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A Plague O' All Their Houses
Author: clintster
Date: 09/12/2012 17:24:07
Author's Note: In light of new information on the possible director of the film in question, I have made a couple of changes to the blog entry.
Eleven years ago yesterday, I woke from my bed, stumbled into the living room and turned on the television to see the World Trade Center on fire. My heart sank into my stomach, and as I saw the events of 9/11 unfold I said a silent prayer for peace and understanding. Granted it was only one of the emotions going through my mind at the time, but my overriding hope was that my fellow Americans would not succumb to hatred.
By and large, the people around me kept calm. Granted, there was considerable anger at Osama Bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, but immediate condemnation of Islam was practically non-existent in my circle. Gradually, though, some people around me began to make straw men out of a religion and suggested harsh punishments for people who had no ties to the attacks aside from religious affiliation.
This morning, I woke up, looked at my smartphone and saw the news that there had been riots in Egypt and Libya. The riots had resulted in many deaths, including the US ambassador to Libya and several aides. Reaction to this incident in the US was swift. Blogs, pundits, and Facebook posters took a united stand and heaped their scorn upon the obvious target... President Obama.
How did the President get tangled in this? Good question. It came about because the US embassy in Cairo issued a statement condemning the violence. The statement ended with the following:
It sounds like something most every American could get behind, right? Wrong. Conservative websites, including Breitbart and the Daily Caller, twisted the statement to accuse the President of apologizing to Muslims. Facebook posters lit up with angry condemnations of President Obama's "weak handling" of the crisis. Mitt Romney jumped on the dog-pile and made a statement for himself. After expressing sympathy for the Americans killed in the riots, Romney criticized the President saying:
Looking back at the original statement, there was nothing in the way of an apology. The relevant passage (posted above) touted Americans' tolerance for other religious beliefs and criticized the use of freedom of speech to incite violence.
But what was the impetus for the violence and subsequent critiques? Turns out it is a film released earlier this year, Innocence of Muslims, the trailer for which is posted on YouTube. The film was allegedly released by a man named Sam Bacile, who has no previous film credits but directed and wrote this film knowing that it would cause an uproar in the Islamic world. NOTE: Since the original post, information has come to light showing "Sam Bacile" is a pseudonym (see comments) I watched parts of the trailer this morning (YouTube has apparently pulled the original trailer), and to call it amateurish would be an insult to amateurs.
Religiously based media incensing religious groups is not new. The Last Temptation of Christ, Corpus Christi, Piss Christ, The Satanic Verses, Mohammad, Messenger of God, South Park - all of these works have inspired outrage and condemnation at various times over the years. However, it should be noted that there were legitimate arguements of artistic merit or social commentary that could be made for each of these.
No such arguement can be made for Innocence of Muslims. It was created in hatred to spread hatred. It is interesting to note that one of "Bacile's" collaborators warned him that the film could turn him into "the next Theo van Gogh". van Gogh was assassinated in 2004 after releasing a film criticizing Muslims for what he saw as their cultural mistreatment of women. It could be argued that Submission had some cultural value despite the views of its director. No such arguement can be made for Innocence of Muslims. It is not art, critique or information; it is pure and simple racist propaganda, as horrible as Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
So now we have a situation in which aJewish fundamentalist has created a film specifically designed to inflame Islamic fundamentalists who have reacted by killing in protest, prompting the wrath and outrage of Christian fundamentalists. In a way, it seems far too convenient for this to not be planned somehow. The fact that Terry Jones, the Florida pastor who threatened to burn Korans last year on the anniversary of 9/11, has praised the film and plans to show the full trailer to his congregation, says a great deal about this crisis.
To the fundamentalists of all persuasions who have seen this as an opportunity to attack others based on their religions, I leave you with the (paraphrased) dying words of Mercutio, who was killed by Tybalt in an argument over Romeo's love for Juliet:
Eleven years ago yesterday, I woke from my bed, stumbled into the living room and turned on the television to see the World Trade Center on fire. My heart sank into my stomach, and as I saw the events of 9/11 unfold I said a silent prayer for peace and understanding. Granted it was only one of the emotions going through my mind at the time, but my overriding hope was that my fellow Americans would not succumb to hatred.
By and large, the people around me kept calm. Granted, there was considerable anger at Osama Bin Laden, al-Qaeda, and the Taliban, but immediate condemnation of Islam was practically non-existent in my circle. Gradually, though, some people around me began to make straw men out of a religion and suggested harsh punishments for people who had no ties to the attacks aside from religious affiliation.
