Recently the FBI has been conducting an investigation involving American bred Jihadists in the Chicago area. Mohamoud Hassan, Shirwa Ahmed and Zakaria Maruf are three individuals who came to the United States when they were children. They were brought here to live better lives than what could be offered to them in their native Somalia. However, what they did with their opportunity is very chilling. The article is too long to show here but, I suggest clicking on the following link and read an article about these individuals. This article appeared in the New York Times by Andrea Elliot; http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/us/12somalis.html?_r=2We have been very fortunate that terrorist attacks are not as common here as in other countries. But, the implication of what these individuals did and why, is enough to make you ask if we are doing enough to ensure the safety and security of our nation. The Muslim community in their neighborhood condemns what these individuals have done and promotes peace from the Koran. Now, do not get me wrong. Even home grown terrorists today use the Bible to justify their actions when Christian believers will tell you about brotherhood and peace. But, as in all religions, we have to take a close look at how any religious belief, is being taught and how it is being used as a tool of recruitment by undesirables, who have a destructive agenda.
Now, I am not promoting the Patriot Act. But, I do believe that law enforcement needs to keep a close eye and ear on various groups in our country, regardless of religion or non religious intent. People have to understand that freedom of speech does not mean using that freedom to promote actions that cause chaos and disruption. People have to also understand that there is a danger when you interpret something and manipulate that interpretation. Many people need and use religion to keep them grounded and of a straight mind. There are some people who are very impressionable and can be manipulated in a deceitful way. The person who causes this deceit must be held accountable.
So, I believe, we all carry a responsibility, if not for anything less than our own personal safety and security. To take action, even if it is to report what we see or hear, to authorities who can take a closer look at the situation. I do not believe this big brother or a Police State attitude. But, a prudent way to ensure that terrorism in this country is kept in check and prevent what has been happening in market places around the world from Coming to a Mall near you.That’s How I See It.
Websites of reference;
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/a/al_qaeda/index.html?inline=nyt-org
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/organizations/s/al-shabab/index.html?inline=nyt-org
http://www.thedailybeast.com/cheat-sheet/?cid=hp:cheatsheet6#cheatrow_7448
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/07/12/us/12somalis.html?_r=2
"I believe, we all carry a responsibility"
ReplyDeletei agree, and i also feel that all of us who are qualified to carry a concealed weapon should do so. it is our responsibility, i sure as hell don't want to be caught in a helpless situation.
by the way, thanks for the gracious comments. my ego just grew a little though, watch out.
Well said. We live in strange and dangerous times and owe it to ourselves and our descendants to be be vigilant. I had not heard of these people going to Somalia to act against us, and even though their story does not surprise me in these times, you are right to describe it as "very chilling."
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