Not attempting to minimize the horror of this for the community, but I have a sad feeling that this is likely a domestic/internal political issue acted out on a larger stage. There are some pretty ugly things going on in the Sikh community around us (it's been hard slogging to try to get domestic violence helps off the ground), and there's almost as much of a vengeance thing in Sikh culture as there is in Muslim culture.
This was a couple of years ago, just up the street from where we live.
I've seen multiple references in the media to how "peaceful" Sikhs are, and while that may be true for many, there are some pretty violent elements - there is still significant support for the Air India bombers.
Thanks for a bit of history Lyana. I'm not very familiar with the Sikh culture; like any other group, I'm sure they have their power struggles and their nuts.
What happened in their Temple in Wisconsin is horrific and appalling. My heart goes out to the victims and the survivors, and to the police officer who was shot trying to protect the unarmed innocents.
It is horrible :-( My mind instantly went to the huge gurdwara I pass almost every day, and how shattering it would be for my neighbours and kid's classmates. How are you going to feel safe again?
Lyana, you probably know way more than I do about the Sikh...
I'd worked with a few; the reputation that I'm aware of is that they're peaceful but not pacifist... do not screw with the happy fun Sikh and all will be well. Not an unhealthy attitude IMHO. I'd be interested in your take.
The guy who did this seems more like a loser fuckwit than a terrorist. Arguing that distinction will likely be futile. My heart goes out to all these poor people.
Lewy, that's a pretty good take. There's a LOOOOOONG history of "unhappiness" in India between them, the Muslims and the Hindus - no love lost anywhere there. Lots of killing back and forth. The 1984 genocide they commemorate each November with a blood drive was triggered by the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Yeah, it's not pretty. It's not pretty in the schools here either; you're hooped if you're a white male teen in a majority East Indian school.
But... my doctor is Sikh, and I love her, and most of my daughter's friends and their families, and they're great people.
Since the FBI is tripping all over themselves to call it "domestic terrorism", you can bet your bottom dollar that the bad guy is white, and not a Muslim.
It's being reported this morning that the cowardly shooter was an 40 year-old Army veteran, a white supremacist, and a skinhead. Oh, and he had tattoos. And a semi-auto handgun. Score for Obama.
If he was also a chicken eating Christian with a "Romney 2012" bumper sticker, the left will be delirious with glee.
Not attempting to minimize the horror of this for the community, but I have a sad feeling that this is likely a domestic/internal political issue acted out on a larger stage. There are some pretty ugly things going on in the Sikh community around us (it's been hard slogging to try to get domestic violence helps off the ground), and there's almost as much of a vengeance thing in Sikh culture as there is in Muslim culture.
ReplyDeleteThis was a couple of years ago, just up the street from where we live.
I've seen multiple references in the media to how "peaceful" Sikhs are, and while that may be true for many, there are some pretty violent elements - there is still significant support for the Air India bombers.
Thanks for a bit of history Lyana. I'm not very familiar with the Sikh culture; like any other group, I'm sure they have their power struggles and their nuts.
DeleteWhat happened in their Temple in Wisconsin is horrific and appalling. My heart goes out to the victims and the survivors, and to the police officer who was shot trying to protect the unarmed innocents.
It is horrible :-( My mind instantly went to the huge gurdwara I pass almost every day, and how shattering it would be for my neighbours and kid's classmates. How are you going to feel safe again?
DeleteLyana, you probably know way more than I do about the Sikh...
DeleteI'd worked with a few; the reputation that I'm aware of is that they're peaceful but not pacifist... do not screw with the happy fun Sikh and all will be well. Not an unhealthy attitude IMHO. I'd be interested in your take.
The guy who did this seems more like a loser fuckwit than a terrorist. Arguing that distinction will likely be futile. My heart goes out to all these poor people.
Lewy, that's a pretty good take. There's a LOOOOOONG history of "unhappiness" in India between them, the Muslims and the Hindus - no love lost anywhere there. Lots of killing back and forth. The 1984 genocide they commemorate each November with a blood drive was triggered by the assassination of Indira Gandhi by her Sikh bodyguards. Yeah, it's not pretty. It's not pretty in the schools here either; you're hooped if you're a white male teen in a majority East Indian school.
DeleteBut... my doctor is Sikh, and I love her, and most of my daughter's friends and their families, and they're great people.
Urk... just read some of the links at Hot Air - doesn't sound like an insider. The gun control side of things is going to have a field day with this.
ReplyDeleteSince the FBI is tripping all over themselves to call it "domestic terrorism", you can bet your bottom dollar that the bad guy is white, and not a Muslim.
ReplyDeleteHere we go. Batten down the hatches.
:(
It's being reported this morning that the cowardly shooter was an 40 year-old Army veteran, a white supremacist, and a skinhead. Oh, and he had tattoos. And a semi-auto handgun. Score for Obama.
ReplyDeleteIf he was also a chicken eating Christian with a "Romney 2012" bumper sticker, the left will be delirious with glee.
It's sick.
One place I read said it was a "9/11" tattoo. Lovely.
DeleteFrom The Blaze, a few minutes ago:
ReplyDeleteAuthorities identify assailant as Wade Michael Page, 40, ex-Army serviceman.
Described by some as a “white supremacist” and “skinhead” with tattoos.
FBI investigating shooting as act of “domestic terrorism”.
Suspect may have “recently broke up with his girlfriend”.
Three victims, including police officer, in hospital with serious injuries; seven, including gunman, dead.
Oh boy... cue the "PTSD" caterwauling from people who know nothing about PTSD an no one who has actually served in the military.
ReplyDeleteJust wait. There are those who are scrambling to link him to the Tea Party/Romney.
ReplyDelete