This morning, I woke up, looked at my smartphone and saw the news that there had been riots in Egypt and Libya. The riots had resulted in many deaths, including the US ambassador to Libya and several aides. Reaction to this incident in the US was swift. Blogs, pundits, and Facebook posters took a united stand and heaped their scorn upon the obvious target... President Obama.
How did the President get tangled in this? Good question. It came about because the US embassy in Cairo issued a statement condemning the violence. The statement ended with the following:
Respect for religious beliefs is a cornerstone of American democracy. We firmly reject the actions by those who abuse the universal right of free speech to hurt the religious beliefs of others.
It sounds like something most every American could get behind, right? Wrong. Conservative websites, including Breitbart and the Daily Caller, twisted the statement to accuse the President of apologizing to Muslims. Facebook posters lit up with angry condemnations of President Obama's "weak handling" of the crisis. Mitt Romney jumped on the dog-pile and made a statement for himself. After expressing sympathy for the Americans killed in the riots, Romney criticized the President saying:
I also believe the administration was wrong to stand by a statement sympathizing with those who had breached our embassy in Egypt, instead of condemning their actions.
Looking back at the original statement, there was nothing in the way of an apology. The relevant passage (posted above) touted Americans' tolerance for other religious beliefs and criticized the use of freedom of speech to incite violence.
But what was the impetus for the violence and subsequent critiques? Turns out it is a film released earlier this year, Innocence of Muslims, the trailer for which is posted on YouTube. The film was allegedly released by a man named Sam Bacile, who has no previous film credits but directed and wrote this film knowing that it would cause an uproar in the Islamic world. NOTE: Since the original post, information has come to light showing "Sam Bacile" is a pseudonym (see comments) I watched parts of the trailer this morning (YouTube has apparently pulled the original trailer), and to call it amateurish would be an insult to amateurs.
Religiously based media incensing religious groups is not new. The Last Temptation of Christ, Corpus Christi, Piss Christ, The Satanic Verses, Mohammad, Messenger of God, South Park - all of these works have inspired outrage and condemnation at various times over the years. However, it should be noted that there were legitimate arguements of artistic merit or social commentary that could be made for each of these.
No such arguement can be made for Innocence of Muslims. It was created in hatred to spread hatred. It is interesting to note that one of "Bacile's" collaborators warned him that the film could turn him into "the next Theo van Gogh". van Gogh was assassinated in 2004 after releasing a film criticizing Muslims for what he saw as their cultural mistreatment of women. It could be argued that Submission had some cultural value despite the views of its director. No such arguement can be made for Innocence of Muslims. It is not art, critique or information; it is pure and simple racist propaganda, as horrible as Protocols of the Elders of Zion.
So now we have a situation in which a
To the fundamentalists of all persuasions who have seen this as an opportunity to attack others based on their religions, I leave you with the (paraphrased) dying words of Mercutio, who was killed by Tybalt in an argument over Romeo's love for Juliet:
A plague o' all your houses!
Comments:
Order comments Newest to Oldest Refresh Comments
Comment by 
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 12:58:34
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 12:58:34
So which gang of islamophobic asshats have the blood of their fellow Americans on their bigoted hands this morning. Do they even realize that they caused this violence?
Comment by 
TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:02:06
TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:02:06
Morning, folks. I'm already tangling on the Book of Face with the RWNM. "We're attacked and the President Apologized!!!" is the meme of the day.
In another place....this would be an act of war. Would President Romney have already lobbed some missiles their way?
In another place....this would be an act of war. Would President Romney have already lobbed some missiles their way?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:04:10
Oh really? I wasn't aware of any statements from POTUS.
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:04:10
Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks. I'm already tangling on the Book of Face with the RWNM. "We're attacked and the President Apologized!!!" is the meme of the day.
In another place....this would be an act of war. Would President Romney have already lobbed some missiles their way?
Oh really? I wasn't aware of any statements from POTUS.
Comment by 
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 13:09:51
only White House statement I've heard is condemning the violence
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 13:09:51
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks. I'm already tangling on the Book of Face with the RWNM. "We're attacked and the President Apologized!!!" is the meme of the day.
In another place....this would be an act of war. Would President Romney have already lobbed some missiles their way?
Oh really? I wasn't aware of any statements from POTUS.
only White House statement I've heard is condemning the violence
Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2012 13:17:14
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 13:17:14
BTW - Morning 
Comment by TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:21:34
Breitbart.
