Red Mosquito

Yeah, sorry about dragging that discussion out. I'm done.

Is it wrong of me to feel a little uncomfortable when I hear people at vigils for victims sing "God Bless America?" What about that moment compels them to express their patriotism?

Chris_H_2 wrote:Is it wrong of me to feel a little uncomfortable when I hear people at vigils for victims sing "God Bless America?" What about that moment compels them to express their patriotism?

I think people unconsciously look to faith as a stabilizing force when they feel like the world around them is behaving erratically or unpredictably. I don't mean faith as just religion, but also faith in country, consequence, or simply analytical reasoning. Faith in knowledge, sometimes...or just faith in the idea of faith.

When my stepson was in his car accident my mother in law brought her pastor in to the waiting room. I remember sitting in the corner, just after the doctor came in to tell us that he was stable but would have substantial lasting injuries and noticeable cognitive impairment (to a then-unknown extent) for the rest of his life, thinking how surreal it was to see all these people standing around talking about God having a plan for everyone and how everything would be fine and will we be seeing you at church on Sunday?

But the ground shook, you know, and people seek stability. So I suppose.

turned2black wrote:Yeah, sorry about dragging that discussion out. I'm done.

I'm with you on that. I didn't think it would go back and forth that much.

None of this, of course, detracts from this tragedy. I read a really fantastic and heartfelt post on my running group's email concerning all the feelings that come to mind, even after you think past the grief of those hurt and injured. There will come a day, maybe not so far in the future, when the finish line will simply be the cathartic incredible feeling runners work so hard for, but Monday will be in my, and so many others, minds at every other finish line, from the local race, to the next marathon, to even the next training run for some time.

McParadigm wrote:

Chris_H_2 wrote:Is it wrong of me to feel a little uncomfortable when I hear people at vigils for victims sing "God Bless America?" What about that moment compels them to express their patriotism?

I think people unconsciously look to faith as a stabilizing force when they feel like the world around them is behaving erratically or unpredictably. I don't mean faith as just religion, but also faith in country, consequence, or simply analytical reasoning. Faith in knowledge, sometimes...or just faith in the idea of faith.

America is pretty diverse and nationalism is one thing that helps hold us together (also beer and titties). I'll join in a "God Bless America" if the situation calls for it, but not because I believe cloud-man will bestow extra privileges on us if I do, but because in traumatic situations require us to remember that we are not individuals alone in dealing with this. YMMV.

CNN is reporting that authorities believe they have ID'd a suspect.

Edit: CNN is now reporting an arrest has been made.

That is impressive if the nabbed the guy in less than 48 hours.

Chris_H_2 wrote:Is it wrong of me to feel a little uncomfortable when I hear people at vigils for victims sing "God Bless America?" What about that moment compels them to express their patriotism?

Yeah I don't get this either... I never sing it since I'm not religious (why does he only care about us?) and find it rather insulting and oppressive when others sing it and look searingly down on me for not joining in with them - as if I'm not a "patriot".

Green Habit wrote:That is impressive if the nabbed the guy in less than 48 hours.

With all of the cameras down there, it was just a matter of going through it all to find the guy. I'd think the hardst part would be ID'ing the person, which they are now reporting the FBI used cell phone logs in that area to ID them.

As with everything, there's of course a balance. I don't ever sing it either, and I do get upset when someone looks at me funny for not doing so...but I do stand for the national anthem and remove my cap. I think a big problem for me is I don't like to have things like nationalism, religion, or really anything in that ball field, wrapped up nice and pretty and easy so we just follow along or don't belong. I think it's my personal hypersensitivity of the inclusion of some for the exclusion of others.

Very curious to see who this suspect is that is in custody.

FWIW - the only news outlets reporting an arrest are CNN and the AP. Everyone else is only saying a suspect has been identified.

shinkdew wrote:FWIW - the only news outlets reporting an arrest are CNN and the AP. Everyone else is only saying a suspect has been identified.

CNN denying it's original report now.

Alex Jones is having a field day with all this.

broken iris wrote:Alex Jones is having a field day with all this.

Family Guy predicted the bombings!

God I hate Alex Jones.

do any news outlets actually fact check before running stories?

They do, but they also want to be able to say "you heard it here FIRST", which leads to running while checking and frequently retracting...

It's very rare that AP jumps the gun of something like this. My guess is they have someone in custody, but the FBI really didn't want that info out.

http://imgur.com/a/sUrnA

Really interesting photos of possible suspects. It is by the 4Chan Think Tank. I don't know anything about them, but it is worth checking out. Looks like some suspects to me.