing with his gun looking all tough.

Of course, that's because Atticus is actually tough.

204 SanFranciscoZionist  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 5:44:46pm

re: #117 NJDhockeyfan

Reporter: Blue Dog Dem joked that Pelosi might "get sick and die"

That's a pretty fucked up thing to say about the Speak of the House.

Not nice at all.

205 jukeboxgrad  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 9:43:23pm

Yes, and here's another bit of evidence regarding Enright and the Tea Party candidate.

Aside from the screenshot noted above, there's something else. See here:

[Link: www.dailykos.com...]

What you can see there is a screenshot from Ball's Facebook page, where Enright left a message congratulating Ball. On 9/14/08 Enright wrote: "congratulations, give em' the boot!"

This was a few days after Ball had won a primary.

206 ClaudeMonet  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:23:56pm

re: #118 DaddyG

I feel for Mehlman somewhat. There are always personal compromises to be made in professional life but to have actively worked on something so opposed to ones personal values and nature... That must have been one heck of a case of cognitive dissonance he had going on.

He could have quit. I'm sure that he could have had a glowing recommendation from the White House and would have been an asset for the Republicans elsewhere.

207 ClaudeMonet  Thu, Aug 26, 2010 11:26:35pm

re: #146 Kragar (Proud to be Kafir)

Upstate New York is a bunch of hill billys.

It depends where in upstate--and how NYC-centric you are.

208 Fiery Red XIII  Fri, Aug 27, 2010 12:11:50am

All the updates muddy it up more...why not call the guy out, by his lonesome as a whackjob criminal? Blame him ALONE! Why try to blame other stuff when he has an odd, violent history all on his own, long before the Mosque mess?!?

Red

209 cottonmouth  Fri, Aug 27, 2010 4:54:59am

So Facebook "like" now carries more weight than a participation in a group - like travel to Afghanistan? Talk about wet paper bag.

The liberal blogosphere is quickly coming to grips that he is on of their own, backtracking, and have already started planting the seeds of PTSD and "the effects of a trip to Afghanistan". This post will be dead in 4 days, as no liberal will touch it.

Carnahan anyone?

210 jukeboxgrad  Fri, Aug 27, 2010 6:48:19am

re: #209 tutterrow

So Facebook "like" now carries more weight than a participation in a group - like travel to Afghanistan? Talk about wet paper bag.

Enright digs war and soldiers (look at the books and movies referenced on his Facebook page). Typical liberal, right?

Enright did work for II (paid and/or volunteer) because he was into the military, and they gave him a chance to work on projects that involved filming the military. They gave him a chance to be around military people. They helped pay for his trip to Afghanistan. Where else is he going to find an opportunity like that? There's no reason to assume he shares their politics. On the contrary.

211 jukeboxgrad  Fri, Aug 27, 2010 6:52:17am

re: #209 tutterrow

And it might help you to look at his two video clips, which you can see here:

[Link: www.dailykos.com...]

There's nothing "liberal" about them. They look like they could have been produced by the Pentagon.

212 Charles Johnson  Fri, Aug 27, 2010 11:43:29am

Here they are at the end of a dead thread again, spewing talking points exactly as I predicted.

213 cottonmouth  Mon, Aug 30, 2010 8:47:13am

re: #210 jukeboxgrad

Really - "digs"? You know because if he did maybe he would have joined the military?

So now if someone shoots a documentary about the military he "digs" them? Okay so now Errol Morris is Tea party member?

He is a volunteer at a leftist organization that supports the Park51 project, you are in complete denial if you think that he is a Tea Party member. In fact, if he his ties were evenly similarly as close you would have conniption. Skeet skeet douchebag.


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