Y'all will excuse me while I pour bleach on my keyboard.
TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:21:34
Quote by Mondobubba:
Oh really? I wasn't aware of any statements from POTUS.
Breitbart.
Y'all will excuse me while I pour bleach on my keyboard.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:21:44
Clearly that is apologizing! POTUS didn't do any violent saber rattling which the only thing them there towelheaded camel jockeys understand.
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:21:44
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by TriSec:
Morning, folks. I'm already tangling on the Book of Face with the RWNM. "We're attacked and the President Apologized!!!" is the meme of the day.
In another place....this would be an act of war. Would President Romney have already lobbed some missiles their way?
Oh really? I wasn't aware of any statements from POTUS.
only White House statement I've heard is condemning the violence
Clearly that is apologizing! POTUS didn't do any violent saber rattling which the only thing them there towelheaded camel jockeys understand.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:24:30
I mean a real news source. Not this right wing nutjobbery.
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:24:30
Quote by TriSec:Quote by Mondobubba:
Oh really? I wasn't aware of any statements from POTUS.
Breitbart.
Y'all will excuse me while I pour bleach on my keyboard.
I mean a real news source. Not this right wing nutjobbery.
Comment by TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:28:51
Well, that's what the trolls are pushing on FB right now.
TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:28:51
Quote by Mondobubba:
I mean a real news source. Not this right wing nutjobbery.
Well, that's what the trolls are pushing on FB right now.
Comment by TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:32:19
TriSec on 09/12/2012 13:32:19
Right, and to back up the Breitbart, my friend has steered me to Michelle Malkin's website.
Yeah, OK. Sure.
Yeah, OK. Sure.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:34:17
Michelle Malkin! Slowly I turned.
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:34:17
Quote by TriSec:
Right, and to back up the Breitbart, my friend has steered me to Michelle Malkin's website.
Yeah, OK. Sure.
Michelle Malkin! Slowly I turned.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:39:01
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 13:39:01
Let me address the meme. The US was not "attacked." Attacks are planned provocations. Riots are not planned.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2012 13:54:42
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 13:54:42
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 14:03:21
Beaver stack!
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 14:03:21
Quote by wickedpam:
just going to post this here.....
Rabid Beaver Chases Children in Fairfax
Beaver stack!
Comment by 
Raine on 09/12/2012 14:31:14
Raine on 09/12/2012 14:31:14
Good Morning. 
What a mess to wake up to.
What a mess to wake up to.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 14:56:47
Beaver attacks, riots in Lybia or rwlm over reaction?
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 14:56:47
Quote by Raine:
Good Morning.
What a mess to wake up to.
Beaver attacks, riots in Lybia or rwlm over reaction?
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 14:58:02
Raine on 09/12/2012 14:58:02
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:
Good Morning.
What a mess to wake up to.
Beaver attacks, riots in Lybia or rwlm over reaction?
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:00:28
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:00:28
... 
Clint just posted this on FB. I think it sums things up:
Clint just posted this on FB. I think it sums things up: So let me get this straight. A Jewish fundamentalist makes a film specifically designed to inflame Islamic fundamentalists who go out and kill to defend their faith, thus prompting Christian fundamentalists to declare that we should kill the Muslims. A pox on all your houses.
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:02:57
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:02:57
Who the Fluk is Mitt Romney to talk about mixed messages?
-- slow simmer ---
-- slow simmer ---
Comment by clintster on 09/12/2012 15:08:50
Thanks, Raine. I've actually been putting together a blog post in my mind. Maybe I'll write all these thoughts out shortly.
clintster on 09/12/2012 15:08:50
Quote by Raine:
...So let me get this straight. A Jewish fundamentalist makes a film specifically designed to inflame Islamic fundamentalists who go out and kill to defend their faith, thus prompting Christian fundamentalists to declare that we should kill the Muslims. A pox on all your houses.
Thanks, Raine. I've actually been putting together a blog post in my mind. Maybe I'll write all these thoughts out shortly.
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:09:09
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:09:09
I'm gonna say this...
Something SMELLS with this entire situation.
Something SMELLS with this entire situation.
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:09:43
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:09:43
Is September the NEW October for surprises? Does this remind you AT ALL of a certain October in IRan many years ago?
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:10:27
Go for it. Bobber is still having issues with his computer. Either way, go for it.
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:10:27
Quote by clintster:Quote by Raine:
...So let me get this straight. A Jewish fundamentalist makes a film specifically designed to inflame Islamic fundamentalists who go out and kill to defend their faith, thus prompting Christian fundamentalists to declare that we should kill the Muslims. A pox on all your houses.
Thanks, Raine. I've actually been putting together a blog post in my mind. Maybe I'll write all these thoughts out shortly.
Comment by TriSec on 09/12/2012 15:21:50
TriSec on 09/12/2012 15:21:50
Alright gang...I'm headed out for my toxin infusion.
Tonight is our first Troop Meeting, so I will be back much, much later.
Tonight is our first Troop Meeting, so I will be back much, much later.
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:21:53
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:21:53
Ineed help. Does ANYONE know who this filmaker is?
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:27:48
Have fun storming the castle!
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:27:48
Quote by TriSec:
Alright gang...I'm headed out for my toxin infusion.
Tonight is our first Troop Meeting, so I will be back much, much later.
Have fun storming the castle!
Comment by 
Scoopster on 09/12/2012 15:30:23
Scoopster on 09/12/2012 15:30:23
Mornin' all 
HOOOOO BOY Romney's stepped in it big time. He just got OWNED on foreign policy! 
Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind promoting it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
HOOOOO BOY Romney's stepped in it big time. He just got OWNED on foreign policy! Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind promoting it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:31:00
Bobber posted something on the Book of the Face from TPM that implicates our Muslim baiting pal, Pastor Terry Jones. He didn't make it but he promoted the crap out of.
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:31:00
Quote by Raine:
Ineed help. Does ANYONE know who this filmaker is?
Bobber posted something on the Book of the Face from TPM that implicates our Muslim baiting pal, Pastor Terry Jones. He didn't make it but he promoted the crap out of.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2012 15:31:46
Sam Bacile - just that he's Israeli living in California - Google only brings up the mess he's caused. No IMDB creds. Nothing
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 15:31:46
Quote by Raine:
Ineed help. Does ANYONE know who this filmaker is?
Sam Bacile - just that he's Israeli living in California - Google only brings up the mess he's caused. No IMDB creds. Nothing
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:32:32
Terry Jones is promoting it. The maker of the film is who I am looking for.
And Romney is a douchbag. WHO THE FUCK SMILES AFTER SHIT LIKE THIS??? (Am still in very bad mood, btw)
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:32:32
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all
Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
And Romney is a douchbag. WHO THE FUCK SMILES AFTER SHIT LIKE THIS??? (Am still in very bad mood, btw)
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:32:54
On behalf of the state of Florida, I apologize for Terry Jones. The vast majority of the state does not cotton to his extermist, hate filled version of "Christianity."
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:32:54
Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all
Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
On behalf of the state of Florida, I apologize for Terry Jones. The vast majority of the state does not cotton to his extermist, hate filled version of "Christianity."
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:33:30
Thank you Mala!
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:33:30
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Ineed help. Does ANYONE know who this filmaker is?
Sam Bacile - just that he's Israeli living in California - Google only brings up the mess he's caused. No IMDB creds. Nothing
Thank you Mala!
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:38:30
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:38:30
Now it's time to connect the dots...
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:40:23
Hmmm....
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:40:23
He said he financed the film with $5 million from 100 Jewish donors who he refused to identify. Little is available online about his business past. For what it's worth, Google is mystified by search queries for real estate developers by the name of Sam Bacile ("Did you mean: sam basel" it asks, pointing to a Colorado real estate developer).
Comment by clintster on 09/12/2012 15:40:48
Here's an article from Yahoo. I think he's a "filmmaker" in the same way that I am an astronaut.
clintster on 09/12/2012 15:40:48
Quote by wickedpam:Quote by Raine:
Ineed help. Does ANYONE know who this filmaker is?
Sam Bacile - just that he's Israeli living in California - Google only brings up the mess he's caused. No IMDB creds. Nothing
Here's an article from Yahoo. I think he's a "filmmaker" in the same way that I am an astronaut.
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:46:02
Something on the Brietbart's site said it was some Coptic Christians. But it that asshat so...
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:46:02
Quote by Raine:Terry Jones is promoting it. The maker of the film is who I am looking for.Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all
Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
And Romney is a douchbag. WHO THE FUCK SMILES AFTER SHIT LIKE THIS??? (Am still in very bad mood, btw)
Something on the Brietbart's site said it was some Coptic Christians. But it that asshat so...
Comment by Raine on 09/12/2012 15:50:09
Check out the article I linked below
This guy is being funded -- and it smalls ALL over of a political stunt -- a deadly one. This is a set up. and I think we will find out who is behind it.
Raine on 09/12/2012 15:50:09
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Terry Jones is promoting it. The maker of the film is who I am looking for.Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all
Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
And Romney is a douchbag. WHO THE FUCK SMILES AFTER SHIT LIKE THIS??? (Am still in very bad mood, btw)
Something on the Brietbart's site said it was some Coptic Christians. But it that asshat so...
This guy is being funded -- and it smalls ALL over of a political stunt -- a deadly one. This is a set up. and I think we will find out who is behind it.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2012 15:50:24
one word for that pix - Smug.
That was a Dana Loesh bit so I don't know how true that is
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 15:50:24
Quote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Terry Jones is promoting it. The maker of the film is who I am looking for.Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all
Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
And Romney is a douchbag. WHO THE FUCK SMILES AFTER SHIT LIKE THIS??? (Am still in very bad mood, btw)
Something on the Brietbart's site said it was some Coptic Christians. But it that asshat so...
one word for that pix - Smug.
That was a Dana Loesh bit so I don't know how true that is
Comment by Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:59:00
I don't think it is a political stun gone wrong. Bacile & Jones have the blood of Americans on their hands. :rms: Nice!
Mondobubba on 09/12/2012 15:59:00
Quote by Raine:Check out the article I linked belowQuote by Mondobubba:Quote by Raine:Terry Jones is promoting it. The maker of the film is who I am looking for.Quote by Scoopster:
Mornin' all
Raine : This should help in regards to the film. The guy behind it is that insane Quran-burning preacher from Florida.
And Romney is a douchbag. WHO THE FUCK SMILES AFTER SHIT LIKE THIS??? (Am still in very bad mood, btw)
Something on the Brietbart's site said it was some Coptic Christians. But it that asshat so...
This guy is being funded -- and it smalls ALL over of a political stunt -- a deadly one. This is a set up. and I think we will find out who is behind it.
I don't think it is a political stun gone wrong. Bacile & Jones have the blood of Americans on their hands. :rms: Nice!
Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2012 15:59:20
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 15:59:20
Sam Bacile youtube was only created on 4/4/12.
Comment by wickedpam on 09/12/2012 16:02:58
wickedpam on 09/12/2012 16:02:58
this guy is no where with that name with that spelling
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:11:20
Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:11:20
I am stunned by the events in Egypt and Libya, but I expect Romney and the right to make political hay out of this. It is disgusting but predictable.
We have people who want violence, who want to bring about war between the West and the Muslim world. Some do so for various reasons. Some right wing Christians want a war where Israel expands, and provokes events that will bring their Messiah to Earth. Some right wing Jews want a Greater Israel with larger borders. So, one is willing to use the other for their own ends, even while they disagree on theology.
In Nicole Sandler's chatroom, there was a tea party person arguing that Obama should not have supported a protest in her words lead by radical Muslim elements. She also believed that teachers in Chicago had a right to strike but should be fired immediately.
I don't think we can reason with some people any more. Maybe we should just put our positions out there and realize that there are some people whom we can no more reach than my stretching out my hands will reach the moon.
Mitt Romney ignored a statement meant to try to calm violence, and instead tried to portray the president as someone who wants America to look weak. He ignored when the statement by the embassy was released.
That smirk by Romney may doom him in the eyes of many voters. Americans died today, and Romney walked away with a smile.
We have people who want violence, who want to bring about war between the West and the Muslim world. Some do so for various reasons. Some right wing Christians want a war where Israel expands, and provokes events that will bring their Messiah to Earth. Some right wing Jews want a Greater Israel with larger borders. So, one is willing to use the other for their own ends, even while they disagree on theology.
In Nicole Sandler's chatroom, there was a tea party person arguing that Obama should not have supported a protest in her words lead by radical Muslim elements. She also believed that teachers in Chicago had a right to strike but should be fired immediately.
I don't think we can reason with some people any more. Maybe we should just put our positions out there and realize that there are some people whom we can no more reach than my stretching out my hands will reach the moon.
Mitt Romney ignored a statement meant to try to calm violence, and instead tried to portray the president as someone who wants America to look weak. He ignored when the statement by the embassy was released.
That smirk by Romney may doom him in the eyes of many voters. Americans died today, and Romney walked away with a smile.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:19:31
Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:19:31
I am listening to Ed Schultz play the statements by President Obama and Governor Romney. Romney should have stopped at comforting the families of the victims.
Perhaps Romney should take responsibility for all statements made by his surrogates. The embassy did not apologize for our values -- rather an embassy tried to calm the violence.
I wonder if we are so divided as a nation that unity is going to be next to impossible to achieve. Many people seem to live in alternate realities, where facts are fluid.
Obama and Hillary Clinton are adults in the room, while Romney and his allies seem to show that they do not understand how to respond to a crisis and a tragedy.
Perhaps Romney should take responsibility for all statements made by his surrogates. The embassy did not apologize for our values -- rather an embassy tried to calm the violence.
I wonder if we are so divided as a nation that unity is going to be next to impossible to achieve. Many people seem to live in alternate realities, where facts are fluid.
Obama and Hillary Clinton are adults in the room, while Romney and his allies seem to show that they do not understand how to respond to a crisis and a tragedy.
Comment by Scoopster on 09/12/2012 16:22:24
Scoopster on 09/12/2012 16:22:24
Hilarious.. they're comparing Romney's comments today to McCain's "fundamentals of the economy are strong" remarks and his attempt to 'suspend the presidential campaign' before the debates back in 2008.
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:29:17
This may even be more disastrous, Scoopster. People died today. Do you have a link?
Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:29:17
Quote by Scoopster:
Hilarious.. they're comparing Romney's comments today to McCain's "fundamentals of the economy are strong" remarks and his attempt to 'suspend the presidential campaign' before the debates back in 2008.
This may even be more disastrous, Scoopster. People died today. Do you have a link?
Comment by Scoopster on 09/12/2012 16:33:28
http://www.buzzfeed.com/bensmith/foreign-policy-hands-voice-disbelief-at-romney-cai
..this among the various comments from members of the press wondering what the hell he was thinking.
Scoopster on 09/12/2012 16:33:28
Quote by Will in Chicago:Quote by Scoopster:
Hilarious.. they're comparing Romney's comments today to McCain's "fundamentals of the economy are strong" remarks and his attempt to 'suspend the presidential campaign' before the debates back in 2008.
This may even be more disastrous, Scoopster. People died today. Do you have a link?
http://www.buzzfeed.com/bensmith/foreign-policy-hands-voice-disbelief-at-romney-cai
..this among the various comments from members of the press wondering what the hell he was thinking.
Comment by 
livingonli on 09/12/2012 16:38:20
livingonli on 09/12/2012 16:38:20
Good day, everyone. If the right is going to try and exploit this for political purposes, it better blow up in their faces and hopefully the corporate press would do its job and actually point out that Obama did not say what the right-wing is claiming he said (although I would expect Fixed Noise to continue the bullshit since they are purely a propaganda arm of the GOP).
Comment by Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:41:53
It is already happening. Take a look at this from Raw Story:
Will in Chicago on 09/12/2012 16:41:53
Quote by livingonli:
Good day, everyone. If the right is going to try and exploit this for political purposes, it better blow up in their faces and hopefully the corporate press would do its job and actually point out that Obama did not say what the right-wing is claiming he said (although I would expect Fixed Noise to continue the bullshit since they are purely a propaganda arm of the GOP).
It is already happening. Take a look at this from Raw Story:
Chuck Todd: Romney ‘outrageous’ and ‘irresponsible’ for politicizing U.S. deaths in Libya
On Tuesday morning, MSNBC host Lawrence O’Donnell observed that the Romney campaign would have been better off “to say nothing because the fact is if you say something responsible and careful, it’s just going to be ignored. The only thing that will get attention is if you say something stupid, which is what they’ve managed to do.â€
“The only way to get attention is to say something a little outrageous,†MSNBC host Chuck Todd agreed. “And I have to say, I am stunned they put out this release when they did, before we knew all the facts, before daybreak, before we know for sure whether there are going to be protests that spread around the world.â€
“It seemed to be an irresponsible thing to do,†he added. “And it’s one that I’m fascinated to see this morning that the Romney campaign, no mention. Suddenly they put out a debt statement. I have a feeling they wish they had that moment back, they wish they had that statement back. I understand where they feel like they are, they are chasing news cycles right now and they feel as if they have to be involved in every news cycle and every event if the president is involved in order to look on equal footing. But that was a bad mistake they made last night.â€
Comment by Scoopster on 09/12/2012 16:44:50
Wat..
Scoopster on 09/12/2012 16:44:50
Wat.."America can’t afford any more 'leading from behind' in such a dangerous world," Palin wrote in a Facebook post. "We already know that President Obama likes to 'speak softly' to our enemies. If he doesn’t have a 'big stick' to carry, maybe it’s time for him to grow one."